Punching Bag

| 20 |

Something had switched between Townsend and I after that night. A new level of trust and understanding.

For the next few days we go about our business, making a routine for ourselves. We each work during the day, sometimes we will be together in the house. Other times of the day he might be out at meetings or he'll even take me along. Every night he'll come into my room and fuck me hard.

There hasn't been any updates on Reddington or Keen. Townsend often spoke to me about how much of a failure the interrogation was, and how from now on he felt he needed to physically be there himself.

Today, I'm working along next to Townsend when he takes a phone call.

He speaks for a while with the contact. I catch some of it but miss others as he steps out onto the balcony. I can't really understand who he's speaking to or what about specifically.

He comes back in to take his place at the table.

He looks to Vandyke.

"I want you to take a group of men to facilitate the kidnapping of Safiya Maroum. Keep it subtle. I will send you her file. I'll be contacting Captain Kidd to handle the transaction. The job happens to be for the Saudi Arabian Royal Family." Townsend says, then goes onto his phone to assumingly send the information to Vandyke. Vandyke nods then exits the room.

"The Royal Family? What do they want with this woman and why ask you?"

"This woman is a political activist or something or other I don't care. I suppose it's bad for Royal Family business and imagery. As to why they've contacted me, well, everybody contacts me Cora."

"Oh. Well, I've heard of Captain Kidd before. His technology is admirable. I guess he'll be the one to hide and transfer her then?"

"Correct."

I nod then start back on my computer.

"Cora." He asks of my attention so I look up at him.

"While this job isn't related to the private business that's been going on, this job still requires the utmost discretion. Do you understand?"

"Of course. I would think even the smaller assignments are also to be kept very discreet."

"Good."

This job is clearly huge for Townsend. The Saudi Arabian Royal Family? He can't have this job go badly.

Maybe this is something I can offer Reddington? As an offering.

We work through the rest of the afternoon, but then Townsend heads out for a dinner meeting.

I use the opportunity to call Reddington. I hesitate as I pick up the phone. This isn't anything related to himself or Keen so why would he need to know? This would hurt Townsend's business and it doesn't need to.

I have to tell Reddington something. I failed to do anything to try and prevent his and Dembe's torture. It's been days since then and I've still had nothing to offer him. I have to give this.

I call Reddington.

"Cora." He says less enthused than he normally is.

"Reddington, I have something."

"Well, do go on."

"It's not to do with yourself or Keen, but it's important to Townsend."

He leaves room for me to continue.

"Townsend has been hired by the Saudi Arabian Royal Family to kidnap and transfer a woman by the name of Safiya Maroum. I believe the intent is to have her questioned then killed in the end. She's to be kidnapped shortly and then sent to Captain Kidd to have the transfer handled."

"I know of Captain Kidd."

"I know it's not the kind of information you need but I wanted to offer it to you anyways."

"This is useful Cora. But I still expect information more specific to the hired job in the future."

"Of course. I understand. It's my intent."

"Good." He says and then hangs up.

•••

T

onight I'm working at my desk in the house, finishing some coding I've been putting off doing.

Townsend and Vandyke enter the room.

"Cora, we're going to check in on job. Get your stuff." Townsend says.

I nod and begin gathering my things. Vandyke opens the car door, Townsend and myself get in the back seat.

"We're going to meet with Captain Kidd for the hand over."

"So the abduction of Safiya was successful?" I ask.

"It was."

We arrive outside of a warehouse, a few other cars parked nearby.

Vandyke, Townsend and myself exit the car and make our way inside, where we meet with some of Townsend's guardsmen.

We continue our way through the building, when we enter a large storage room. There are already different men waiting inside.

A woman is screaming, begging to be let out of a large wooden crate. Men are screwing it shut.

Townsend, who walked in first stops in front of the crate, next to a young looking man. Captain Kidd.

"I mean it she's an inspiration." Kidd says.

"Which is exactly what the royal family fears." Townsend replies.

"Making her a martyr will only make her more inspirational and more people will take her place."

"I hope so, the Royal Family pays top dollar to make sure their competition disappear."

He looks back down at the crate, then we all exit the room and get back into the car.

"So what happens now?" I ask.

"Captain Kidd will hide her away until the Saudi Arabian Secret Service makes the transaction. They'll then get her location and then they'll do as they please."

I nod in understanding.

I wonder what Reddington will do.