The Red Countess: An Atlantica Universe Adventure (Valentina Winters Book 1) by Michael Anderle

Author:Michael Anderle [Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2021-04-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Valentina had never stayed long enough in the aftermath of her creations to appreciate how quickly the world could rebuild.

It took some orchestration, but a rousing speech from Deng Zenim atop the float drew the crowds back. She was glorious, drawing the eyes and attention of stragglers who crept back into their positions, cautious of yet another explosion. Although AJS officers tried to cordon off the area, there were too many people around to control. For Valentina, it confirmed that Atlantica relied more on money than authority. Deng Zenim was so entrenched in the Atlantica ecosystem that it would take some governmental big guns to change her command. By the time more AJS units had arrived, the festivities were back on track.

The crowds had only lost a little of their swell. The floats kicked back into action. The market stalls that were unaffected resumed service, and half an hour later than planned, the rest of the festival got underway.

Deng gave her keynote speech. It was brief but powerful, igniting the camaraderie of Atlantica that its civilians held dear. She spoke of her charities and the work she was doing to help the island and the world. The entire time, Valentina stood on the stage behind her, doing her best to duck behind her dancers and followers and avoid TV cameras. Although she deemed herself unrecognizable to many, she had enemies in many places, and the public eye was not a place she wanted to be.

Fireworks exploded under the setting sun. Boats lit up the docks. Musicians played. Despite earlier events, the rest of the evening continued as planned. Valentina sat beside Deng and her father in a hotel suite overlooking the congregation. It was the best vantage point for the fireworks display. They fed Valentina, offered her alcohol that she graciously refused, and before long, darkness took the city. The crowds began to thin.

“I thank you for your hospitality,” Valentina offered at last, rising from her seat. “However, I have places that I need to be.”

Deng placed a hand on hers, the bracelet's absence drawing Valentina’s eye, but not Deng’s. Deng held her stare for a long moment, studying Valentina’s eyes with strange scrutiny. “I could use a woman like you, Christy. We have many staffers in Tynamo, more so in my quarters. Someone with your…talents would do well in my employ. Would this tempt you?”

Valentina thought it over. She would very much be interested in this. She had been trying to figure a way to infiltrate Deng’s compound, and here was a prime opportunity to enter the abode and work from the inside. How could she not?

A voice spoke inside her mind. It sounded an awful lot like, What about me?

If it was Isabella, she had a good point. How long could Valentina successfully commandeer Isabella’s body? She would only need a day or two tops to get what she wanted. Of that, she was confident.

“I would be honored,” Valentina replied at last. “What do you need me to do? When do I begin?”

Deng gave a satisfied smile and patted Valentina’s hand.

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