Page 3 of Palace of Betrayal

Bebe cocked her head, a frown marring her brow as her lips pursed in thought. “I agree it’s a good solution. Although I’m shocked they went for it. Multiple government agencies agreeing is almost unheard of, but why us? Surely Shadow would be the obvious choice.”

Shadow Elite was a secret group that handled this kind of thing, and although they were just as good, Zenobi was more independent. Shadow answered indirectly to the Queen of England and came under Eidolon as their parent company.

“I’m glad you asked.” Roz flipped the folder and spread out five pictures on the desk in front of her.

Bebe and the other women moved closer to get a good look. Lined up were five images of priceless gemstones. The Blue Water Diamond, the Blood Ruby, the Tanzanite Tears, the Mystic Alexandrite, and the Evergreen Emerald. All were unique and invaluable pieces.

Her eyes flew to Roz before looking around to see similar looks of surprise on the faces of her friends. “The Collector wants them?”

“Yes, and they’ve been pledged as bids for entry into the auctions. These gemstones were gifts to the monarchs of these five countries by Queen Lydia. As you can imagine, we don’t want them falling into the hands of this thief.”

“So, what’s the mission?”

“Each of you will go undercover in the Palaces of these countries and find out who’s entering the bid. The ultimate goal is to find each auction location and bid item and stop whatever it is from falling into the wrong hands. Identify the person involved and find The Collector. Each auction will trigger the next one. Bebe, that means you have the least amount of time.”

Bebe shrugged. “How long?”

“We think a month, six weeks tops. Here, read your dossier and if you have any questions, ask them now or see me later.”

Bebe opened the file and saw the image of a man who screamed power and wealth. Not just that, he also screamed secrets, and she’d bet her favourite throwing star he had military training. He was incredibly handsome, with just the right amount of arrogance in his bearing. He was also the Crown Prince of a country known as Soflye. Soflye was an island in the Mediterranean that had managed to keep its independent status, despite European nations trying to take it over multiple times over the years. They were a small, proud, and prosperous nation known as a tax haven, and therefore frequented by the rich and famous. “What’s my cover?”

“Prince León Cataleya is your contact, and you’ll be going into the Palace as his flavour of the month.”

“Urgh, a playboy.”

“Indeed, the prince is somewhat of a playboy if you can believe the press. But he’s also a veteran, so he has some training.”

“We know the press can’t be relied upon, but let’s assume they’re correct. How are we selling me being there so long?”

“You’re going to fake falling in love and turning the prince into a love-struck puppy.”

Bebe rolled her eyes. “And they’re going to buy it?”

“Yes, because you’re going to make sure they do. Prince León is on board as he doesn’t want the good name of his country embroiled in this shit show.”

“Who’s my handler on this?”

“I’ll be available to all of you, day or night. Back-up is available when and if we get actionable intelligence, but you can’t break cover unless it’s irrefutable. You also can’t contact each other unless I authorise it or it will compromise the others.”

Bebe looked up from the piercing green eyes of the man she’d need to pretend to be in love with. “When do I leave?”

“Plane is ready to go wheels up in an hour. A helo will collect you from the usual pick-up point in thirty minutes. Clothes etcetera will be provided for you at the destination hotel when you land. Details are in the file, but you can’t take the file out of the helo as we can’t risk someone finding it. So, grab your personal weapons and toys before you go. A burner phone will be given to you at the location when you land. I’ll feed your cat while you’re away.”

Bebe smiled at that detail, more proof of who Roz really was inside.

Roz stood and came toward her, gripping her upper arms. “Be safe, Bebe.”

Bebe knew this mission was different somehow. The entire world’s security was now in the hands of five women who’d been rejected and shunned by those same people.

“I won’t let you down.”

“You never could, my volchitsa.”

Bebe swallowed at the term of endearment Roz rarely used on them, calling them her little she-wolves in her native Russian tongue.

Bebe hugged the others and wished them luck before she turned and left for what she knew might be the most challenging mission of her life.

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