NERVES OF STEEL

CHAPTER 50- A RECKLESS TREATY

Hassan finally spoke, his tone hard. "I'll consider your.....offer. But if this is a trap, Russo, I will personally carve out your heart."
Russo smirked. "You won't have the chance, believe me."
The call ended abruptly. Felix exhaled sharply, closing the laptop. "Well, that went....smoothly?"
Diane and Clarice moved to the table, finally taking a seat.
"This isn't over yet." Russo huffed.
"Man must have some serious trust issues, wouldn't you agree?" Felix asked.
"Why did you agree to the deal? That was reckless" Diane spoke.
He turned to her, his gaze softened but his tone remained firm. "Reckless is sitting back and doing nothing. Are you with me or not?"
"Always."
He smiled. Then nodded to the others. "Good. Because the real game begins now. All we have to do is wait for his feedback and then, the fun part starts. You're all dismissed for now. Thank you for coming."
"Always a pleasure. Do take care, General."
"And you too, Clarice."

Felix and Clarice took their leave and Diane was the last trailing behind them. Immediately they went out the door, she casually shut it behind them. Russo was surprised to see her return back to the desk.

"Something wrong?" He asked.
"Oh I was never leaving just thought I'd be polite and help close the door."

Russo smiled, getting to his feet. He walked out of his seat and stood behind hers, both hands on her shoulder he leaned forward, bringing her lips to his and kissed her. Slowly....

"Ask, love. Ask." He whispered against her lips, pulling away.
She let out a breath, her disoriented mind recovering from the feel of his lips against hers.
"What did Hassan mean by the blood of his men being on your hands?"
"My last name." He corrected, moving to the desk. He leaned his back onto the wood, looking down at her with arms crossed.
"So your father's sin?"
Russo shrugged. "So they suspected."
"Who was he?"
"A messenger who met his fatal end."
"Who killed him?"
"Still a mystery."
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How's that even possible?"
"I have no idea."
Diane sighed, tiredly.
"There's no need to wear a long face, honey."
"Well, there's absolutely nothing to smile about."
"Me for starters."
She swept her gaze up and down his body.
"Right."
"Rude." He smiled, faintly.
"What we're doing, this.... war against the Arabs. It's dangerous, Russo and I know this treaty is a plan of yours to take them unawares and get the Neuroveil but..."
"You worry too much, honey." He smiled.
"I'm serious. This is the time you must be cautious. Not everyone by your side, is with you."

Russo looked her, attentively. Ofcourse she knew what she was saying. A few years ago wasn't she the mole in his group? A revelation he was willing to let slide. Given that she was a different person now.

"You can't let anyone know that this treaty is a trick. Please...no one but your team should know. I fear if information gets to Hassan about our plan, we'll be the ones in for a surprise."
"You're right, love and thank you. I will be extra-cautious from now on."
"That's much better."
"Anyway. If it'll make you feel any better. Tomorrow's your big day, Diane Alvarin."
"What?" She was confused. "What happens tomorrow?"
"The Late Lieutenant Colonel Warner Alvarin, your father. It's his stature opening ceremony tomorrow at eight."
She gasped, getting to her feet. "What?"
"And you'll be the one doing the honors so get ready."
Diane clamped her hands over her mouth, overwhelmed by a thousand emotions and all he did was smile at her as he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you so much." She said.
"What's there to thank me for?" He asked, closing in on her. Bringing his hand to her face, he held it with both hands. "It's the least I could do."
Diane smiled. "To me, It's the best you could have ever done."