NORMANDY, February 2016
Secrecy and deceit. They eat at one's spirit like a malignant tumour. They devour the good and leave nothing but ruin in their wake.
"Does he know where you are right now?" tanong ni Nikita kay Georgina.
"I told him I have a conference in France and will be back after a couple of days. So, yes. He knows where I am." She does have an advertising agency. It's legit. But her business in France is different.
Maaga silang nagising ni Nikita habang si Camille at Krista ay mahimbing pa ang tulog sa kwarto ng mga ito. They are at the Vanguard Triad Main office in Normandy. Kapag sa Pilipinas sila ipinatawag ay sa Calvados sila pumupunta.
When she visits here, it's as if time has stopped in Normandy. The structure they are in is a brick one with a steep roof, large arched windows on the upper floors, and sturdy balustrades on the porches. It's well-proportioned and symmetrical.
Don't be misled by the structure's age. It is tightly guarded by armed men and women who have received extensive training, and an even large contingent of armed guards stationed in every floor once you get inside. For the duration of its existence, digital data is shielded from manipulation, loss, and tampering by means of the data security. When Georgina joined the Triad, she contributed to the continued development of their cutting-edge technology, which is frequently improved.
"You're in love with him. I hope you're not pregnant... yet." Biglang napahawak si Georgina sa impis niyang tiyan. "You know the rules."
The Vanguard Triad recruits every year at nang nag-aaral siya sa Insead Business School ay isa siya sa napili ng mga ito. Georgina can speak different languages aside from English and Tagalog— German, French, Spanish, Russian and Italian. Her mission is to protect the Vanguard Jewel— Hope Diamond which costs two hundred fifty million dollars.
The Peacock Brooch, worth an estimated $100,000,000, is Camille's baby. Nikita has her eye on the Pink Star, worth seventy-two million dollars, while Krista protects the Wittelsbach Diamond, worth eighty million.
The rules. You cannot get pregnant while in service. You cannot be in a relationship with anyone from the organization unless the party is retired. And most of all, you can only retired at the age of twenty-five, or thirty. You lose that window and there's no way out except death itself.
"I'm not pregnant." She's on a pill and she has never missed her period. Sumimsim siya ng tsa at tumanaw sa malayo.
"Good. Your twenty-fifth birthday is coming up soon. I think it's partly why your name is on the agenda, Georgina."
Iyon rin ang palagay niya kaya siya ipinatawag. Either that, or they know what she's hiding. She will be tried once they find out— may God have mercy on her then.
"I'm hanging it up for good." Georgina meant her service to the Vanguard Triad. To express her amusement, Nikita clucked her tongue.
"So he's really the one, huh? Wasn't he the wimpy kid you're talking about?" Nikita is trying to irritate her.
"He is not a wimp. When we were kids, I was just... too much trouble, and he was too prim and proper." Only Georgina has the right to call him a wimp, and she does so just to annoy him. Lucian is not the least bit wimpy... especially in bed.
When Georgina is apart from Lucian, she misses him tremendously. Seeing his face first thing in the morning and last thing at night as she drifts off to sleep. She makes terrible food, but he eats it without complaining. She's not a very good cook, and the moment she is no longer needed by the triad, she plans to enrol in culinary classes as soon as possible. Georgina misses the comfort of their home.
When they met in Berlin, Lucian didn't leave with his friends. Nagpaiwan ito at nangakong hindi aalis na hindi siya kasama. She was there for a mission at palihim niyang ginawa ang trabaho. She was lucky there's no bloodbath. Hindi niya alam kung paano ipaliliwanag sa nobyo kung umuwi siyang duguan o bali. Worse, if she was shot, or stabbed.
After the mission, sumama siya kay Lucian sa California and from there, they moved to Toronto. They bring a lot to the table in terms of resources and expertise, making them essential to Canada. They moved into a little house they rented on Danforth and have been there ever since. They're both putting money away for a down payment on a property in the suburbs. Maybe in a tiny city like Cambridge. They could see this as a nice spot to settle down and start a family one day.
For now, what can she do though? It is her job to keep an eye out for anyone trying to take the gem and prevent its theft at all costs. She's the best IT on the team and fighting in combat is as natural as breathing for her. It comes to her naturally and that's why she's able to lead her team effectively. Her ability is innate. The Triad benefits greatly from having her at the helm.
"Oh. My. Dear. Lord. You are really in love with him. You care for him so deeply." Hindi mabura ang ngiti ni Nikita. She has always been a real romantic. Her parents separated when she was still a baby but it didn't stop her from daring to dream one day she'd get her happy ending. "I never expected to see this day so early, you know? You were more interested in cars and technology than men. Who knew the Italian would end up being your one and only true love?"
"Tsk. Wait for your turn, Nikita?" Napahagikhik si Nikita. "You're going to be so whipped you won't know whether to close your eyes to make sure he's not an illusion or to sleep with him to make sure he's real."
"Was that how you felt with Lucian?"
Georgina nodded. "And more. He's just... Lucian is someone I didn't think I'd fall for, you know? He has a normal life." At least for now.
Walang nababanggit si Lucian sa kaniya na sasapi ito sa samahan ng ama. Yet, this sort of thing is to be expected. Lucian will be counted on to replace his father as soon as that time comes. This is how things have always been done around their family. Their kind of family. Alam niya ang tungkol sa pamilya ni Lucian. Their fathers have been friends since they were teenagers. Naglayas noon si Don Lucio at napadpad sa Spain. Her father's family took him in. Her silence is not indicative of ignorance. Just because she doesn't ask, doesn't mean she doesn't know.
"And you're not normal?" Nikita smirked while she rolled her eyes on her. "Now, now. We are not doing any sort of crime here. We are keeping an eye on the priceless gems. It will benefit society as a whole. It's for the greater good."
"I just feel bad that I can't tell him anything. Alam ko, hindi lang siya nagsasalita pero may mga tanong na siya. We've been together almost three years."
"You swore to secrecy, Georgina. It's just something that we have to make peace with. Besides, you're going to leave the service soon. Just hang in there. It will be over before you know it." Nikita patted her on the back. "No more secrets soon."
TORONTOThe depth of your love for someone and the impact they have on you personally have nothing to do with how long you have known them.Lucian was already asleep by the time Georgina came home. Saglit siyang nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na pagmasdan ang lalaking mahal niya at hindi na siya makahintay na matapos ang serbisyo niya. The amount of money she saved overseas is enough to last for ten generations. Georgina doesn't need to work if she doesn't want to. Pwede niyang ituon ang oras at panahon sa pagpapamilya.Nang kumirot ang balakang niya ay hindi niya napigilan ang mapangiwi. Trouble found her during her trip to Ukraine where the Hope Diamond is currently being kept. Every six months, the gems gets moved to a different country, at naroon ito ngayon. Alam niyang parating ang mga ito at sadyang hinihintay niya. They were able to get past the security at the back because she purposely left it open. She wants to send a message to whoever sent these men. "Vy znayete parol'?" The me
Tinanghali ng gising si Georgina kinabukasan at wala na rin sa tabi niya si Lucian. It's a weekday at may pasok ito sa opisina. Nevertheless, he left her a note beside her phone.Good morning beautiful! I'll be home early so don't cook dinner. I love you! -LPThe note put a smile on her face. Para siyang tanga na hinalikan pa ang maliit na papel. And if her friends from Vanguard can see her now, uulanin siya ng tukso ng mga ito. Nang huling araw niya sa France ay tama si Nikita. Pinag-usapan ang service niya at diretso siyang tinanong kung magreretiro na. Malapit ng sumapit ang ika-25 kaarawan niya. She answered them truthfully and said she wants to retire. Hindi na nagtanong pa ang mga ito at inilagay sa minutes ang pinag-usapan.They will need her to do the turnover two weeks before her last day. They have new recruits often kaya hindi magiging problema ang kapalit niya. Ang hindi niya sigurado ay kung may IT ang mga ito na mahahanap na katulad ng kalibre niya. The Vanguard Triad kn
Another call came in to Lucian's phone from an unknown number, but he ignored it. He strolled up to the florist and picked out some blooms for Georgina. The florist has her favourite gerberas and peonies. Soft pink peonies and multicoloured gerberas would perk up this dreary winter day.Lucian saw two men harassing a woman where he was parked near an alley. He should go, but he can't turn a blind eye to the fact that one of them has the woman by the hair. Lucian began his training at a young age, beginning with firearms, knives, weapons of mass destruction and martial arts. He has a special fondness for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And the man who trained him was a former CIA agent who owed his life to Don Lucio— Danny Perilli. Ipinatong ni Lucian ang bungkos ng bulaklak sa ibabaw ng hood at saka naglakad palapit sa kinaroroonan ng mga ito. He doesn't want any bloodshed at sana ay madaan sa isang maayos na usapan ang lahat. "Is there a problem here?" Hinila ni Lucian ang babae mula sa pagka
"You know her?" tanong ni Lucian kay Georgina. Nagkukulay ube na ang parte ng mga mukha nito na may pinsala."I met her at the clinic earlier. Bakit mo siya kasama?" Salubong ang kilay ni Georgina at mukhang hindi natutuwa. Any woman would be in a bad mood if they found their man with another woman. Nature ng mga babae ang maghinala. "I bought flowers and I was park near the alley where they were in.""He helped me," singit ni Elena. Mukha itong nahihiya sa nangyari at nadawit sa gulo si Lucian. "I can see that," pormal na tugon ni Georgina at hindi siya natutuwa.She had a bad feeling about the woman this morning at heto nga— hindi nagkabula ang nararamdaman niya. Ang hindi niya lang inaasahan ay si Lucian ang madadawit sa gulo. Nang tawagin ng nurse si Elena ay tumayo ito sumunod sa babae. Naiwan silang dalawa sa lobby. Napabuntong hininga si Georgina at sinipat si Lucian. "Are you hurt anywhere?" "A few punches here and there. I will live." Lucian tried to smile in an attempt t
Ilang sandali pagkatapos magshower ni Lucian ay idineliver ang pizza. They ate in the living room while watching a random show. Pinili nilang huwag pag-usapan ang nangyari kanina. Sa halip ay binanggit ni Georgina ang tungkol sa pagtawag ng ama. Gusto rin naman niyang madalaw ito and it's the perfect opportunity to keep Lucian safe. He will be away for a few days at mawawala sa radar ng mga nakalaban nito kanina. "This weekend?" Tumango si Georgina. "Sana, if you're not busy. Nagtatampo na kasi si Dad. Hindi raw ako bumibisita. You know how he is. Medyo dramatic na nga. Ang hirap talaga kapag tumatanda." "I know what you mean. Tumawag si Lorenzo. Dad's sick but he didn't tell me kung anong klaseng sakit." "Did you call him back?" Tumango si Lucian. "I did, pero madaling araw doon ngayon. I'll try him again later." They continued eating at napaisip si Georgina. Would it be selfish of her if she takes him to Spain? Mas mabuti ba kung samahan niya ito sa Italy para makita ang amang m
Lucian thought the same thing. And it's not a good idea to bring Georgina in Italy right now. Mas mabuti pa kung pumunta ito ng Spain para dalawin ang ama pero kung hindi siya sasama, baka mapahamak ito. When his call ended, hindi siya kaagad pumunta sa silid nila ni Georgina. He needs a drink. Nagsalin siya ng scotch sa baso at imbes na simsimin, ininom niya 'yon ng straight. It burned his throat like hell, but it made him feel alive. Isa lang ang kaibigan na mapagkakatiwalaan niya habang wala siya sa Italy. He can keep an eye on them while he's away. Nang magring ng ilang beses ay sinagot nito ang telepono. "The devil rose from the dead." Malat ang boses at sa halip na normal na hello ang isagot sa kaniya ay iyon ang bungad."Kons." Konstantin Kozlov is a Russian man who is fluent in a lot of languages including Tagalog. "I need your help."They talked about what's happening in his family in Italy, at dahil galing rin ito sa maimpluwensiyang pamilya ay madali para rito ang tulunga
Nagfile si Lucia ng dalawang linggong bakasyon para masulit ni Georgina ang pagbisita sa ama nito. Mabibilang sa daliri kung ilang beses siyang nakapunta sa malaking tahanan ng mga Dela Garza sa Spain pero wala pa rin nabago sa kabuoan nito. It's still as grand as ever. The barrel shaped tiles in warm Earth tones. It's rustic and yet, sophisticated with its terracotta shades of red, orange and deep brown. Just like my Georgina. I always think it's a reflection of her— warm and cozy. She make me feel at home. "Hey, what are you doing here? It's late." Naramdaman ni Lucia ang pagyakap ni Georgina mula sa likod niya. They have three days left before they go home and it's a nice change from living in the city. Nagpapahangin si Lucian sa hardin nang puntahan siya ng babae. After dinner, he decided to take a walk para bigyan ng quality time si Georgina at ang ama nito. There is no doubt that they've missed each other. Her father raised her by himself and Lucian never asked about Georgi
Lucian had no choice but to leave Georgina in Spain and visit Italy. His father's capo and a few soldiers came to pick him in the airport and they were careful not to draw so much attention. Lucian doesn't want to be here but he needs to. Pietra was panicking pati na si Lorenzo. Nang magpaalam siya kay Georgina ay hindi ito kumontra o nagtanong kung bakit siya bibisita. Aware ito na may sakit ang kaniyang ama. Pero hindi niya masabi na bukod doon ay may iba pang rason— ang batang dinala sa bahay nila.Sa eroplano pa lang ay iniisip na niya ang lahat ng babaeng nakasama niya sa kama. He made sure he was protected, pero sabi nga sa condom ay hindi naman ito isang daang pors'yento. Kanina pa siya nagmumura sa isip niya. Sa kaniya ba talaga ang bata? The last thing he wants is to have a child right now habang magulo pa ang lahat. At kung magkakaanak man siya, si Georgina lang ang gusto niyang maging ina ng mga ito. He has fucked so many women... countless of them pero siniguro niyang wal