Diplomatic Bonding

Chapter 2: Desperate Measures

The plane landed with the sky cloudy and grey in Luxembourg. Claire sat rigidly, her hands clasped onto the armrests as if clinging on for dear life. Rudolf looked triumphantly out the window. He saw this as the beginning of a future he had imagined, one in which opportunity and fortune would fall into his lap. For Claire, it was a plunge into unknowable chaos, where she was left adrift in his schemes.

"Do you believe Mickey will assist us?" The silence was broken by Claire's question. Rudolf turned to her and spoke in a patronizing manner. "Claire, Mickey has connections. If he hadn't, he wouldn't have invited us. Everything will work itself out if you just follow the plan.

Suppressing the retort on the tip of her tongue, Claire bit her lip. She knew better than to object, even though the "plan" had turned into a noose that was tightening around her neck. Rather, she gazed out the window, observing the city as it developed. Its fusion of history and modernity stood in sharp contrast to the way of life they had abandoned.

It was just as tense in the taxi ride to the hotel. Rudolf's gaze flitted about, taking in the indications of wealth that appeared to mock him. But Claire said nothing, her mind buzzing with questions she was afraid to ask. Would a solution come from Mickey's enigmatic connections? Who was this stranger that they were going to become involved with?

Despite the gloomy weather, the polished stone façade of their hotel, a sprawling structure of understated elegance, gleamed. Mickey, Rudolf's longtime friend, emerged with his arms spread wide in an overly affectionate gesture as they entered the opulent lobby.

"My man, Rudolf! And this has to be the beautiful Claire," Mickey remarked in a charming voice. His hand lingered a beat too long as he extended his arm to shake Claire's hand.

Rudolf clasped the man's shoulder and said, "Mickey." "We need your assistance to make this work." Mickey grinned more broadly. "Definitely. I've always got your back, you know. Come, let's have dinner together.”.

Mickey picked a small restaurant with dim lighting and a faint background of classical music. Rudolf outlined his strategy on a sumptuous spread with the enthusiasm of a man who was certain of his genius.

Mickey's fingers were steepled under his chin as he listened carefully. Now and then he looked at Claire, his face unreadable. A slow smile spread across Mickey's face as he leaned back in his chair after Rudolf finished.

Mickey remarked, "I'll give you that it's bold." However, you will require someone dependable. Someone who won't later cause trouble. "Are you acquainted with anyone?" Rudolf asked eagerly. Mickey looked from Rudolf to Claire and back again. "I may. I've previously done business with this guy. He has no family or connections. He’s a free guy.

A knot formed in Claire's stomach. "What do you mean by free guy?" she asked, barely raising her voice above a whisper. Mickey's smile remained unwavering. "You'll see. I promise that he is ideal for your needs. Rudolf clasped his hands together. "Excellent! When are we able to meet him? Before he responded, Mickey's eyes lingered on Claire. "Tomorrow. But let's take our time. You must play your cards correctly.

Mickey took them to a peaceful café outside the city the next day. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Claire couldn't get rid of the dread that pervaded her. They were seated at a corner table when a man, despite his modest clothing, walked up to them. Mickey said, "Lucas," and got up to welcome him. "Get to know Claire and Rudolf."

Even though Lucas Jefferson, the guy in front of her, was a stranger, she felt some respect for him. His calm manner, the astonishment in his eyes—he was unlike anybody she had ever met. Lucas didn't meet the description of the eager, desperate man she had anticipated, one who may be persuaded by a little cash.

Her mind was racing. Really, what was this? Had he too been forced into this odd arrangement, or had he been a consenting participant? She couldn't read him and tell if there was more going on here or if this was simply another game.

“All right, Lucas,” Rudolf said, starting his pitch. We are searching for a simple agreement. Temporary union. We will make it worthwhile for you to assist us in establishing ourselves here. Lucas's expression was unreadable as he listened without interruption. After Rudolf was done, Lucas reclined in his chair and looked at Claire.

"And you don't mind this?" His eyes were searching, but his tone was neutral as he asked. Claire paused, her heart pounding. She turned to look at Rudolf, whose frown cautioned her to be careful. At last, she said, "I just want what's best for both of us."

Lucas gave a slow nod. "I understand. What's in it for me, too? Rudolf grinned more broadly. Decide on a price. Anything you desire, we will make it happen. Lucas's eyes remained fixed on Claire. After a long pause, he said, "I'll do it." "However, I have a condition." Rudolf paused his smile. "Under what circumstances?" Lucas's face stayed expressionless. “When the time comes, I’ll explain, but I’d like to have a discussion with Claire.” “What for?” Rudolf retorted. “No harm, Rudolf; we’re here together," Mickey added.

Back at the hotel that night, Claire confronted Rudolf. Her voice was shaking as she said, "You don't even know this man. What if he posed a threat”? Rudolf beckoned her away. “He is not dangerous. If he was, Mickey wouldn't have brought him to us.”.

There was a sudden rap at the door, and all thought was ruined. Claire's heart began to beat a lot faster. She hadn't expected anybody at this time of day or night. Fingers curled over the door handle; she neared the door warily. She already felt like she knew who this was.

Opening the door a little cautiously, it was indeed Lucas standing there, his mere presence filling up the entrance. He said in his even voice, "I thought we could talk," and there was much more behind that stare.

Claire stared in astonishment and perplexity. "Now? after everything?" A faint smile flickered over Lucas's lips. He repeated, "Now," and entered without waiting for an invitation.

He repeated in a hushed voice before Claire could reply. "I know you're uncertain about this. But one thing that you do need to be aware of is that it needn't be limited merely to paperwork. This means far more than you might suspect.

Claire's heart quickened. What was he talking about? He raised a hand to forestall her as she opened her lips to speak.

He continued, his voice now barely audible, "I'm not the only one who's been watching. There are others who are much more concerned about your predicament. Moreover, they have been monitoring you. Claire's eyes widened. "What are you saying? "Who?"

Lucas's face hardened, his eyes serious. "Don't think this is some sort of simple marriage contract. Claire, someone else is watching you. And they won't let it go so easily."

The words struck her like a slap, sending a chill down her spine. Despite her rushing thoughts, she realized that nothing in her life was as straightforward as it appeared.

And she stood there, staring at Lucas, while the question just hung in the air: Was anyone else watching?