Professional agents (2)
*Mission one: day zero - evening*
After the chat with Frau Kaplan, Vera and Sara left for the hotel where they would spend the night. They would go to Hohenau the following day.
Florian drove them, carrying Sara's luggage and offering his help to Vera as well. However, the latter just shook her head and lifted her backpack as if it weighed nothing.
«We reserved two rooms on the same floor, in case you felt more comfortable being close,» he said.
His eyes didn't miss how both the women didn't seem thrilled. However, they were happy to finally have some rest in a real bed.
Sleeping on a train - for Vera, not sleeping very much - wasn't healthy and didn't benefit their skin.
He carried the luggage and took the chance to observe some more. The two witches didn't like each other but were partners in the mission. Had it happened often before that day?
«Here it is,» he said after reaching the doors.
Vera unlocked her room and wished good night before disappearing behind the door while Sara turned to Florian with her business smile.
«Can I thank you for your help with a drink?» she said.
«Thank you, miss, but I'd better not.»
«Oh, come on... I won't eat you, I promise. If you don't drink, it can be a glass of juice. I'm sure there are some in the minibar.»
«I believe there is, but I have to return to my work. I'll come to pick you up tomorrow at eight. The journey will be long, so please rest well.»
That said, he turned on his heels and walked away. When he heard the door being closed, he stopped in his steps.
His secretary's sense tingled him. There was something bound to happen... He simply couldn't imagine the drama queen and that silent, weird woman going to sleep just like that.
He sat on a sofa behind the corner, conveniently settled there for the guests. The hotel didn't have waiting rooms on each floor, but there were sofas or armchairs here and there.
He didn't need to wait for too long, fortunately. Half an hour later, Vera's door opened again. She had tied her hair in a bun and had changed clothes. She had comfortable shoes on her feet and must have stuck her necessities in the pockets of her trousers.
She had left the backpack in the room and didn't have a purse with her. However, she was wearing a light sweater. She was getting ready for a night out, Florian understood.
Should he follow her? Maybe, she was going to do something absolutely fundamental for his report. But he could get caught, and it would have become difficult to explain why he was doing what he was doing. Even just staying there was crazy.
Soon after Vera's, the other door opened as well.
«Where are you going?» Sara inquired. «You can't leave during the mission. I thought it was clear enough. Not after last time.»
«You can't command me like this, Sara. I'm a person, meaning I have elementary freedoms. You can't order me to stay put in my room. Other than the fact that you're not my superior; you shouldn't actually order me anything.»
«Are you going to let loose again?» Sara scoffed.
«Don't be a dick,» Vera replied, crossing her arms. «What do you even know about what happened? You're just jealous.»
«I know that looking for casual sex during a mission is not very professional. What if Mister Kaplan heard? He wouldn't like it, and we're here to solve his case. You should pay attention to what you do because your behaviour influences me. I don't want to end up like Ethan.»
«Then stop me. If you can, of course.»
Vera crossed her arms, knowing very well it was not over.
«You should act properly while you're working. If you look for men during your free time, I don't care. In the end, you can't do anything against your nature... But now, you're under my watch. I simply can't see you...»
«Listen here, you witch,» Vera murmured, her voice low and icy, «now is my free time. I work from eight to five, don't you remember already? Those were your words. So, now, let me pass and forget about whatever you were trying to say. You're challenging my patience, and it's not wise to do so while I'm in such a foul mood.»
She took a step towards Sara, her eyes glowing orange. The latter flinched while a shiver crossed her back. She couldn't move for a long moment, which was enough for Vera to pass by her and walk away.
Not without throwing a glance in Florian's direction. He hid just in time and decided to leave in the other direction. There might have been another exit if he was lucky.
Sara glanced towards the corner as well, but she didn't notice anything amiss. Was Vera seeing ghosts now?
She would have driven her crazy. What was she supposed to say to the General? That she lost her because she wanted to have fun in Vienna?
«Oh, well,» she murmured, considering whether to go out, too. Still, she knew no one there. What could she do alone?
What surprised her even more was how Vera could have fun with strangers. She was anti-social at the agency, often in a bad mood and unapproachable. How could she meet new people with her character?
Oh, but... She wasn't going to meet anyone in the end. That time in Paris had been as rare as to seem unique. Unless Vera was changing her habits, it wouldn't happen again.
«What a waste of effort,» she murmured while returning to her room. There was a jacuzzi in the bathroom. Why venture outside with the luxuries inside the room?