Page 85 of Tangled Roses
Somehow, Arman arranged a passport for me and we are currently on his family’s private jet soaring high above the clouds.
I say jet, it’s more like a super-jet because this one could accommodate hundreds of people and, unlike most private jets, we are required to use the international airport instead of a private airfield.
We have just finished a lovely meal served at a table set by the window, overlooking the sky, and I pinch myself.
How is this real?
Arman appears thoughtful, and I smile at him with concern.
“You have a lot on your mind.”
He nods. “I always do, but this time it’s personal.”
“Your mom?” I know he’s anxious about our visit. Somehow, she is connected to this mystery and he is worried about that. Does she know more than she’s letting on, or is she as much in the dark as we still are?
“I’m nervous about meeting her.” I add, chewing on my bottom lip as I stare at him with concern.
“She will love you.”
“Will she?” I shake my head. “I doubt that. You see–”
I hate how my voice shakes as I say sadly, “I am trouble, Arman. My mother was trouble and apparently my father is searching for me and people are dying all around me.”
He leans across and takes my hand and says angrily, “Nobody is dying. Not today and not next week. You are protected because you are with me and I will never let anyone hurt you.”
“You may not be able to stop it from happening. You said yourself there’s a hitman involved. My days could be numbered.”
”Come.” He stands and pulls me from my seat and I’m surprised when he leads me to a different section of the aircraft.
It’s very different from the sumptuous splendor we just left and as we enter what appears to be a surveillance room, a few of his men glance up with interest.
I stare at the monitors flickering in the dim light and the air is thick with tension as Arman speaks in Russian to the nearest one.
He taps on his keyboard and brings up an image of Marsha’s house, and I see Heather Arnold working at her desk.
“What’s this?”
I’m shocked as I stare at the image as if I’m there myself. I can see everything, even the words on the screen she is typing.
“Why?”
I’m confused and Arman slips his hand in mine and says softly, “Because we believe knowledge is the most powerful weapon to own. We are building an investigation and leaving nothing to chance. Burning Roses is now under our control and nothing that happens there will escape our attention. We have eyes on every aspect of the business and all the time you are with me, you are safe.”
He turns and heads to the exit and I glance around at what can only be described as a command center and as I follow him to the front of the plane, my heart beats a little faster. This is a world I know little or nothing about and it’s now my world. I am reassured, but I’m also aware the stakes are high and there are powerful people playing the game.
By the time we land in Russia, my nerves are frayed and despite Arman’s reassurances, I’m still more worried than I’ve ever been. What if his family hates me and what if they drive a wedge between us?
It also hasn’t escaped my attention that my father may be lingering somewhere in this country and if he is as powerful as they say he is, am I really safe at all?
Nothing prepared me for the Romanov mansion.
I stare in wonder as we sweep through the security gates toward a magnificent property that I have never seen anything like before. It shines like the brightest jewel in a crown and I whisper, “Your father did good. From poverty to riches in one generation. You must be extremely proud of him.”
Arman squeezes my hand tightly. “I am.”
He sounds emotional and I’m not surprised because he is coming home and that must feel good.
We stop in a courtyard and as we head toward the huge double doors leading into the mansion, I swallow hard.