Declassified

Declassified Part 59 Cleaning Up

      When they pulled up to the property they were going to be working on, Thalia tried to memorize all the details. The main building was big and ancient looking. There were several smaller buildings scattered about, and a very intimidating barb wire fence surrounded everything.

      "We suspect they're providing weapons and possibly explosive devices to a terrorist organization." Alex's mouth barely moved as they drove. "Our job is to find out information not only about what exactly they are making, and for whom, but any information about the terrorist organization that we can get."

      Thalia nodded, feeling her heart drop as she realized exactly what she'd gotten herself into again. Terrorists, weapons, explosives. She thought, frowning. It says a lot when the misogynists are the least scary part of a mission.

      She felt Alex's hand squeeze hers and she smiled. It's worth it to get Alex back. She realized.
      "It'll be okay, Thal." Alex promised. "We'll get through this together."

      Thalia nodded as he let go of her hand, and in a few seconds they pulled up to the gate. Alex nodded at the man behind the fence and the gate suddenly lurched sideways, sliding back to let them in. 

      "Walk a bit behind me, Thal, and try to look nervous." Alex advised after they parked. "Remember I love you."

      Thalia nodded, thinking that she wouldn't need to fake looking nervous. She got out of the car into the cold, following Alex. She tried to pace things so that she had to scurry to keep up with Alex, trying to keep her face nervous and naive looking.

      As she followed Alex through a long hallway she was surprised at how easily Alex transformed himself. His posture had changed, his head down a bit, his shoulders tighter as if he were preparing for an attack. His mouth formed an almost imperceptible sneer, his eyebrows low over his eyes. 

      "Ivahn." Alex growled a greeting at a man as they passed him.
      "Alexei, Vadim was looking for you." Ivahn told him. "There's a new shipment in."

      Alex nodded, not even looking at the man. Thalia forced herself to duck her head in submission, not needing to pretend to be scared. She scurried to keep up with Alex, keeping her eyes aimed at the ground.

      Finally they reached an arbitrary looking door. Alex pounded one fist on it, his face sullen and defiant.
      "Come in." A deep Russian voice snapped.

      Alex shoved the door open, entering as if he owned the place. "Vadim, I heard you were looking for me."
      "We have supplies in." Vadim told him, not looking up from the paperwork he was examining. "You need to transport them to the warehouse."

      Thalia looked at Vadim, sizing the man up as she peeked around Alex's broad frame. Vadim was tall, probably just a couple inches shorter than Alex, and just as wide across the shoulders. He didn't look as muscular as Alex, but there was a cruelty to his face that made Thalia shiver.

      "This is my girl." Alex said in Russian, his voice low and rough. "Natalia."
      Thalia tried to keep her face innocent and naive. "Hello." She said in soft Russian, looking up at Vadim from under her eyelashes as if she were afraid to be caught looking at him.

      Vadim grunted a reply, not deeming her worthy enough to talk to. She felt his eyes moving over her body and she wished she were wearing more, though she knew that was the point. "Send her to Vera and get out to the warehouse." He ordered, his eyes lingering on Thalia's cleavage.

      Thalia took a tiny step back, her eyes still on Vadim's face. Then the man's gaze flicked to her face, one corner of his mouth turning up, apparently enjoying her nervousness.
      "I expect the shipment to be moved before the new one comes in."