Hope
It’s the Wednesday before Christmas and we’re flying to Colorado on Saturday so I have a few days here in New York and holiday happens to be the nicest times here.
“What a cold Christmas we have here.” Casper says.
“What do you mean? It’s winter! Of course it’s cold.” Jane tells him.
“I meant our love live, you dummy!” Casper snorted at her.
“Well, at least Hope’s gotten out of the loop.” Jane says and they both look at me sheepishly.
They both saw me making out with Ugetsu that night at the club and were waiting for me to do the walk of shame the next morning as I sneaked into the penthouse.
“I’ll see you both on Friday.” I waved as Ivan came to pick me up.
“Enjoy your date.” Jane yells.
“Enjoy your boyfriend.” Casper yells, at the same time.
It’s 5 am right now and I am currently ready to go to Aspen. We’re here at La Guardia Airport and it looks very empty so far. I’m ready to go out to Aspen and enjoy nature. Of course, Natasha and Ivan came along with us. As soon as we got there, we are on our way to rent some skis, and you know, a helmet, and ski goggles and whatnot. I’m just so excited because I can already see the slopes. The whole place is gorgeous, although there’s a little bit something different today. I’m sure there’s a lot of wind. “It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’ve missed this so much.” Ugetsu says beside me. “As a Swiss person, I approve of the ski slopes here in Colorado.” Ugetsu’s mom is Japanese but his father is Swiss. They lived in Zurich, Switzerland although he also often visits Japan and even studied there. “There’s a lot that Aspen has to offer.” I told him. A little unsure where we’re going but I think for the third time we’re going down Buttermilk Mountain.
NikolaiWhat a beautiful clear day, is what I wish I were saying. Instead, the weather is just as dreary as my feelings.The pool is heated so I had no trouble with the water even when it’s still winter.I ask myself, why go swimming in this kind of weather instead of on a sunny day. Why choose an occupation as dangerous as weapons trafficking. And in a conflict area, why peddle weapons to both sides.“Your towel, boss.” One of my attendants said as I got out of the pool, handing me a towel.Although Hope looks up to me dearly, my evil deeds are infamous.“So, how did you bring it today?” I asked Andre standing in front of me.“I’ve brought it as a certificate of deposit.” He says, handing me the piece of paper.“Nice work, as always.” I tell him.“Then, I’ll be off.” He gave me a curt nod before turning away.“I have a
Nikolai“I’m sorry, boss. We’ve been careless.” Ivan tells me, his head bowed.It was his job to make sure the people around Hope were safe. But he let a part of the mafia to be close to Hope. I could kill him right now for that mistake. It might as well cost us Hope’s life. But I won’t do that. Hope has grown attached to him. And besides this, he’s never made a single mistake before. Each and every threat to Hope had been eliminated cleanly.But this is as complicated as it gets. That spy had definitely took advantage of Hope’s vulnerability. Even if we know his true identity, we can’t kill him just yet. Hope will wonder if he suddenly disappears. And she’s a smart kid, she’d know what happened to him.And I can’t just simply tell her that her boyfriend is a spy. That will break her heart as well.It’s a losing game for Hope.“Find out more. It
Hope“Ivan, you can wait for me here. I’ll be out on a bit.” I tell Ivan as I entered the auditorium to get my things.I was busy packing my things I didn’t notice Ugetsu coming up behind me until his arms were around me in a hug.“It’s been a while.” He murmured to my ear. “I really missed you, Hope.”Ugetsu went abroad again shortly after our trip and I don’t know why but I felt relieved while he was away. Maybe because I couldn’t get out of my head what I saw back when we were Aspen. I was afraid I’ll doubt him. And that he’ll know I’m doubting him.Even now that I was in his embrace. I can’t fight the uneasy feeling in my gut that I should stay away from him. These were not the butterflies I felt when he’s around before.“I missed you too.” I tell him. “You didn’t tell me you were here.”I tri
Nikolai“Sir, we found her.” Ivan said as I was instantly on my feet and we got in the car.“Send our men immediately. Save Hope at all costs but make sure she’s not harmed in any way. I don’t care what happens to the guy. Fill his body with holes if that’s what it takes.” I tell him. My gun is in my hands. I’d blast his head myself as soon as I see him. That is if my men haven’t chopped off his limbs before I get there.“You heard the order.” Ivan instructed. The Russian mob is known for having the fiercest men. I’ve got the best people from the local gangs to spies, to agents, ex-soldiers, mercenaries. They’re all both effective and efficient. With good judgment and knows how to follow orders. They’re ruthless.“They were at the hunting grounds.” Ivan reported. “Our men has already gained visual.”I waited for a
Nikolai“Hello?” I answered Hope’s phone. I saw that it had a lot of missed calls and messages. All of them both from her friends, Jane and Casper. She’d been absent from school for almost a week, they’re probably worried. Natasha also called me that they even stopped by the 220 Central Park South Tower, but of course they weren’t even allowed in.We had to make even more precautions because of what happened. I had my investigation team look into her friends once again, for the nth time until we’re sure there’s not the slightest chance that they were sent undercover. With or without their knowledge.I also made preparations to move her into another apartment. I don’t want her to be somewhere or see anything that would remind her of him. Good thing nobody was allowed in Clyde, he had no trace left here, Hope is safe here.“Who is this?” Casper asked. “Why are you answerin
Nikolai “Double the security around the area,” I told Ivan as I headed towards the Lodge in the morning. “No, triple that.” I tell him. “I already tripled the shifts,” Ivan tells me. “Where’s Hope?” I asked him as we reached her room in the Lodge. I scanned the room and saw that her bed hasn’t been made yet. It means she hasn’t woken up for long and instantly left the room. “Where’s the Lady?” Ivan asks in his earpiece. “She’s in the music room.” Ivan relays to me. Ivan was right on my heels as I went to the Barn, where the music room was located. We have only reached the second floor and were rounding the hallway when we heard a loud crash. I rushed towards the music room as I heard Ivan request for backup. It’s almost impossible that someone was able to infiltrate the estate but we can’t afford to make any mistakes again. The door was open and I saw Hope in the middle of the room, which is hardly recognizable in its st
Nikolai “Hope, oh my gosh, we missed you!” “Yeah, girl. Where have you been?” “Just…here and there.” I can hear the hesitation on her voice as she lied to her friends. She hated lying, even with the smallest things. I told her that I told her friends she went on a vacation. If it were me I would have said I had gone on a tour in Europe to search for myself, made up stories along the way. Say anything necessary to make my false story more believable. But Hope isn’t a liar like me. Giving a vague answer is the most she could do. In the end, it’s all up to interpretation. “By the way, you missed classes for a week, won’t you get in trouble for that?” “Nikolai already talked to the school for me, so I guess they’re cutting me some slack this time.” She admitted. It seemed to me that she had no problem about my use of power though. I already moved Hope to a new apartment, and she’s settled down in it. I asked her if she wante