Chapter 11: The Call

Isobel stood with her hands supporting against the desk, Vladimir opposite her, his arms crossed and Thomas and Marcus beside him, all four of them with their gaze directed to the black box in the middle where the speaker's white noise once in a while picked up, signalling that the long-distance call was connected successfully with the receiver in Matthew's compartment aboard the airplane. Thomas had recounted Lynne's plans, and at present the line was quiet. Finally, the scratching was replaced by a heavy sigh and Isobel could almost hear Matthew's eyelids flutter and close.

"We need to take the necessary steps to make sure we don't get trapped, but we could turn this to our advantage," the dark voice floated out into the room.

"You mean play the game?" Vladimir asked with a frown.

"My lord, I'm not sure how it could play out," Marcus said and glanced at Thomas. "Lynne is thinking the exact same thing and she's even expecting you to tag along."

"Well, if we're prepared for her provocations, we could push it as far away as possible," Matthew said. "And like you said, Thomas, my friend," Thomas straightened up proudly, "her argumentation will be loose and easily buried. It's the short intake of breath above the surface where the air is poison."

"The problem consists of the media getting a whiff of this," Isobel said and sat down, her hands resting on either side of the photographs of the Preston-girls. "And if Lynne is prepared to receive you in the airport, and people are there to witness it, we will suffer."

"We will suffer no matter what," Vladimir growled with a sour glance at Isobel. "That's the problem."

"We are strong, Vladimir," Matthew interrupted. "We can take a blow and we can suffer at the reverberations, but we can rise again. We've done so in the past and we can do it in the future. Marcus, send out intel on Lynne's presumptions and that I might get arrested when I return from abroad this noon."

"Yes, my lord," Marcus nodded stiffly.

"Pardon me, Matthew, but why?" Isobel asked. "Isn't it too risky?"

"Exposing you like that in public, Matthew, it's not just a bad idea, it's outright insane," Vladimir said firmly. "Where's Zacharias on this?"

"I'm right here," Zacharias' voice came through the speaker clearly.

"Gabriel too," Matthew said. "They've both heard it all."

"We could make a real drama," came the suggestion from Gabriel, furthest away in the airplane compartment.

"How so?" Isobel asked and threw a doubtful glance at Vladimir.

"Well, if Lynne is planning on making an imposing entrance upon the air strip, we'll do the exact same," Gabriel said. "When we arrive and the cameras are on in the distance, and if my father willingly goes along, I, for one, would protest and Zacharias could start off by calling you guys and make some media damage control. Show that we knew they were coming by acting like we had no idea."

They fell silent and glanced around at each other.

"Doesn't that expose my position?" Thomas asked and bit his lip. "If I'm required to remain at her side..."

"Let's face it, she's starting to be a pain in the neck for real," Marcus said eloquently. Isobel nodded agreeing.

"And dispose of her later, when the case closes on her. Should we give her anything?"

Another moment of silence followed.

"Give her fake bullets," Matthew replied finally. "And make sure she misses every target she aims for."

"How much material on the Preston-girls does she have?" Isobel glanced at Thomas.

"Not that much, but the problem is the likenesses of the cases. And she's also suspicious about their time frame," he answered. "Either way, she's trying to tie the loose ends and playing connect the dots, and it could turn out risky."

"What about displaying her as obsessed with us?" Zacharias suggested.

"Interesting idea," Matthew replied. "That could be your job, Thomas, if you're interested in a key role in this."

"I'd be delighted, my lord," Thomas said. "Thank you."

"And we'll play the harassment card?" Isobel asked.

"Yes."