No Place Like Steelport (Saints Row Fanfiction)

Chapter 27: Eclipse

Eva and Antoine soon arrived at the Syndicate tower, they took the elevator up to the board room. 

"I understand that you're nervous."

"It's written all over my face, isn't it?"

"Precisely."

Eva sighed and tried to shake off some of her nerves. Antoine grabbed her hand in the midst of moving about and gave it a squeeze. "Remember, I'll always be there for you, you might be going to the Saints but you're still my friend."

Eva turns towards Antoine and wraps him in a hug. "Thanks, Antoine, I really appreciate everything you did for me. I hope we won't have to fight each other."

"I hope for the same." Antoine squeezed.

The two of them let go as the elevator doors opened, they walked down the hallway until they came upon two double doors, as soon as Antoine pushed the buzzer, the doors unlocked. Viola and Kiki were at Philippe's side at the far back of the room. They turned their attention towards Eva and Antoine making their way towards the area. 

"Ah, Miss Roman. Nice to see you back on your feet, how are you feeling?" Philippe greeted.

"I'm doing a little better, just need to take it easy for a bit. I understand that you wanted to speak to me about something?"

"Yes, please have a seat."

"Is this about what we discussed earlier, Mr. Loren?"

"You have a quick wit, I always liked that about you. Yes, it is about that conversation. Unfortunately, you will need to transition much quicker, as the Saints are constantly making a mess of our operations."

"I've managed to speak to one of the key members of the Saints, Pierce Washington. Antoine and I were also able to identify the leader at the party last night."

"How were you able to come in contact with Pierce?" Viola asked.

"Planet Saints, he was in the store at the time along with the leader."

"What more came from that? Kiki asked.

"He gave me his number."

"Very good, Eva. You've got a good way in."

"That's what I'm worried about."

"How so, I mean it's easy, you're double agent, all have to do is prove that you're a reliable asset to them and you're pretty much in. I doubt the Saints have prestigious requirements to be let in the gang." Kiki explained.

"Not to mention being that you touched base with one of the most prominent members, the leader is more than likely to take him and you seriously," Viola added.

"Precisely, you are now a valuable resource. Also, you must completely change your look, you can no longer be recognizable to any of us, so get rid of your pin." Philippe took a drag on his cigarette.

Eva dug through her purse until she found the small pink Mornigstar pin, she slid it across the table towards Philippe, who then placed it into his pocket.

"Also, Miss Roman, this will be rough, and I understand that your relationship with Antoine has grown, but going forward, you two are no longer allowed to be seen together. If you want to be a believable asset towards the Saints, you must cut all ties for now. We don't need them being tipped off."

Eva glanced at Antoine who nodded in agreement. "I understand."

"I understand your feelings, my dear but this is just a short parting. Once you've done enough, you'll be back with us." Philippe reassured.

As Philippe and the twins stood up, Eva and Antoine followed suit. The four of them made their way towards the double doors. Philippe turned around and dismissed the twins along with Antoine. Eva could feel her nerves heightened as she never been alone with Philippe. Now standing face to face, Eva could only imagine what he would say next.

"Your eyes are uneasy, Miss Roman?"

"I know I've asked you this question before, specifically when we first met. But why me?"

"You're new blood, a foreigner perfect for this task. I couldn't use any other members of my Syndicate who could pull it off as well as you. I see great potential in you. If I didn't, you wouldn't be here right now."

"I appreciate the compliment, but what if this doesn't work out, then what? This task is so open-ended."

"That's the point, I want you to forge your own path to be able to destroy the Saints from within, they'll never see it coming. I have faith in you and I believe that you will make me proud."

"I see."

"You see or you will?"

"I will."

"Good." 

Philippe extended his hand, Eva returned the gesture and took it. He gave her a firm shake. "Goodbye, for now, Miss Roman. I know that you will succeed in your mission."

"Goodbye, for now, Mr. Loren."

Later that evening, Antoine and Eva decided to have dinner at this upscale restaurant in Rosan Oaks. They decided to have one final meal together before they officially part ways.

"This sucks, I can't believe I have to stop talking to you. But it's for the mission."

"I know, I'm going to miss running errands with you." 

"Same, I mean you're the only friend I have out here."

"I'm sure you'll make some new ones for the time being."

"Yeah, I know that this won't be the last time we see each other."

"Trust me it won't."

"I'm going to miss you."

"Me too."

After dinner, Antoine drove Eva back to her apartment for the last time. She gave him a wave as she watched him pull off into traffic. Once his car was out of sight, she went inside to turn in for the night. This was the official start of her mission, the big switch. Before she went to bed, her cellphone chimed, as she checked it, she had one unread text message from Antoine.

"First thing to do is to change your identity." She read aloud. "Thanks for the push, Antoine. Damn, I'm really going to miss you."