Chương 156

The embassy's head chef, a tall man with a shaved head and a starched white uniform, arrived in person with a team of servers. They pushed two large carts into the conference room. The carts were covered with platters of steak, eggs, bacon, pancakes, fruit, toast, and carafes of juice, lemonade, and coffee. The chef bowed slightly to Louis.

"Mr. Collins, it is an honor to serve you and your companions. Please let us know if there is anything you need."

"Thank you," Louis said. The chef and the servers arranged eight places at the conference table. Then they bowed again and left. Gladice sat at the table.

"Now that's what I call service." Cherish took a chair. Her eyes were wide as she looked at the food.

"Is this all for us?"

"Yes, Cherry." Angelique pulled a chair out for her.

"Eat as much as you want." Maeve stood by the cot for a moment, then pulled a chair and sat down without speaking. Willa sat beside her. Donya and Savannah took the other chairs. Louis sat by Maeve, with Angelique on his other side. He picked up a knife and fork and cut into the steak. It was medium, exactly as he liked it. He took a bite. The meat was tender and flavorful.

"So, who's Robin?" Gladice asked between bites. Louis chewed and swallowed.

"Field Marshal of the Dominion Guard. He's also married to my aunt." Gladice raised an eyebrow.

"The Collins family has their fingers in every pie, don't they?"

"It helps," Louis said, taking a sip of coffee.

"It certainly does," Willa said, cutting her steak.

"Having the Field Marshal of the Dominion Guard as your uncle must be useful."

"He's a good man," Louis said.

"He's been with my father since the beginning. Though a bit too serious for my taste."

"Sounds like you need someone serious around you," Savannah said.

"Since you're not." Louis laughed.

"I already have Angi for that."

"Hey!" Angelique poked him.

"I'm not that serious. I know how to have fun." Gladice smirked.

"Sure you do, Angel." Angelique rolled her eyes.

"Shut up, Glads." Gladice ignored her and looked at Louis.

"I wonder where the hell this Robin was when you and Angel got kidnapped in New Orleans. I never met him in the Collective."

"Probably somewhere in North Korea." Louis shrugged.

"My father's business there is not over."

"What business?" Willa asked, a curious glint in her eye.

"Rare earth metals and some other things. I never asked too many questions."

"Smart," Willa nodded.

"Ignorance is a defense."

"So what's your aunt like?" Maeve looked at Louis. Louis smiled.

"Her name is Chloe. She's my mother's younger sister. A loner. Lives in Napa Valley. Runs a vineyard and a ranch. She only comes to Sacramento for important events."

"Interesting," Willa said.

"She's not involved in the government?"

"No," Louis said.

"She prefers horses and wine to politics. And she hates my father's PR team. So they usually leave her alone."

"A rebel aunt." Gladice laughed.

"I like her already."

"She is. I didn't see her for years though."

"Why not?" Maeve asked.

"We all have our own lives," Louis said.

"And she likes her privacy." He cut another piece of steak.

"But she always sends us good wines. And she taught me how to ride a horse when I was a kid." Angelique chuckled.

"Apparently you didn't learn well."

"Hey!" Louis said, laughing.

"I'm not bad. I just prefer bikes."

"I'll take the bike," Maeve said.

"I bet you will," Gladice said. Willa sipped her coffee.

"So your father is the Supreme President, your mother is the Minister of Culture, your uncle is the head of the army and the secret police, and your aunt runs a vineyard. That's quite a family."

"It's a family," Louis said.

"More like a dynasty," Savannah said, cutting her steak.

"And you're the crown prince." Louis shrugged.

"I don't need a title like that. I just want to be myself." Cherish looked up from her pancakes.

"Do you ever want to be the Supreme President?"

"Maybe one day," Louis said.

"But not yet. I have too much to learn. The world is more complicated than it looks."

"I'd vote for you," Donya said.

"Thanks, Donya. But we don't have elections." Willa laughed.

"Good point." Gladice finished her steak and picked up a piece of fried egg.

"So what's the plan, Louis? After we get home?"

"First we rest," Louis said.

"Then we'll figure out the rest together." Angelique nodded.

"Good. I want to go home and ride horses. And I want to get my nails done."

"So are you going to invite us to your home too?" Louis asked. Angelique smiled.

"Of course. My father owes you. And I owe you too."

"I can't wait to see your home," Cherish said.

"Is it a castle?"

"Not exactly," Angelique said.

"It's a mansion on a hill overlooking Portland. With a big garden. And a stable." Maeve looked from Angelique to Louis.

"You are all rich." Louis smiled.

"You are rich too now, Maeve." Maeve shook her head.

"I don't know how to be rich."

"Just do whatever you want," Louis said.

"That's how it works."

"And people will let me?"

"People will be happy to help you spend your money," Gladice said.

"Trust me."

"Do I have to wear a dress?" Maeve looked at Angelique. Angelique laughed.

"Only if you want to. I prefer leggings myself." Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

"Good." Maeve looked relieved.

"Maybe we can all go shopping together," Donya said.

"After we rest."

"That would be nice," Cherish smiled.

"Only if you buy me the most expensive bag in the store," Gladice said.

"I'm sure they are willing to gift anything you want, Gladice," Willa said.

"Considering you helped rescue their prince."

"That's more like it." Savannah finished her food.

"So what about my family? And Cherish's? We allowed to contact them?"

"Sure," Louis said.

"I'll let the staff arrange secure calls for you right now." He turned to Cherish.

"I don't remember seeing a phone at your home. Where do we call?" Cherish's face fell.

"They… they don't have one. The closest town has one, but I don't know the number. And now with the war…"

"Then we will find a way to reach them," Louis said.

"I'll ask my dad to find out. He always has a way." Cherish nodded.

"Thank you, Louis." Louis called to the door.

"Guard!" The same guard opened the door.

"Sir?"

"Please give Savannah a phone to call her family in Atlanta."

"Yes, sir." The guard left and returned with a secure satellite phone. Savannah took it, her hands shaking as she dialed. She turned on the speaker. A moment later, Marcus's voice filled the room.

"Who this?"

"It's Savannah." There was a pause.

"Savannah? Where you at?"

"I'm in Chicago."

"Thank God. You alright?"

"I'm fine. I'm with Louis. We're at the Dominion Embassy."

"Good. Good to hear that. I been tracking everything."

"How's Mama and Micah doing?"

"They safe. We're still in Old Downtown. Crackdown been hard, but we managing. Folks watching out for each other."

"Good."

"You got a plan now?"

"His parents are coming. We're flying to the Dominion."

"Good. Stay there." Marcus paused.

"Louis. You listening?"

"Yes," Louis said.

"Take care of my daughter. I'm holding you to that. You got her through. I owe you for it."

"I will." Louis paused.

"How's Reese?"

"He's dead. Hargrove's men got him." Savannah nodded.

"Okay."

"You be careful," Marcus said.

"The Holy States ain't done."

"I know," Savannah said.

"Tell Mama I love her."

"I will." Marcus hung up. Savannah took a breath.

"I'm sorry about Reese, Savannah," Angelique said. Savannah shrugged.

"He knew the risks. We all do." She looked at Louis.

"But I'm glad I'm not there anymore."

"Me too," Louis turned to Gladice.

"What about your family? Do you want to call them?"

"Why not?" Gladice said.

"Let's tell them I'm still alive." She took the phone and dialed. A woman answered.

"Mayor Simington's office. How can I help you?"

"It's Gladice. Put me through to my mother." The receptionist put her on hold. A few seconds later, Jessamine Simington answered.

"Gladice? Where are you?"

"In the Dominion Embassy of Chicago, Mama. With Louis."

"You're alive." Jessamine sounded relieved.

"We were worried sick."

"I'm fine, Mom."

"Good. Your father's been a mess. He hasn't slept since you disappeared again."

"That's sweet. Tell Daddy I'm fine, and I'm going to the Dominion for a while."

"Good. Stay there."

"How's New Orleans?"

"We've been under martial law since the war began, but we're managing. Texas sent reinforcements." Jessamine paused.

"I'll let your father know. He's with the generals right now."

"Okay."

"Are Mr. Collins and Miss Bourbon listening too?"

"Yes," Louis said.

"Mr. Collins, Miss Bourbon, David and I are sorry for what happened. New Orleans failed to protect you as our guests."

"We are all safe now," Angelique said.

"I'm relieved to hear that. Take care of Gladice for us."

"Always," Louis said.

"Gladice, call me again when you have more time."

"I will, Mama."

"Goodbye, darling."

"Goodbye." The call ended. Gladice sighed.

"Poor Mom."

"I'm sure she's proud of you, even if she doesn't say it," Louis said.

"Yeah." Gladice's face softened.

"She's probably already planning a party." Louis looked at Donya.

"What about you, Donya? Want to call your parents?" Donya hesitated.

"I think I'll send a message to let them know I'm in the Dominion Embassy. They must be worried." Louis nodded.

"Please." Donya took the phone and typed a message. Then she gave the phone back to the guard.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." The guard left. Louis looked at Willa.

"Do you want to contact anyone in Boston?" Willa shook her head.

"No. There's no one I want to talk to."

"I see." Cherish looked down at her plate.

"I wonder what my parents are doing now."

"Probably ambushing another Dixie convoy," Savannah said.

"At least I hope they are." Cherish looked at Savannah.

"Do you really think so?"

"I know your people," Savannah said.

"They don't give up." Cherish's face brightened.

"No, they don't." Louis finished his coffee.

"Well, I wonder how the Alliance news will spin this."

"Who cares?" Gladice said.

"We're free. We're alive. We're going home. That's all that matters."

"True." Louis looked at the blank screen.

"Do you think the Alliance will make a formal protest?" Willa asked.

"Probably," Louis said.

"But maybe they don't want to admit they almost got the son of the Supreme President killed on their soil. So they might keep it quiet." Willa nodded.

"Plausible deniability. A classic strategy."

"The Ambassador will handle it." Angelique sipped her juice.

"He knows how to play the game."

"Of course he does," Savannah said.

"He wouldn't be the ambassador otherwise."

"What do you think your father will do about the People's Army of West Virginia?" Maeve looked at Louis.

"After all they did to you." Louis thought for a moment.

"Probably a few missiles for the leadership, some special operations for the rest, and some sanctions for everyone." Gladice whistled.

"The Constantine way."

"Works for me," Savannah said. Maeve's face darkened.

"What about the others? The ones who are not leaders?" Louis looked at her.

"What do you want us to do, Maeve?" She stared at her plate.

"I don't know. But… most of them are just trying to survive. Like we were."

"I understand." Louis sighed.

"But your army still attacked us, and they still held us captive. And they still beat you for helping us."

"I know." Maeve looked at her hands.

"I just wish… I wish there was another way."

"There might be," Louis said.

"I can ask him not to attack, since we have made it out of there ourselves."

"You would do that for me?" Maeve's eyes widened.

"Yes," Louis said.

"Because you saved us. And because you are one of us now. I want you to be happy."

"Thank you," Maeve said quietly.

"But you are not responsible for my old comrades."

"I know." A Dominion Guard opened the door.

"Mr. Collins, Ambassador Clement would like a word."

"Send him in," Louis said. Clement entered with two aides. He bowed slightly to the group.

"Ladies. Mr. Collins." He turned to Louis.

"Sir, we are processing the immigration paperwork. And we need to take your companions' photos and fingerprints for the Dominion citizenship records." Louis nodded.

"Okay. But they are tired."

"Of course. We can do it here, and they can sit. It will not take long." The aides set up a portable biometric station near the wall. They called each woman over one by one. Cherish went first, followed by Donya and Willa. Savannah and Gladice went together. Maeve went last. When it was Maeve's turn, she looked at Louis. He nodded. She went to the station and looked straight ahead as the aide scanned her fingerprints and photographed her face.

"Thank you, Miss Fyres," the aide said. Maeve nodded and walked back to her cot. Clement bowed again.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to coordinate the airport security and the press strategy."

"Go," Louis said. Clement left with the aides. The room was quiet for a while.

"I feel like a criminal," Maeve said.

"You're not." Louis went to her cot and sat beside her.

"It's just bureaucracy."

"I know." Maeve shook her head.

"But I don't like being scanned."

"I don't either," Louis said.

"But it's how things work in the Dominion."

"It's how they watch you," Willa said.

"They have your face, your fingerprints, your DNA. You are on their radar forever. And I just added myself to their watchlist." Louis smiled.

"Welcome to the club, Willa." Willa sighed.

"I must be crazy." Angelique laughed.

"We are all crazy." Gladice stretched.

"So what do we do now?"

"Wait," Louis said.

"And rest."

"I'm not tired. I slept on the bus," Gladice said.

"I want to explore."

"Not a good idea," Willa said.

"This building is secure. But we don't want to wander around." Gladice pouted.

"Boring." Maeve looked at the door.

"Is the Alliance still out there?"

"Yes," Louis said.

"They are. And they are probably not happy."

"Do you think they will try to storm the embassy?"

"No." Louis shook his head.

"That would be an act of war. Even the Alliance won't go that far."

"What about the media?" Savannah asked.

"They are probably all over the place."

"They are," Louis said.

"But they can't get in here."

"Good." Savannah stretched her arms.

"I don't want to talk to them anyway."

"Me neither." Angelique pulled a blanket over herself.

"I just want to sleep."

"Sleep is good," Willa said, lying on her cot. Louis watched them settle into their cots. He sat on the edge of Maeve's cot. She lay on her side, her back to him.

"Maeve." She didn't answer. He put a hand on her shoulder.

"Maeve. Are you okay?" She rolled over to face him. Her eyes were red.

"I don't know. I don't know what to feel."

"It's okay," Louis said, putting an arm around her.

"Just let it out." She leaned her head against his shoulder.

"I'm scared. And relieved. And… and I don't know what I am anymore."

"You're you," Louis said.

"And you're with us." She nodded against his shoulder.

"I want to believe that."

"Then believe it." Maeve looked up at him.

"You are too good to be true, Louis Collins." Louis smiled.

"I'm not. I'm just a lucky guy." She smiled back.

"I am lucky too." He leaned in and kissed her. Her lips were soft, and she opened her mouth slightly. He deepened the kiss, sliding one arm around her waist and pulling her closer. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck, her body warm against his. He broke the kiss.

"Rest," he said.

"You need it."

"Lie with me," she whispered. Louis nodded and lay down beside her on the narrow cot, pulling the blanket over them both. Maeve turned to face him, her head on his chest, and he held her.

"You are comfortable," she said, her voice muffled against his shirt.

"I try." She laughed softly.

"I meant… this. Being close to you. It's… nice." He stroked her red hair.

"It's nice for me too." Maeve snuggled closer and closed her eyes. He lay awake for a while, listening to her breathing even out. He looked around the room. Cherish was already asleep in her cot. Donya lay beside her, her eyes closed. Willa and Savannah were on their own cots. Angelique lay with her back to the room, her breathing deep and even. Gladice sat up, scrolling through Willa's phone with both fingers. She looked up and blew him a kiss. He smiled. She went back to the phone.

He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but he couldn't stop thinking about what had happened in the past three weeks. And what would happen next.