Chapter 6B
ROXY
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
The war room was a hive of activity around her. A group of people was intently focused on the large screen, observing a top-secret mission unfolding in an undisclosed location across the globe. So, no one paid any attention to her. Or perhaps they didn't want to disturb the legendary Roxy Powell.
She was seated at one of the workstations, writing her debriefing report on her contact with Ellen—or 'Prodigy,' for the sake of the report. She hated calling her that even more today than she had yesterday.
She was suffering from writer's block, amplified by an internal dilemma. Anything written in this report would be transmitted not only to London, but also to Canberra and Ottawa. An invasion of Ellen's privacy.
What could she say about her first meeting with Ellen Caldwell?
That this was undoubtedly one of the most wonderful encounters she had ever had in her life?
That Ellen Caldwell was a distinguished and charming woman, yet highly vulnerable when it came to opening to others?
That Roxy's certainties weren't quite so certain anymore since last night?
Of course not. And certainly not that she was a lesbian. It had nothing to do with what they were doing. Ellen Caldwell did not belong in this word.
"Everything okay, Powell?" inquired Carl Burns, arriving behind her just then, which made her startle. "So, contact with 'Prodigy' went well?"
"Yes, I think I've piqued her curiosity enough for her to get in touch. Probably sometime next week," replied Roxy, though she hoped she wouldn't have to wait that long.
"Good," he said. "Keep me in touch."
A message popped up on her phone at that very moment.
MSS Reception – 9:47 AM Ellen Caldwell On hold on line 3
"Speaking of the devil," Roxy said. Carl stopped in his tracks and turned to her. "She's on hold on line 3 waiting for me."
His eyes widened in disbelief, "Already? What did you do to her?"
Roxy held his gaze and replied coldly, "Nothing I'm going to explain to you. Anyway, it's handled."
If there was one thing she didn't want to talk about, it was how last night had gone. How she had felt all night, lying awake staring at the ceiling, with Charles snoring in the background.
What Roxy did to Ellen Caldwell? Maybe a better question would be: What Ellen did to Roxy Powell?
She picked up the phone, took a deep breath, and answered Ellen. "Roxy Powell."
That's it. Simple. Accurate. Professional.
"Hey, it's Ellen—uh, from the Chamber event last night. Ellen Caldwell."
Roxy couldn't resist finding it so sweet at that instant, feeling a definite pleasure in having that impact on her.
"Ellen Caldwell… yeah, that rings a bell.
You should know by now, Ellen—it's hard to forget you.
" Silence fell over the line, and Roxy concentrated, trying to hear any whisper of movement from Ellen.
And why did she say that?
Then, in a clearly shy tone, "I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time," Ellen said.
Roxy let out another soft laugh.
"Well, if that's the case, things have only gotten better. Good to hear from you, Ellen. What can I do for you?"
Roxy heard the faint sound of Ellen's cheeks heating up through the phone.
"Well, you mentioned you're a security consultant," Ellen said.
"Yeah, I might have said that," Roxy replied teasingly.
"Perhaps it would be wise to verify our protocols adhere to Australian standards, since our company is growing in this market."
Roxy laughed, saying, "Better safe than sorry, Ellen. I'd love to connect our teams and make the intros. What do you think about meeting next Monday at our office, maybe around ten? We'll get a presentation ready."
"Ten works."
"Great," she said, and her voice softens just slightly. "Looking forward to it… even if it's about security protocols. It's good to hear your voice again, Ellen."
The call ended, and the only thing Roxy could think to do was stand there and stare at her phone for a few minutes.
Actually, it was several minutes.
Ellen initiated the first contact after their meeting at Baxter. Not her assistant or anyone else from her team.
Her. No one else.
Leaning back, she pressed her knuckles to her lips, Ellen's phrase 'I hope I'll see you again' still replaying in her thoughts.