Act IV: "So Much For Friendly Service."

Illya looked much better when Talia returned to escort him to dinner.  "Well," she said. "I see you seem to have recovered from your trip." He looked at her questioningly. "And I checked the security room. There's no camera in here that I can find."

"Good. I felt like I was center stage all afternoon." He was in front of a large mirror straightening his tie. "David had this jacket sent up. I guess I passed the pathetic invalid test." He tilted his head toward the window to his left. "This room has a good view of the outside terrain," he commented as he slipped on the jacket and began to fiddle with the collar.

She stepped up to him and helped him with the collar. "That's why I selected it," she mused as she worked the cloth. They were eye to eye, and when she reached for the back of the jacket their faces were mere inches apart. She froze, and then slowly backed off, her cheeks flushed. "Um, it's also closest to the inner perimeter wall," she said quietly. She smoothed the front lapels and stepped back.

Illya's pulse jumped when he felt the warmth of her breath on his cheek. The smell of her hair brought forth a familiar tingle, but he forced his heart to calm and ordered his arms to stay at his side. "I noticed," he said lowly.

"Ah … and, um, this window isn't visible from any other room on this side of the, um, house," she stammered. "If Napoleon sets up right there," she turned her back to him and pointed out the window to a rock outcropping in the nearby hill outside the double walls, "he can see us."

She finished in a strong voice but the agent had noticed the stutter and her trembling hand. Unbidden hope fluttered in the back of his mind, and he again forced the feelings down. He looked out the window and saw storm clouds gathering overhead. The outcropping glowed momentarily in the disappearing moonlight.

Their eyes connected uncomfortably when she turned back to face him. "You look," Illya began, instantly noting a frightened flash in her eyes. "Hungry." He offered his elbow. "Shall we go?" She breathed a relieved sigh and took it with a shaky smile. He turned his mind from the building emotion to the event at hand as Talia escorted him to dinner.

David met them at the bottom of the stairs. Talia smoothly transferred to his arm. "You look rested, Androv," he said politely as they moved off down the hall.

"Yes. It was a tiring trip. The room is very nice," Illya replied.

"I'm glad you're comfortable." He turned to Talia. "And you look wonderful," he said, patting her hand.

"Thank you, sir!" She said with a playful smile.

Illya felt a twinge inside that irritated him and he deftly ignored it. As they walked through the moodily lit hallway to the dining room a low rumble sounded from outside followed by sudden, heavy thrumming of rain. The idea of Solo camping in the rain was a good distraction from the emotions he was working to ignore.

Fine art tastefully displayed hinted at the wealth of the Danzig family. The dining room was accented with silver, crystal and porcelain, as was the entire house as far as Illya could see. The agent felt like he was in a museum. The long table in the dining room was highly polished mahogany that would easily seat 20 under sparkling chandeliers.

In his head Illya ticked off the names of those already seated at the table. Arthur at the head, an empty seat to his right, and then Marcus Danzig followed by a platinum blonde woman in a tight red dress. David led them to Arthur's left, seating Talia to his own left and putting Illya directly across from the elegant blonde, dripping in diamonds. She eyed Illya with obvious boredom as he took his seat, and gave Talia the same glance while tapping her crystal wine glass with a lengthy red nail. Talia ignored her and spoke to the patriarch.

"Hello, Arthur," she said pleasantly as she settled into her seat. "Is Emily still indisposed?"

Illya figured she was referring to the empty chair to Arthur's right. Emily Danzig, Arthur's wife, he recalled.

Arthur Danzig smiled, but his eyes remained cool. "Yes. The doctors feel she needs more rest," he stated simply, then turned to Illya. "We still set her place in respect." Illya recalled that Emily Danzig spent a lot of time in Nice. Talia thought she was merely a figurehead wife, as she was rarely seen with Arthur. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Inov," the patriarch said, his tone clear that the subject of Emily was closed.

"Androv, please," Illya insisted. "Yes, the pleasure is on my part."

Tonnie appeared at Arthur's elbow to fill his wine glass. "You'll be here for our little soiree next week," he continued. "You will be able to attend?"

"Thank you for the invitation. I'd be honored."

"So we finally meet cousin Androv," Marcus said firmly, suspicion clear in the tone.

"And you must be Marcus," Illya replied, inferring a rudeness on Marcus' behalf for not introducing himself. That got a surprised smile from the blonde across from him, and her green eyes momentarily reflected respect. "Talia has told me all about you." Illya then saw a flash of uncertainty in the man's eyes as he tried to interpret the comment. The agent then turned to the stony face at the head of the table. "And Mr. Danzig, I want to thank you for your hospitality." He shook out the napkin in his lap and faced the blonde. " I haven't had the pleasure. . ."

The blonde sat up a bit straighter and began to speak, but was cut off by Marcus. "This is Monica," he started.

"Ah, yes. Your wife. Certainly. I am honored." Illya ducked his head towards her in polite acknowledgement and gave her his most charming smile, which she returned with glee.

"Thank you," she said, slightly breathless. Marcus glared, but she ignored him and sipped her wine, her eyes fixed happily on the latest arrival. The agent managed not to jump when he felt bare toes tickling his ankle moments later and glanced up to a knowing grin on Monica's face. She tipped her glass towards him with a wink.

"So, Mr. Inov," Arthur Danzig started. "I mean, Androv; tell us about yourself."

He indicated the serving to begin with a slight nod to Tonnie as a loud clap of thunder shook the windows menacingly.

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Solo and Neiman snuggled down in their temporary shelter as the rain outside pelted the fabric. The lights of the house could barely be seen through the rain, so they decided to concentrate on organizing what information they had gathered.

While getting supplies in town, Neiman had heard that a large gathering was planned for the next week. Merchants had already begun ordering and stockpiling food and party items, but no one knew the purpose of the event. They didn't really care; it was money in their pockets.

 "That would be the perfect cover for action," Neiman commented.

Solo rolled the warm cup of coffee between his hands. Neiman had been efficient so far and was a good agent, but he missed the familiarity of his regular partner. "Yes, it would. We have to locate those phone lines as soon as possible. With a gathering like that I'm sure Marcus will increase security so we may have to assemble a respectable back up team."

"To keep the Danzigs contained?" Neiman asked.

"To get Illya and Miss Inova out," Solo corrected. "They're going to be Marcus' first target when this starts to go down."

"Ah. Of course," Neiman concurred as a deafening bolt of lightning made them both wince.

  ++++++++++

Dawn broke surprisingly bright and clear, the air fresh and clean. Illya opened his window to get an idea on how to dress and took the opportunity to study the rock outcropping Talia had pointed out. It would make a good observation point, but the rocks were visible from the entire back of the house. I wasn't far from the road that twisted its way through the hills to the front gate, either. Solo would have to be very careful to stay out of sight.

Pulling on boots and casual clothes the golden haired infiltrator decided it was time for Androv to set an exercise schedule of walking around the compound to build his strength. Throwing on a light jacket, he proceeded down stairs. He intended to leave via the back of the house by going through the kitchen but was stopped by the matronly cook.

"You must eat!" The woman insisted. Illya, who was half the woman's size, had to admit that the smells were mouthwatering, and after a light meal he headed out the door without seeing Talia or any of the Danzigs. "I won't see them for another two hours," the cook commented as she kneaded bread dough and barked at a young boy to get the pans.

Illya blinked at the bright sun and strolled down the path from the kitchen door. It wound around to the front and joined the main drive. He headed to the front gate, noting the intense scrutiny he received from the guards posted there. They grudgingly let him through. Illya had an idea where his partner should be and leisurely headed in that direction. Noting the muddiness of the ground underfoot, he knew Solo would be pretty grumpy after the rainy night. As he walked he noted guard and camera positions. The security was above par. He fiddled with is watch and determined that, aside from the cameras, there weren't any electronic detecting devices this far from the house. Aware of the cameras, he removed and opened his communicator and then slipped it into his breast pocket.

"Prince to pauper," he said softly. Only getting static in return, he moved on and tried again. The third attempt was successful.

"Pauper here. And I'd like to officially complain about my designation," Solo replied, sounding tired.

"Are your feet wet?" Illya asked with a very tiny smirk.

"Come over that wall and I'll show you up close," Solo replied, delighting Illya with his shortness.

"I'll decline the invitation. There's a rock outcropping visible from my window on the south east side. It looks to be better protection from the elements."

"And closer to the road, making it a bit riskier. We scouted it out yesterday afternoon."

 "My room is clean of surveillance and I can talk from there. It would be the best way to communicate."

"We'll move this evening when it's dark. Hey.."

Illya instantly tensed at the sound of his partner's surprise. His hand itched for a gun. "What?" he asked lowly.

 "Oh, nothing. There's lots of wild life around here. I think we share this bush with a deer."

 "Too bad it's not a skunk," Illya commented as he physically relaxed and stretched for the cameras.

"With friends like you, who needs a skunk," Solo replied instantly.

 "Friend? Guess again." Illya said dryly. "I met the Danzig family last night. Arthur, Marcus, David and Monica. They were quite polite and very . . inquisitive." He decided not to mention the game of footsies under the table.

"I’ll bet. I'm surprised Marcus didn't strap you down to a chair and interrogate you all night."

"That still may happen." With someone other than Marcus, he thought, footsies in mind. "There's a gathering next Thursday to release the program. Marcus is suspicious of the timing of my arrival, I think. I don't have the exact time or guest list yet, but it would be quite valuable to attend, I'm sure. Little birdies everywhere."

"No doubt. We heard about the gathering while in town. I think we may have found the main trunk for the phone lines, so we both have our little projects."

"We can schedule my delivery to arrive with all the party things."

 "I'll inform the delivery boy," Solo acknowledged. "Should not be a problem. Everything is ready to go.  How's Talia holding up?"

There was a slight hesitation. "She's a little nervous, but she'll be fine."

"Hope you're right, partner. I'll take my leave of you now and look into some serious eavesdropping."

"Don't call me, I'll call you," Illya quipped as he walked on and carefully closed the pen. A guard appeared from nowhere and Illya concluded that his little rest had been noted. He smiled and waved at the guard, getting sneer in return. "So much for friendly service," he said quietly to himself as he turned and started back to the house.

  ++++++++++

Before hitting the phone lines to install the taps, Napoleon met with Neiman about Illya's delivery. "The party will certainly make it easier to get the explosives in there," Neiman agreed. "If the amount of food and party favors is even close to what I estimate no one will ever notice an extra box."

 "Yes, the timing is perfect. I only hope everything else about this mission goes as well." Solo couldn't ignore the tiny niggling in his brain that had plagued him since they had received this assignment in Brussels. It was just a feeling that wouldn't go away; something big and unexpected was going to happen.  And it would be bad. Why can't those kinds of feelings be good for once? He griped mentally. I hate surprises!

He gathered his tools and prepared to spend the morning installing another line in the Danzig phone system.

Act V: Building  A Routine

For the next two days Illya set a routine that put him between the perimeter walls twice a day with his walking distance growing longer each time. He was looking for the best area to breach the wall and pushed aside the admission that he needed to get away from Talia.

He couldn't help but smile at the thought of her. She hadn't changed a bit; she was still as efficient and thorough as he remembered. She had been a good partner in their underground days. And there was something strangely comforting about the fact that she knew him in a way his current partner did not. There were no secrets between them . . .

. .  which is exactly why their parting had been so painful.

The scene in his mind that he'd managed to relegate to the deepest, darkest place of his memories came forward with surprising clarity. Illya set his jaw and refocused on the mission, the scene pushed back to the dark place again.

He ran the layout of the mansion through his head. Talia had filled in all the details of the rooms in the basement area, along with the security protocols that made it almost impossible for him to get down there. He included the 'almost' part because he hadn't yet tried. So far, there was no need. He trusted Talia's evaluation and had a clear picture in his mind. The explosives and magnets that would be delivered here under the guise as a gift for the library would easily take care of the computer labs, drives and keypunch cards; the mission was falling in place as intended which made the pessimistic Russian uneasy.

Things rarely went as planned.

All the pieces seemed to fall in place when the Talia told him about the plans on Thursday. Now all he had to find was a way out of the compound when the fireworks began. With that being his only task left, the week ahead seemed fraught with spare time.

Time he had to keep away from Talia and temptation.

 +++++++++++++++

The dinner routine of the Danzig compound was the same as the first night of Illya's arrival. They all dressed and assembled at the massive table precisely at six.

Monica Danzig seemed to consider the gathering her chance to tease and bother Illya to distraction. The more he ignored her, the more aggressive her technique became. On the second seating, her stocking foot made its way up his leg and close to his sensitive regions. A well-placed cappuccino spill caused the wandering appendage to retreat. The glare that resulted didn't last long; the offending foot was soon tickling his ankles again.

She also began to make whispered sexual innuendos whenever they passed in the house. The agent was glad they rarely saw each other during the day. Monica was usually attending some luncheon or the nearby spa. The distance to any large city that had those amenities made her gone for a major part of the day. Marcus seemed oblivious to her maneuvers, and Illya wondered about their relationship, but never enough to ask Talia. He and Talia were busy with their own game of emotional tag.

As a result, he spent a lot of time outside walking every inch of the property. Sometimes Talia joined him and they talked on safe subjects, but he managed to see that she was determined to make her life with David work. He just wasn't clear if David was going in the same direction.  

+++++++++++  

Waiting was never one of Talia Inova's strong points. With all the things in place to remove the Odysseus Program from her and David's life, waiting for the Program itself to be complete was wearing her thin. Sleepless nights worrying and days filled with routines in the lab were making her edgy. She'd gone over the set up of the lab so many times with Illya that he rolled his eyes when she insisted on going over it again. It wasn't that she didn't trust him; it was just that it was a safe subject. She had found her attraction to him had not waned.

She walked the grounds with Illya when she needed a break during the day, and she found the walks very enjoyable. After several days she found herself making reasons to meet him and knew that it probably wasn't a good idea. But he was familiar to the point of being a tremendous comfort, and she needed comforting now. David was in constant high gear with his family, and she was feeling neglected. Intellectually, she knew this was a dangerous combination but couldn't resist time with her lifelong friend.

Each morning she awoke and counted down the days until this would be all behind her. She could finally feel safe with her future husband thanks to the white knight of her past.            

+++++++++++  

Illya's walks around the grounds were not unnoticed by Marcus Danzig. From his dressing room on the upper level he watched the blond man amble around, some of the time with Talia beside him. Their behavior together was nothing that would arouse suspicion; they were respectful to the guards and to each other, sometimes walking arm in arm. He could see them quietly talking and wondered what they talked about.

The man certainly looked sickly enough, and his investigative team in the Ukraine hadn't reported in yet. They were unable to track Talia because Marcus had sent them after her too late. Her trail was lost as soon as she crossed the border. Her arrival here in Essen with her ailing cousin was as scheduled, but something still bothered him, and he knew exactly what it was.

Timing.

The timing of a stranger arriving just as their plans were being finalized was just too coincidental, and Marcus Danzig did not believe in coincidence. He had conceded to his brother's request to respect the privacy of his fiancée and her cousin and not wire their rooms. After all, David was entitled to have a say in the happenings of the family, but he was also naïve. Marcus hoped his brother's request didn't result in their downfall. Highly unlikely, especially after meeting the meek little man, but still the feeling of unease wouldn't go away. He'd just have to wait for his contacts in the Ukraine to report in.

Even though Marcus Danzig stood at the window in his den and appeared to be thoughtfully gazing at the scenery, there was nothing calm about what was going on in his mind. The closer they got to achieve their goal of taking over Thrush, the more pressure he felt. It was what they'd been working towards for years.

 His father depended on him to make this go right. Arthur was already making noises about taking a back seat in the family business after this affair, and Marcus was both willing and able to step in. He was well prepared to take over the Danzig Empire. The only thing missing was his own back up, and David was the only one he would trust in that position. If he could only get him focused on the job ahead.

Ever since that woman had entered his brother's life he had seen a difference in David's attitude. She brought out the weaknesses in him. And the fact that her history was a blank disturbed Marcus to no end. He simply did not trust anyone he did not know. The longer it took to get information from Talia's homeland, the greater his wariness grew.

He saw his brother at a crossroad, with his choices being either the family or Talia Inova.  Marcus intended to force the choice as soon as he got the information he needed on her. And Marcus Danzig never lost. Marcus hoped that David would get on board before the introduction of the Odysseus Program to Thrush. They needed to present a unified front.

In the meantime, there were things he needed to do. He picked up the phone to go over the security protocols for the upcoming event one more time.            

+++++++++++  

The headache was from overworking and under-sleeping, and David Danzig had been plagued with it for days now. With a sigh, he leaned back in his office chair and put his feet on the desk. He knew Marcus wouldn't approve of such a relaxed posture in a place of business and the thought made him stretch back even more.

I can't wait until this is over and Talia and I can get away for a while, he thought. Maybe a tour of her homeland.  He smiled. Marcus would have a fit. The Soviet Union was not a safe place for a Danzig. It was, however, an area that was wide open for business expansion, and he had been toying with the idea. With Talia as a guide, he could carve his own niche in the Danzig family business, and yet still have a life of his own. It would be the best of both worlds. All he had to do was get this Program finished and launched, and he would be free to go.

He glanced at his watch. If he got down there now, he could work until dinner, but Marcus had tasked him with this other detail. He dragged his feet to the floor and scooted back up to his desk, his mood swinging back to work mode. David Danzig was glad Marcus was around to handle the business; he wasn't sure he was cut out to do this on a day-to-day basis.

The file folder was fat, and he started with page one. His schooling in the Danzig affairs, with Marcus as his instructor, was almost complete. When they took over this Thrush operation, he would be free.  

+++++++++++  

The next two days were busy for Solo and Neiman. They successfully embedded themselves in the rocky outcropping and Illya was able to communicate with them on a regular basis, but the terrain hampered any other communications. Keeping an eye on the comings and goings was easier this close to the road, but also more hazardous. Solo noticed that Neiman was remarkably skilled at camouflage and let him head up that duty as well as monitor the telephone traffic of the numerous lines into the house.

"Napoleon, I think there's a small problem." Neiman had been monitoring the lines for nearly two days. He pressed the earphone tighter to his head and frowned.

"That's not exactly music to my ears. What's up?"

"I think I'm listening to a private line to Marcus Danzig. This is the first time I've heard it used." He listened while Solo waited impatiently. "Marcus has investigators looking into Miss Inova's background."

"Really?" Solo replied, not letting on that he was doing the same thing but in a different way. "What's he saying?"

"Apparently, his investigators haven't come up with anything on Androv Inov and he's not happy."

"What's he going to do?" Napoleon wished Illya could get into that office to bug it, but knew it would be picked up immediately. Marcus Danzig was fanatical about electronic sweeps inside the house. He was again thankful for the lousy phone service that made the clicks of the tap blend in with the static and crackling that was normal on the line.

"Well, they're supposed to keep digging."

 "I'd better tell Illya to watch his back."

 Act VI: Turning Point

Marcus knew Thrush was not an organization of fools. He already had detailed files on the credible threats within Thrush, and was well prepared to deal with them once they were in control of the Ultimate Computer. He grinned; they didn't even know he was aware of that particular device. Marcus intended to step into the organization as fully functional satrapy with his eye firmly fixed on control of the Ultimate Computer. He knew that Thrush itself would soon be under the wing of Danzig International. Next would be the world.

The only risk he saw right now was the fact that all the Odysseus Program files and programming were all here at the compound. David had requested redundant backups, but Marcus did not want to spread their security thin by covering too many fronts. Everything was in the safest place it could be: right here directly under Danzig eyes. When the program was released, then he would scatter the physical details.

The only weak link he could see was that woman and her just as mysterious cousin. Physically, the man was weak as a kitten and appeared to be just as weak minded, but the fact that Androv's background was unsubstantiated galled him. Marcus hated loose ends.

The ringing phone caught his attention, as it was his private line. Only his trusted inner circle had the number. Marcus calmly picked up the line. "Yes?"

 "I have information on the Inovas," an unfamiliar voice stated lowly.

 "Who is this and how did you get this number?" Marcus growled, hackles rising.

"One of your operatives supplied the number. If you want the information, come to the Inn at Essen, alone, in two hours with one million in cash or diamonds."

"I don't meet with people I don't know," Marcus snapped. How dare he?

"Then the information is lost, Mr. Danzig. I will tell you that your security is already breached and you can't trust anyone in that house. How else would I know about the diamonds and your investigation of Talia and Androv Inov? Come alone."

Marcus hated ultimatums more than loose ends. Smoldering fury was now fanned to a full-blown rage. Through clenched teeth, he hissed, "How do I know this isn't a set up? That you have what I want?"

"You don't. I did get this number, didn't I? Proof enough that I, too, have my sources."

Marcus ground his jaws together, his teeth squeaking in protest. No one gets the best of me! You will get a lesson on how to deal with a Danzig as soon as I get my hands on you, he thought. "I'll be there."

"And I'll find you. Goodbye, Mr. Danzig." The line clicked dead.

Marcus slammed down the phone then ripped it out of the wall and threw it across the room with an animalistic growl. He snatched an attaché case from a bookcase, opened it, and dumped the contents. Ripping open a desk drawer he pulled out two powerful handguns and made sure they were loaded. He placed them in the case and snapped it shut.

From the coat rack he pulled down a shoulder holster and yanked it on, and then checked that weapon for readiness. It had been awhile since Marcus had gotten his hands dirty, but he was fully capable of committing murder. He'd done in before to promote the Danzig empire and he had no qualms about doing it again.

This loose end was going to be tied, one way or another, and Marcus Danzig was going to make sure it was tied into a hangman's noose.  

+++++++++++++++++  

"Who the hell was that?" Neiman whispered, overhearing the conversation on the tapped line through a small speaker.

"I have no idea," Napoleon mused. "Sounds like we have more players in the game."

"Well, we figured someone in Thrush would try to make a move for the program. It must be them."

"That's the only thing that makes sense," Solo agreed as he rose to his feet. "I'd like to get a look at the person that has the nerve to cross Marcus Danzig." He pulled on his jacket and prepared to depart. "If I go now I can get to the Inn just ahead of Marcus. And here I thought it was going to be a boring day!"

"I'll check the readiness of Dancer's team. We may have to move sooner than we thought," Neiman said.

"Good idea." Solo slipped from the tent and through the trees to a motorcycle stashed in the brush. He hit the road and quickly found himself at the top of the last hill overlooking the valley. He pulled to the side of the road and stopped to look down the picturesque valley, the outer wall of the compound just visible between the trees. He saw a black car roar through the gate and grinned. "Someone playing in your sandbox, Marcus?" he said quietly to the speeding car.

As he turned to pull back on to the road the sound of an enormous explosion made his heart leap. Solo spun around, and his jaw dropped when he saw a giant fireball where Marcus Danzig's car should have been. Ambush! Black smoke roiled skyward as Solo felt a blast of wind from the shock wave and realized the overkill was meant as clear and powerful message: There was another player in town.

In that instant Napoleon also realized that he was the only one in a position to see who just blew Marcus Danzig to the stars. There was only one road out, and he was on it. He hated being caught flat -footed. With a curse, he gunned the engine and raced to the first intersection in the road to lay in wait.  

++++++++++++++++++++++  

The explosion shook the windows of the compound and Illya dropped to the floor in his room in an automatic reaction. It took a few moments for his brain to register the details, and he leaped to his feet when he realized the explosion was outside. He glanced at the rock outcropping where his partner was based and was relieved to see no indication of an explosion there.

He yanked open the door and raced down the stairs to the foyer where some of the house staff had gathered and milled about in confusion. The agent made his way through them and headed down the hall that led to the computer lab and private dens. Glancing out a front window he froze when he saw the inky clouds of smoke crawling to the heavens from outside the perimeter walls. It was a substantial amount of smoke for the distance, and the lower layer reflected red. Something was still burning.

"Talia?" he whispered as he looked out the window with a sick feeling of dread in his heart. He tore his eyes from the oily smoke when he heard running footsteps.

"Oh my God, what was it?" Talia cried as she ran towards him. David was close behind, a pair of guards on his heels.

"I…I don't know. An explosion," Illya said pointing out the window. His entire body tingled with relief and the desire to take control of the situation, but he stayed in character.

The three of them gazed outside. Talia clung to David's arm, speechless. "What do you think it was?" She finally whispered.

David did not answer, but stood up straighter and brushed her arm away as he stepped back. "Stay here," he said firmly and headed to the foyer with the guards right behind. Illya itched to follow, but forced his feet to stand firm. David strode quickly to the front door and pushed it open, the pair of guards now flanking him.

Illya and Talia turned back to the window and saw David boldly step outside and signal for a car, which pulled up instantly. He jumped in the back with the two men, and they shot down the driveway. The car screeched to a stop at the guard gate and angry voices were heard through the window glass. The guards weren't willing to open the gate, but David got his way and the gate swung open. Another motor vehicle escort, packed with guards, shot out the gate right behind him.

Steady footfall behind them caught their attention. Illya and Talia turned together to see Arthur Danzig, surrounded by his men, making his way towards them. The security radios were abuzz with static and broken voices as the truth was searched out.  Arthur stopped a short distance from them. His eyes smoldered darkly as he looked them both over.

 "Arthur," Talia started. "What happened?" Illya could feel the grip her fingers hard on his forearm. She was afraid of this man, and the agent could understand why. If he suspected for one second that she was betraying the family, she would be dead, and he had the capability to do it with his bare hands.

"Sir," one of the security men said boldly. "Sir," he reached out and touched Arthur's arm to disengage his stare from Talia. "I'm sorry, sir .. " he started.

"Sorry? About what?" Arthur snapped.

The man's hand retreated as if he'd touch molten lava. "The explosion, sir. It appears that Marcus' car . ."

"Where's his bodyguard?" Arthur yelled. "He wouldn't go out alone!"

"Here, sir," a large man stepped in the front door. Illya had to admire his bravery.

"IS MARCUS DEAD?" Arthur screamed at the man who appeared to shrink in size before their eyes. Bravely, he kept his head up and his eyes locked on Arthur.

"Yes, sir. He didn't tell me he was leaving. He was alone in the car, according to the guard at the gate."

Talia gasped, and Illya steadied her. They all turned at the shriek that came from the stairs.

"NO! He can't be! NO!"  Monica Danzig's grip on the stair rail was the only thing keeping her on her feet. Her silk robe, tied by a knot at the waist, fell aside to reveal two shapely, bare legs and feathery slippers. Her knees wobbled dangerously as the color drained from her face. One of the maids ran up to her as she began to cry hysterically. She clung to the maid like a life raft.

Arthur's look slowly went from her to the bodyguard, still frozen just inside the door in the foyer. The patriarch's face slowly went ashen and his facial muscles rippled as he worked his jaw. "Is this confirmed?" He said in a low, shaky voice through gritted teeth. Instinctively Illya stepped in front of Talia to shield her from whatever Danzig had in mind. "IS IT?" he barked at the man to his left.

 "Yes," the man said quietly. "It's confirmed. The two gate guards just confirmed it."

For a moment everyone held their breath as the reality of Marcus' death settled over them like smoke from a dying fire. Monica's hysterical sobbing increased in pitch to an unearthly keening.

"Sir, I . . . " the bodyguard started.

In a movement quicker that Illya could ever have expected, Arthur Danzig pulled a gun from his astonished guard's holster, and threw out his arm. A single shot deafened them all, and Marcus Danzig's bodyguard collapsed in the foyer, a small, red hole in the middle of his forehead.

Monica's screaming increased in pitch, the kitchen staff scattered like rabbits and Talia screamed once then jammed her fist in her mouth to control herself. Illya turned her away from the sight.

Without a word Arthur handed the gun to the shaken guard, spun on his heel and retreated. "Take me to him," he ordered, "and clean that up."  Followed by a flurry of 'yes sirs' from the very respectful staff surrounding him, Arthur Danzig began his journey into grief.

Talia was sobbing quietly and Illya held her tightly in his arms. "Come, let's get out of here."

"Monica," Talia wept. "We have to take care of Monica."

Illya maneuvered her towards the stairs. A pair of guards appeared through the front door and began to gather up the body, their faces pale. Illya turned Talia's face to the shrieking woman on the stairs. "Concentrate on her, Talia. Come on." He could feel her shaking subside as she focused on a task and they relieved the frightened maid of her burden. Together, they half-carried, half-dragged Monica back up to her room. Illya was grateful for the distraction for Talia's sake.

He knew that Solo's position was now endangered, as security would naturally be increased even more. And what about the Program? Would it still launch on time? Inwardly he cursed.

He hated surprises.