CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
Undisclosed location
January 19
The blacked-out Suburban traveled up the long drive and around the circular lawn. A statue depicting Venus and Mars crowned an empty fountain in the center of the grass. After pulling to a stop at the chateau entrance, the driver exited the car, moved to the back door, and escorted the dark-haired woman inside.
Jennifer Sorenson, the Deputy Director of National Clandestine Services, waited in the soaring hall wearing a black pantsuit and holding a tablet.
“The CIA needs better disguises. It looks like a rat died on my head.” Gemini March pulled off the wide-brimmed hat and wig in one motion and dropped them to the parquet-tiled floor.
Sorenson ignored the remark. “Welcome to your temporary home.”
The model glanced around, taking in the Renaissance portrait art and the grand staircase. “I hope you included a decorating budget in that deal of yours.”
“I’m sure you can suffer through while we go over details and logistics, and the team gets your villa in Mallorca kitted out.”
She inspected a marble bust at the foot of the stairs with a look of disdain. “I’m not.”
The DDO waved over the suited man standing in the corner who walked to the center of the foyer and placed a black briefcase on the circular marble table. The man opened the case and the box within, then slowly pulled the cloth back to reveal The Panther's Eye.
“This should take some of the sting out of your hardship,” Sorenson remarked.
Gemini ran her fingers over the smooth stone. “Well done, Director. The great and powerful CIA works their magic.”
“Technically, the diamond belongs to you. That cave is part of the March Mining property. We just provided the Spanish government with some very good incentives to agree with that assessment,” Sorenson said.
“Joseph will be so pleased,” Gemini mused.
“I rather thought he would want the diamond for himself,” Sorenson remarked.
“Nothing would bring him greater joy than seeing it dangling from my neck. Not in that hideous medallion, of course. Something a bit more tasteful, I think.” Gemini pursed her lips in thought.
“If you say so.”
Gemini ignored the director's sarcasm and gestured vaguely. “I assume there's a vault somewhere in this monstrosity.”
The DDO nodded to the man, who secured the diamond and left the room. She gestured to her right. “Why don’t we go into the dining room. We can go over everything there. The chef has prepared lunch according to your specifications.”
“Fine,” Gemini huffed.
Sorenson smiled then and spoke as she turned to walk into the next room. “Don’t look so put out, Ms. March. The Conductor is about to become the CIA's greatest asset.”