Coventina (28 page)

“How far is the nearest neighbor?” Layla asked.

“That I know of, but mind you I have not been here in a few years, no closer than three, maybe six kilometers.”

“We should bring everyone here, today, to settle in before dark.”

“Food, how far is a grocer?” Layla asked.

“That I will have to research,” Coventina laughed.

“Yes but first, let us get our work done at this lake,” Denise said.

“Back there, in that direction, you cannot tell with this fog, is the start of miles of forest.”

“Great. We love forests and live in one back home,” Layla said.

Coventina guided them down more dirt roads to Broomlee Laugh.

“Just say when, you’re the director,” Layla giggled.

“It’s a nice quiet morning. Pull up right over…there.”

They exited the car. Layla collected the tripod and camera from the trunk and followed them to the waters edge.

“Hadrian’s Wall is right up there,” Coventina said.

“I will rejoin you shortly,” Quintus said, as he walked up to the area she had pointed out.

Layla set up the camera. Coventina moved into place a few steps into the lake. Denise had asked her to speak from her heart after having earlier gone over the script, or gist of what she wanted the message to convey.

Quintus was mentally somewhere far removed from a message. He was thinking of the inevitable confrontation with those he felt compelled to pay back for their crimes against the love of his life and her family.

The morning sun broke though a break in some passing clouds, sending a beam of sunlight directly onto the lake that was the backdrop for Coventina’s message.

From where he stood, Quintus thought she looked like a goddess.

Rage

Rosina was speeding back to Rome, the sun setting through her driver side window. Aaron was asleep in the seat next to her. Mario had almost pleaded with her to stay with him as a guest, like Pietro and Ines agreed to do, until they could sort out what was happening. But she would not listen. She found it impossible to stay in one place when she was so angry, when she felt threatened, and she felt both, in droves. She knew that the stash of cash she had in a safe deposit box was all she had in the world, after so many years of hard work. Thinking about it just made her angrier. She wondered if anything more could happen to make things worse, and longed for the possibility of getting her hands on the Water Goddess, whoever she or he was.

When she finally made it back to Rome she decided to stop by one of the sex slave operations she profited from while Aaron was still half asleep. She could see the reflection of flashing lights before she got to the corner. She switched off her headlights and pulled up to the corner slowly. The operation was being raided. There were cops and SWAT teams in the street. Women were being carried out on stretchers or being helped if they could walk, to the waiting bus and ambulances.

“Aaron. AARON WAKE THE FUCK UP AND LOOK AT THIS!” she screamed.

“What the fuck Rosina, I was,” he started to say before he was cut off by her forcing his head to turn to the right and see what was happening. “Fuck.”

“Fuck is right. Let Pietro and Mario know. I am going to cruise past some of the other places.”

“They are going to be so fucking pissed.”

Rosina put the car in reverse and backed it up down the street to the next corner to avoid being seen. “We have to assume they know who we are, where we live, what we drive. Aargh, just let me get my hands on this bitch Water Goddess.”

“They want us to check out every operation and report back to Mario’s place, in person. He does not think we are going to be safe if we remain in Rome.”

On the way to two of the other sites that she would find were also in the midst of being raided, she passed by Aaron’s place. “Should I chance it?” he asked. They did not see any police outside of it.

“You’re call. They could be anywhere, waiting, they could be inside waiting for you already.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I am going to chance it. If I am not back down in two minutes leave without me.”

Rosina looked at her watch. “The clock is already ticking.”

Aaron simply walked up to the door and entered. Rosina could see light moving inside from a flashlight and put the car in gear. Just before the two-minute mark Aaron came running out with two large suitcases.

“Back seat. There is no room in the trunk for those big fucking things, what the fuck is in there?”

“Just some clothes in one, and some firepower in the other.”

“Firepower. Good.”

She drove the next few blocks with the lights off. Before they got to her place they passed a fourth site that was being raided. “I wonder if that bitch is being raided in Spain?” she asked.

Aaron did not answer.

It was too late for her to retrieve anything from her place. There were two cars in front. The front door appeared to be resting on its side as if it had been battered in.

Rosina started cursing in Italian. Everything in her apartment was lost, unless she wanted to turn herself in and post some outrageous bail to see what was left. “If I get my hands on this Water Goddess I am going to,” she started to say when her phone rang. It was Ines. “What is it? Do you realize I can’t even get into my fucking place? It is being raided, just like everything else.” Rosina said.

“That is in part the reason I am calling. There is a gun battle raging outside my place in Spain. Check your email. I have sent you something.”

Rosina did as she asked and opened the email from her.

“Do you recognize that woman?” Ines asked.

Rosina looked at an image of Coventina with a small bruise on her face, no makeup, obviously taken by a Cel phone camera. “Yes, I do.”

“This is our Water Goddess. Put it all together. It has to be her.”

“We murdered her family, and missed her.”

“It is, I just know it is.”

“So who is helping her? How could she put this all together is such a short time?”

“I am not sure Rosina. Get back here as quick as you can. Get the fuck out of Rome.”

“We’re on our way.”

Rosina stopped for gas on the outskirts of the city and sped back to Mario’s place. She did not speak. She was too angry to speak. She imagined police going through everything she owned and would let out a scream.

When they made it back to Mario’s there were more than a dozen men on the grounds, a few with dogs.

“Keep those fucking dogs away from me,” Rosina said when she got out of her car.

“They are waiting for you inside. I’ve been instructed to tell you to bring your computers with you,” Renaldo said.

Gino greeted them and escorted them into the house. “There is plenty to eat. I know you must be hungry, you’ve been on the go all day.”

“I will have something to eat, thanks,” Rosina said.

“Yes, but first, Mario wanted to see you first thing, as soon as you arrived.”

When the doors opened and they stepped into a study, the face of Coventina speaking on the large screen on the wall greeted them.

Ines turned to Rosina and said, “My suspicions have been confirmed. She is the Water Goddess. Check your computers. We have all received this video message.”

The words of Coventina on the video seemed to pound into Rosina’s head as she sat down and turned on her computer.

“I wanted all of you to know exactly who has taken everything from you.”

I will find you, and when I do, you will die a slow and painful death,
Rosina thought.

The face of Coventina on the large screen did not look like someone who was finished with them all.

Change

“Considering the time you have left, it might be best to change your plans,” Aja said.

Denise looked like she wanted this cloud to be past her. “Really?”

“Yes. They are all in the same place, now. If you try to lure them to you in the U.K. there is no telling how long they will take to make it there. Sure they are beyond pissed, but I simply don’t believe they are going to rush in blindly, especially traveling to the U.K.”

“You’re always thinking a step ahead.”

“And, there is Coventina’s property. Why taint that too? No one knows of it. I know she has said she will leave, and Anna believes she will leave as well, but they have not left yet.”

“You are wise Aja.”

The layout of the place is something you should have no problem approaching with your stealth advantage. Still, I can’t help but worry. You all have to get away once the shit hits the fan.”

Layla walked in the door. “You two look a bit glum.”

“Aja and I have been discussing ending this at Mario’s. They are all gathered there, including Rosina. What do you think?”

“I feel better confronting them on their turf and getting away rather than having them come at us from anywhere, and when?”

“You mention a key word, getaway.”

“Well we can’t fit them all in the Mustang, Layla sighed.

“We could fit them all in two,” Denise said, her eyes widening as she spoke.

“Why use a Mustang at all?” Aja said.

“Continue,” Denise smiled.

“Your friends upstairs can place you close enough that you would not need a car. It could be the same rallying point to be collected by them when it is over.”

“You know honey, you and I alone faced greater odds in Mexico, and we did it without the Mustang.”

“Yes, but one of us almost did not survive,” Layla said quietly.

Denise walked to the door and looked out at the others enjoying the night air.

“How can we be sure they will all stay there?”

“Their emails show they plan on hiding out there and planning a course of action,” Aja said.

“Their emails? You do not suspect they are being sent to deceive prying eyes?”

“No, I don’t. They are reeling, wondering what if anything else is coming their way. If I was in their shoes, I would try to stay as safe and protected as possible.”

“The opportunity is there. We must seize it,” Layla said.

“Yes Supergirl, I believe you both are right. Where is Quintus?”

“He is outside. They are all outside.”

“Want to join me my dear friends?”

“Lead the way,” Aja smiled.

“Bring the bottle,” Denise laughed, motioning to the wine.

They sat down next to Quintus and Coventina.

“We’ve been discussing a change of plans,” Denise said.

“Please share your thoughts,” Quintus said.

Those responsible for the harm caused to you all are gathered in one place. Our intelligence if you will, believes they will remain there, but not for long. Considering the time left before those of you who choose to do so must depart, we think it best to pay them a visit where they are, rather than hoping we can lure them to the U.K. in time.”

“My men will do what we decide,” Quintus said.

“As shall I,” Coventina said.

“The area is secluded, but it is already well guarded. Their numbers are superior,” Layla said.

“But we will have the element of surprise,” Denise smiled.

When do you think it best to, visit them?”

“I wanted to discuss that with you, since you are the warrior. Would it be better for us at night or during the day when we can see all?”

“Since we have the advantage of all that these medallions offer, I would prefer the day, when it is light. First light if possible.”

“First light is in eight hours or it is in thirty two hours,” Layla said.

“Thirty two hours seems a long time to keep this rabble together,” Aja said.

“Do you have an idea how they are reacting to today’s events?” Coventina asked.

“Enraged. Uncertain about their futures, frightened, being very cautious. They believe they are in a place that is safe.

“Against others that might be true. I am leaving the timing up to you,” Denise said.

Quintus called over the other legionnaires and quickly discussed the potential new plan with them.

“I don’t like waiting for battle, never have,” Marcus said.

Lucius smiled at Aja and spoke. “Tonight if possible.”

The others all agreed, the sooner the better.

“Do you want to contact Mys or shall I? We move at first light,” Quintus said.

Denise looked at Layla who was sporting a smile.
Well Supergirl?

I’m with them. Let’s move at first light.

“I will get ahold of Mys then,” Denise said.

Fit

Aaron got up and followed Rosina who had stormed out of the house. “Rosina, stop, where are you going?”

“I am not going to let him talk to me like that. He’s lucky I did not stick my fork in his eye.”

“Well then just go to the guesthouse. I’ll go there with you.”

“He’s fucking that bitch, it’s obvious.”

“Yeah, well, why should that bother you?”

“I don’t trust her.”

“It would be safer to stay here. Come on, we’ll go hang out in the other building, the guesthouse. He’s just been drinking too much.”

“No. I need to get away from them. I can’t think around them. I cannot explain it, but I have a strong sense of foreboding being here.”

“Want me to come with you?”

“No. I think best alone. You can reach me on the phone if there is some emergency.

“I thought you said not to use our phones,” Aaron sighed.

“Here,” she said, handing him a cheap prepaid phone she took out of her bag. “It has my number on the other one that cannot be traced to us. Don’t use it unless it is absolutely necessary.”

“Be careful. Will you be back tomorrow?”

“I plan on it, but I am not promising anything.”

Rosina closed the car door behind her, started the engine and left the villa behind her in the darkness.

She turned north. I hope she is not going back to Rome,
Aaron thought.

After heading north for a about a mile she took the first left she came to, a very narrow road that led to the coast. She knew the area well, having frequented it much as a teenager. She received a text on her phone from Aaron.
MARIO SAID IF YOU ARE HEADING TO ROME HE WILL PUT OUT AN ORDER TO HAVE YOU SHOT ON SIGHT.