𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 - Mitch Rapp

Eighteen- Paris Aftershock

Distant voices echoing from the long corridors of the airport were becoming white noise for Mitch as he stood at the café stand near the terminal.

They arrived in Amsterdam at Eleven am, and while Irene and Stan were busy arguing over where to find their luggage, Mitch decided to order himself and Ava a coffee; although they hadn't spoken a word since Paris.

Ava, completely in a world of her own, was sat by the terminal seats, already knowing full well they would be waiting a while to get their luggage, because Stan had forgotten to put them through customs. Feeling herself beginning to nod off from lack of sleep, she was abruptly startled by Mitch clearing his throat in front of her.

Mitch outstretched his arm to hand her the hot coffee, with Ava hesitantly taking it from his grasp.

"Oh, thanks", she mumbled, surprised that he was even acknowledging her presence.

Mitch nodded in return, opting to sit three seats away. It was clear the tension was still there. It was going to take more than just a fresh cup of coffee to settle their dispute. But Mitch was hopeful. It wasn't his intention to upset Ava, whether she realised that or not. On the other hand, talking had never been one of his specialties.

"For God's sake", Irene suddenly muttered while approaching the two assassins.

"What's wrong?"

"Our luggage won't arrive here until tomorrow", Irene countered, her expression growing increasingly frustrated.

"I guess we're making do with the clothes we have on", Ava retorted, attempting to make light of the current situation.

"Clothes are the least of our worries, Ava. I stored some gadget's in one of my bags that we'll need for tonight; but I suppose I can contact the embassy and see what they have instead", she replied with a pondering look.

-"You two get checked into the hotel and rest up for the time being. Stan and I have some errands to run", Irene then added while gesturing for Stand to come over.

Ava felt a large lump in her throat at the latter. But remained calm and agreed in return. As Stan approached Irene with an annoyed look on his face, Mitch lightly poked the brunette with his elbow, gesturing for them to leave. So, while grabbing her satchel, Ava complied, and the pair began to make their way out of the busy airport. They were informed the hotel was just outside of the city centre, so Mitch signalled for a taxi at the curbside of the airport exit. Once a driver pulled over, he casually opened the backseat dear for her, then climbed inside the passenger side; all without a further word being said.

After a few awkward minutes of pure silence, the pair of assassin's arrived at the hotel. It was a few short minutes before noon- groups of men attired in suits were beginning to pass them on the street, indicating that the people of europe really did take their lunch break seriously, which only taunted Ava's desire to move across the world even moreso than usual. The tired assassin thanked the driver, while Mitch proceeded to walk ahead, leading them inside the rather large hotel. Ava couldn't stand the silence between them both, it was killing her. She had been aware of Mitch's withdrawn side, but this was starting to surpass her surmise of the brunet.

"Reservation for Thompson", Mitch's voice suddenly spoke, causing Ava to snap out of her daze and glance ahead.

Ava stood behind the brunet, anxiously waiting for their room key so she could take a desperate breather from her current dilemma. The hotel receiptionist casually typed in the fake name given by Irene, and in a matter of seconds handed over the key card to Mitch, showcasing a polite smile in the process.

"Enjoy your stay with us, Sir", the slender man retorted as Mitch took the card in hand, nodding in return.

The jet lagged assassin swiftly turned on his heel, scarcely gesturing with his head for Ava to follow suit. With no further words spoken, Ava promptly strutted behind him, and they made their way to the seventh floor of the four star building. Mitch swiped the key card over the door's sensor, which induced a quiet click-like sound. Mitch then opened the door, and stood aside to let Ava enter first, earning a surprised brow from the brunette. Upon entering the room, Ava noticed how charming the room was. Cream coloured walls with thin strips of gold along the ceiling trims gave the room a nineteen-twenties theme, which made her pupils dialate for a brisk moment. Mitch, on the other hand, paid no mind to the decor, but instead began to make his way into the ensuite, and turned the water in the shower on.