Stories from the War - Part 1: First Meeting

Part 6

It was uncomfortable, pretending to be Byran's latest girl. The impression pricked under Michael's skin enough that his hostility to Bryan authenticated the rumor. It was perfect.

Michael would never have agreed to it if two days after Arinna had told him of Byran's offer and information on the FLF, Michael hadn't been called to speak to his supervisor. But not in the office. Instead they met on an open runway at the airport, supposedly inspecting a potential security threat at the US hanger. Michael had been distracted enough at the longing to fly again that he hadn't realized how quiet his supervisor had been. At least not until they were alone in an empty building and the Major pulled a gun.

The conversation had been brief and off the books. Otherwise, the gun would have been used. The thought unnerved Arinna so much that she'd fretted for days afterwards whenever Michael was late or didn't check in. Michael's informal, and thankfully not persistent questions, regarding the FLF had gone back to the Major, but no further. If Michael dropped the questioning and said where he'd heard the name, as well as anything else he'd learned of the group, the matter would be forgotten. In the half year he'd been with the embassy, Michael had proved himself. It was what kept him alive that day.

Michael lied. He protected Byran and instead said the FLF had been mentioned in chatter he'd picked up from the Italian flyboys visiting the week before. Michael hung out with any pilot that flew through Madrid. It was believable and got him off the hook. It got him home to her. He was safe, but she could see the doubt in his eyes. He wouldn't talk about it. She'd never seen his faith in the military shaken before and wasn't certain how to help him.

Now the only source for information came through Byran, and the world he opened for her. The price was to pretend to enjoy it while being nothing more than the newest girl on Byran's arm. She wasn't certain who disliked the situation more, she or Michael. Byran loved it.

But the information made the ruse worthwhile. For every late night out with Byran as they attended balls, clubs, or private dinners, Arinna would stay up to dawn giving Michael information and assurances. The strain ate at her, but as unrest at home grew and official information became more unrealistically bland, she and Michael both knew Byran was their best source. What she overhead in unguarded moments while staff drank wine, flirted, or complained was invaluable. So she continued while Spanish spring changed to the heavy heat of summer.

Arinna's cell phone buzzed silently in her pocket. She pulled it out without checking the number. Only two people typically called her and it was too early for Michael to be checking in.

"What are you wearing?"

Arinna smiled at Byran's smooth voice, as she pushed the report she was idly working on across her desk.

"That is not your concern," she answered. But she laughed, undermining her cool tone.

"Hmmm... I get to use my imagination then. Bueno."

"I do hope there is a reason you are calling," Arinna said, cheeks hot.

A new political officer, barely two days at the embassy, glanced over while the woman's trainer whispered to her. The new staffer's eyes grew wide. Such was the price of knowing Byran. Arinna turned away from the snooping two.

"Of course. I missed you and wanted to hear your voice... which is why I managed to get us invited to the ball at the Brazilian Embassy tonight."

"I see. And give me one good reason I should change my evening plans to go with you?"

"Because there is someone there with news on the bombings," Byran said, the teasing gone from his voice.

"Plural?" Arinna asked, keeping her tone light. The new woman blushed scarlet.