Reverence - Book 2

- 41 -

There are many mysteries in this world. Questions without answers. Blessings, miracles, tragedies. What many considered the work of God's hands, other detested as the sheer force of natures greatness. I knew the difference. Between those who spoke and those determined to befall the noise, there was always once constant that seemed to be a testament to the time. It was sitting in front of me, the answers to the questions to the theorem of time constructed. While no God, he was heavenly.

Luca was painted differently, clad in his black tailored suit. His hands were surely clasped in front of him, deathly glint of his silver Breitling gaze at me over his cuff. There was a darkness on his face, casting shadows across his definite jaw, eclipsing the glow of his eyes.

The jet began to descend, approaching the bright clear swath of the valley. It was cold and barren, tulip fields a filthy dirge of soil rows. It feels different than before. The air didn't crackle with the surmount of anticipation, instead dragging along my shoulders like a cloak of despairing time.

I sat silently beside Domingo, watching Luca intently. Much to my disheartening, I knew little of what lay ahead of me. I was given the broad term of 'Business', but by the bitter set of Luca's composure, I assumed that it was not the best introductory course. A prattle of the overhead speakers broke the intensity of my concentration.

"We're landing,"

clipped Domingo.

"Get ready."

The sudden jostle of the landing gear connecting to tarmac caused my fingers to dig into my leather armrest. I let outa strained breath and released it, smoothing my palms over my dress. I could feel those eyes traveling up my arms.

"You are nervous"

He spoke, calmly. I shook my head, affirming him with a demure smile.

"Excited."

He leaned forward, strong fingers caressing along my knee.

"Remember Yelena. I speak. You observe. This is serious, and none of your usual games. We can not afford any detriment to this facilities. Understand?"

I nodded softly.

"Good girl."

His fingers crept up the innermost of my thigh.

"This will be short, but I foresee your night enduring much longer."

I saw the rattle of his tongue, the same primal vindication reach his eyes.

We taxied to a stop, a scrambling of attendants on the ground rushing to open the door. A black Saab waited below the wing, it's blue headlights cutting through the harsh grey of the air.

Luca offered me his hand, and I took it graciously. He led me from the Jet and into the awaiting leather seat. He slid effortlessly beside me and Domingo took residence in the front. Before the door closed fully, we began down the narrow road of the landing pad.

I let my fingers rest between Luca's as the country bled into the reaching hands of the city. Beneath the face of the begotten clouds lay a city of light. Windows glowed golden and ethereal shimmers of smoke crept from red bricked chimeneas. The primitiveness of the town soon became structural steel and glass, our car becoming abysmal in the towering industrialists. The Saab made a soundless stop in front of a capitalizing building, it's face mirrored. I watched the warbled reflection of myself standing on the walk. Domingo thanked the driver and he departed, the tail lights disappearing as soon as they had arrived.

Domingo leaned against Luca's shoulder, whispering something indiscreet. I saw the handle of the ACP being passed into his hand. My throat singed with the bile of worry.