Vengeance

62 OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND

The metal security gate guarding a condominium complex on Wordsworth Way slid slowly aside, making way for a black Lincoln Navigator with dark tinted windows, which entered the complex and parked in front of a four-story building. Christine O’Connor stepped from the back seat of the vehicle and entered the condominium, accompanied by two protective agents. On the second floor, Christine knocked on the door to Apartment 203. Nadia Harrison, Jake’s mother, answered the door, welcoming Christine into the apartment while the protective agents waited in the hallway.

“Maddy’s almost ready,” Nadia said.

It was Easter Sunday, the day Christine had arranged a White House tour for Maddy, following up on her promise to Harrison’s daughter a few weeks ago. Additionally, Christine had arranged a short meeting with the president himself, who had just returned from Europe in time for the annual Easter Monday celebration held on the White House South Lawn.

While they waited for Maddy, Christine joined Nadia at the breakfast table in the kitchen.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” Nadia asked.

There was something comforting about Nadia’s accent, reminding Christine of her mother, who was also a first-generation Russian. When they had lived in Fayetteville, the two women had often gathered for social visits while the kids played, although that meant Christine had to deal with the antics of Nadia’s three boys. It had been over twenty years since Christine had heard her mom’s voice; she had died from cancer when Christine was in her early twenties. Christine had been dating Jake at the time, and she recalled his arm wrapped around her, offering support as her mother was lowered into her grave at Arlington National Cemetery, joining her father.

Nadia must have noticed the distant look in her eyes as she recalled the event, because she said, “With everything that’s happened, I’m glad you’re back in Jake’s life. He needs a good friend right now.”

Christine forced a quick smile. It seemed that Jake hadn’t explained things to his parents — that he wanted nothing further to do with her, interfacing with her to the minimum extent possible while tracking down Mixell.

She shifted her gaze away from Jake’s mom, ostensibly to check on Maddy, hoping her face didn’t convey the emotion she felt. Fortunately, Maddy appeared around the corner, entering the kitchen beaming with excitement. She greeted Christine with a hug.

As Christine rose from her chair, Nadia asked, “When do you expect to return?”

“Probably just before dinner. I’ve arranged the White House tour and meeting with the president this afternoon.”

Nadia stood and joined them, giving Maddy a goodbye kiss. “Enjoy the tour, and be on your best behavior when you meet the president!”

“I will,” Maddy replied as she took Christine’s hand in hers.

“I’m sure she’ll do fine,” Christine added.