Episode 78: Familiar ground

Bill turned the key and pushed the door as Mai's bodyguard moved past him quickly and stepped into the apartment first.  Reaching for the light switch next to the door he flicked it on and moved quickly around the somewhat spartan apartment.  Mai held Bill's arm at the door, but Bill pulled free and stepped into the living room.  Realized that the airless space was oppressive after being empty for so long he reached for the master switch to the overhead fans he flipped them on as Mai stepped in behind him. 

Mai's bodyguard came from the bedroom and nodded almost imperceptibly that everything seemed clear.

Prior to entering Bill's apartment complex she had won a small concession from him by getting Bill to agree to have her bodyguards accompany them, but her whispered conversation to her team had seen them move stealthily in advance as they entered the complex much to Bill's chagrin.

To be safe Mai had positioned her body guards at the front gate and doorway to his apartment complex as well accompanying them to Bill's apartment.

She was less than pleased that Bill wanted to stay in his apartment, but also sensed that he needed to decide what was best without pushing him too far she acquiesced...but only to a point. 

She began planning their next move...

Episode 77: Investigations

It was the second day in a row that John sat with Phuong in the office, observing him go about his work.  There was something about this man that gave John confidence that Bill was in good hands.  Although quiet and somewhat reserved he noted Phuong's ability to digest, translate and summarize detailed news feeds into palatable and easy to read articles was astounding, it was as if he sensed what the intent was over the words and was able to capture the essence of the story.

Suddenly the phone rang breaking him out of his observation. John quickly reached for the jangling relic sitting on Bill's desk.  "Hello, The Times" he said almost too quickly.  However, on the other end of the phone the person was speaking in the unfamiliar Vietnamese.  John was perplex and quickly handed the receiver to Phuong who was standing along side him.

Phuong took it and putting it to his ear listened carefully to the voice on the other end, he nodded and hung up.

Turning to John he said that the call was from a trusted friend that had provided him with invaluable information that he needed to corroborate for a story he was following.  He went to his desk and gathered the small note pad from his desk headed to the door.  

Putting his head in his hands he unconsciously rubbed his eyes, noting that he still no word from Craig on Lea's whereabouts...   

Episode 76: Heat

As the aircraft touched down after its flight from Hue, a refreshed Bill and Mai deplaned onto the steamy evening air at Noi Ban airport.  After a short walk from the plane to the terminal she quickly found that she was surrounded by her familiar bodyguards who led them through the busy terminal to the car parked directly out front.

They eyed Bill suspiciously as they strode toward the terminal entrance, but given their loyalty to Mai there was not a flicker of emotion shown by any of them.  They had seen it all before, he would be just like the others they collectively thought...

Once ensconced in the car Mai leaned into Bill, and feeling his warm and familiar scent she smiled.  Where are you going to stay darling she whispered?  It's far too dangerous to go back to your apartment on Cát Linh Đống Đa.  "I'll be fine love" he said confidently.  No one will expect me to stay there, it's the perfect place.  

I know the kind of people who did this to you and they will stop at nothing to drive you away from Hanoi, you've seen what they can do, and I'm afraid that the next time...her voice trailed off as a tear glinted in the corner of her beautiful green eyes.  Don't be afraid he said pulling her into him and kissing her tenderly.  

Mai's heart melted every time he held and kissed her like this...