Page 54 of Dark Angel
“I’m all set,” Halston replied, grateful Natashahadn’tremembered her.
On one of the TVs, a local news anchor was talking about electrical blackouts in seven different cities. Natasha whipped her head toward the screen. Then, her fingers flew over the keyboard, before she muted the three other televisions.
Halston adjusted her eyewear, tapping the frame to snap a picture of Natasha.
“City officials are baffled,” reported the anchor. “Each claim that weather didnotplay into the twenty-two minutes of complete electrical failure. Four of the seven cities are offering preliminary conclusions that the overloaded grids caused the blackouts, stating that the grids are outdated and can no longer handle the draw. We’ve been told it will take months for anything conclusive.” The anchor turned to the other and said, “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen here.”
“Time to get that generator,” said the other. “We’ll be back in a moment.”
After Natasha unmuted the other televisions, she got busy on her phone again.
The employee from earlier made his way over. “I’m one of the linguists,” Grigori said. “So, Minka, what is your job?”
“I’m also a linguist and Ambassador Bulgrov’s assistant.”
“Is your family with you?”
“I don’t have a family,” she replied.
“They’re back in Russia?”
“I’m an orphan,” she said. “Only child, so just me.”
“I’m sorry. My wife and three children came with me. Big changes.”
“Do you miss home?”
He glanced around. “It’s nice break. You?”
She offered her canned answer. “I’m happy to be of service.”
“Have you been to our department?” he continued. “We have new head linguist.”
“Maybe you can help me, Grigori. I’m the new head linguist. Can you introduce me to the team?”
“With pleasure,” he replied.
On the way to the second floor, he said, “There are five of us, including you. The other three have been here for a year or longer. Nice group.”
After he made the introductions, she scheduled a meeting before lunch so they could bring her up to speed. She was used to taking direction and orders from Yuri Bulgrov. It felt great to be leading a group. But she wasn’t naïve. This was a job where she had to keep her eyes and ears open… all the time. On her way downstairs to her office, the burner from Evangeline buzzed. Rather than use a handbag that she’d leave in her office, she wore a small crossbody. While risky, she stored the cell phone from Evangeline in the false bottom.
After shrugging into her coat, she made her way outside. A small café stood nearby, so she hurried over. Once inside, she entered the restroom. In the privacy of a stall, she unearthed her phone. A text from Caroline.
Short notice, but can you come for dinner tonight? Sydney can’t wait to see you, so just us three
I’d love to. What time and what can I bring?
How’s 7pm and bring you
Caroline added her address and three heart emojis.
Can’t wait!
Something fun to look forward to.
Feeling hopeful, she returned to the embassy to prep for her first team meeting.
THAT EVENING,at ten before seven, Halston pulled to the curb in front of Caroline’s beautiful Alexandria home. She fished out her burner and called her.
