Number One Observatory Circle (Present Day)
Putting Vicky back in her own crib I took a quick look around my bedroom to check for anything that I might need for the impromptu meeting later on. I have received news that Samuel Richardson, Ambassador of the United States to Russia, is found dead in his residence located in Moscow, not far from the American embassy. This death is bound to strain relationships, including me and my uncle Vladimir Romanov, the current President of the Russian Federation. Ten minutes later Richard showed up with two men I suspected to be Bruce's adoptive sons. They haven't come out from the study ever since Bruce told them to go there, possibly, giving them an earful.
Descending the stairs I reached the main door and opened it. Stepping out into the chilly night I greeted the people who came for the meeting: Secretary of State Caroline Harris, Secretary of Defense Dominic Hayes, FBI Director Ryan Carey and CIA Director Tyler Wilson. "I'm glad that you can come." I say.
"The whole thing's a shit storm Isabella." said the state secretary, a backpack slung over her shoulder.
"Are the Russians stupid enough to show their hand by killing one of us?" asked the CIA director.
"Tyler, we'll discuss this but not now." I say. We gathered in the kitchen and sat down at the island with plates of bagels and a jug of yogurt. "I made them for us to maintain our focus on the problem at hand."
"I'm not inclined to having a full dinner anyway." said the defense secretary.
"Okay, what happened in Russia?" I asked. Caroline, reached into her backpack and removed a folder while Dominic reached for the jug of yogurt, pouring himself a cup of the liquid.
"The local authorities found him dead in his home Madam Vice President." she explained, folding her fingers together. "Our team is currently accessing the situation. Surprisingly, the FSB stepped down, allowing us to investigate." I looked at her, studying her words.
"This doesn't make sense." the CIA director told me.
"You think that the Russian president is aware about something we don't know?" asked the defense secretary.
"This is a very rocky and risky step." I say. "Is the opposition leader's wife in protective custody?"
"She is but my main concern is about the Russians' next move." the FBI director said. I sighed, placing down the cup of yogurt.
"What about the President?" I asked. "Anything from him?"
"No." the state secretary replied. "He already said on camera that he has delegated the responsibility to you."
"The Saudis got a ban slapped on the Afghans, you guys are aware."
"I already issued a travel warning today." Caroline responded. "I'm sure you'll inform the President about it?"
"The President already knew, I think." I say, dipping my head low. "It's already morning in Cairo."
"Yeah, considering that I got a call from the President hours ago with the Vice President." said the FBI director. "He... he wasn't happy."
"I still have the second day of the G7 meeting to go through. I think some of our allies would be really pissed by this."
"We're getting nowhere." Ryan said.
"I still have some reading to do." I say.
"I have to go back to my home." said Tyler. "They said that they'll mail me the reports but I'm tired for the day."
"I understand. Okay, meeting adjourned." I said, standing up.
After the delegation left I returned to the kitchen, pouring what remains of the yogurt into a bottle. Climbing the stairs I headed to the study and gently knocked on the door. "Hey." Richard answered the door and greeted me in a casual manner.
"Oh, hey." I said. "Is Bruce around?"
"He's around but um..."
"What?"
"He isn't in a good mood, since Tim and Jay got into trouble in the White House."
"I do admit that this is a problematic situation." I say. "So... can I come in?"
"Sure, I mean, isn't this place your home?" he said, stepping aside. "I don't mean to pry but, what happened downstairs?"
"National security Richard. I'm sure you understand." Soft lightings decorated the study, creating a soothing study atmosphere. I approached Bruce, now sitting on the armchair and staring at two men seated at the couch opposite him. "Bruce?" I asked, almost in a whisper. Hearing my voice he slowly stood up and saw me approaching him, giving me a peck on the forehead.
"I gave them an earful just now. I hope that I wasn't that loud."
"No, it's fine." I say, shaking my head. "I have pressing concerns."
"I heard that Unicorn and Lion gave you the tip."
"Judging from the distance I knew that you would've picked him out from the group. I have to talk to my old friend again."
"MI6?" he asked. I nodded. "Isa, they are my wards." the two of them stood up.
"Jason Todd, some people call me Jay." the one with the streak of white hair introduced himself, extending a hand.
"Isabella Reagan. But I trust that you already know who I am." I replied, shaking his hand.
"Tim Drake, I'm a fan of yours."
"Hello Tim, it's nice to hear that." I said, shaking his hand.
"See, I told you that Isa's cool." Richard chipped in.
"That's probably an understatement Richard." I said in a British accent. "Considering that you saw me in action multiple times."
"Unicorn and Lion, yeah I know." he said.
"Unicorn and Lion... does that sound familiar to me?" Tim asked. I merely smiled a bit, letting him to guess.
"Bruce, I have to make a call to James." I said when the two of us exited the study.
"Isa, you don't have to inform me, to be honest." he said. "Unlike me."
"I know that you're not looking sideways anymore."
"Never, since I put this ring on your hand." he said, picking up my hand where I wear my wedding band. "You never dated anyone else, even before we fell in love." I nodded. "I'll talk with the boys while you make the call."
YOU ARE READING
Russian Roulette
Misterio / Suspenso"This is a crossroad Isabella." he said. "There will be no return if you were captured." "Can I even turn back?" I asked.
