10. Carmen
10
CARMEN
E very person in the audience sitting in the Palacio de San Carlos held their breath as Carmen approached the podium. Morning light streamed through towering windows, throwing dancing shadows on the tiled floor in the hall. The same hall where an assassin's bullet had sparked against stone now witnessed a different kind of history being made.
She felt the weight of every gaze: journalists with cameras poised, diplomats measuring her words, and indigenous leaders whose communities had bled for this moment. But it was Jude's presence she felt most keenly—steady and vigilant at the room's edge, professional distance masking the intimacy they'd found together in darkness and danger.
"The evidence speaks for itself." Carmen's voice carried decades of diplomatic authority as she switched smoothly between Spanish and English. "Corporate interference in indigenous territories wasn't just unethical; it was criminal. The systematic abuse of humanitarian aid as leverage, the use of private military contractors to terrorize communities, and the attempted silencing of anyone who exposed these methods—" She paused, letting the weight of each accusation land. "That silence ends today."
Maria Elena stood with her fellow indigenous leaders, their traditional dress a proud contrast to the corporate suits who had once threatened their lives. The corporate security contractors were conspicuously absent, replaced by legitimate local forces that Jude's team had vetted thoroughly.
Through the cameras' constant flash, Carmen caught glimpses of her own reflection in the mirrors lining the stone walls. Silver threads in her dark hair caught the light, and the diplomatic mask she'd perfected over decades now carried new strength. She had survived assassination attempts and betrayal, found love in a safe house's darkness, and emerged with a truth as sharp as any weapon.
"The peace treaty we sign today ensures these communities will have their rights protected under international law." She met Maria Elena's gaze, seeing decades of struggle reflected there. "It establishes clear consequences for those who would use corporate power to override human rights."
Questions flew from the press corps. Carmen handled them with practiced ease, each answer reinforcing the evidence they'd transmitted from the secondary safe house. Corporate board members were arrested, security contractors were facing charges, and local officials had scrambled to distance themselves from the scandal. William Chen's betrayal had exposed corruption that reached into the highest levels of corporate power.
Her gaze found Jude again, noting how the cut on her cheek had begun to scar, a physical reminder of what they had endured together. Even now, after the threat had passed, Jude maintained her protective vigilance. But something had shifted in her stance—the professional distance softened by understanding earned in firefights and quiet moments between danger.
"This treaty represents more than just peace," Carmen continued, her voice reaching the chamber's furthest corners. "It proves that truth can prevail against corruption, that profit cannot override justice, and that some battles are worth any cost." She felt Jude's slight smile at those words, remembering whispered confessions in the safe house’s darkness.
When she finished speaking, applause filled the marble hall. Maria Elena caught her eye and nodded once, conveying volumes of gratitude in that simple gesture. They had faced death threats and assassination attempts together, but their communities would finally have the protection they deserved.
Carmen gathered her notes as photographers continued capturing the historic moment. She felt Jude approach before seeing her, months of working together creating an almost telepathic awareness of each other's movements.
"Nicely done," Jude murmured, close enough that only Carmen could hear. "Though I noticed you didn't mention the wine cellar fight."
Carmen's lips curved slightly. "I thought that might raise too many questions about my diplomatic methods." She straightened her jacket, using the movement to brush against Jude's arm. "Besides, some victories are best celebrated privately."
Understanding passed between them as dappled sunlight shone a spotlight on them. The hall where they'd first faced death together now witnessed their triumph, their partnership proven stronger than corruption or corporate greed.
Outside, cameras continued flashing as reporters rushed to file their stories. Inside, Carmen felt certainty settle in her chest like sunrise. They had crossed professional lines and survived betrayal, found strength in each other, and forged something lasting from chaos. Now they faced a future neither had imagined during that first security briefing in Washington.
"Ready?" Jude asked quietly.
Carmen met her eyes, seeing past the professional mask to the woman who had changed everything. "For the next battle? Always."
Two days after their triumph at the Palacio de San Carlos, Carmen strode through the State Department's secure wing in Washington, barely having time to switch her summit notes for intelligence briefs before the joint debriefing began. The transition from public victory to private accounting felt familiar after decades of diplomatic service, though Jude's steady presence beside her made this one different from all the others. The evidence they'd transmitted from Bogotá had sparked immediate action, bringing every relevant agency to the table.
The joint briefing room was filled past capacity, the usual territorial divisions between agencies temporarily suspended by the magnitude of what they'd exposed. Military commanders in crisp uniforms sat alongside diplomatic corps veterans while intelligence analysts crowded the edges of the room. The screens that lined the walls displayed their complex web of evidence: shell companies funneling money to private military contractors, illegal arms deals disguised as corporate security initiatives, and systematic abuse of humanitarian aid programs.
Carmen felt Jude's vigilant presence near the door as she began her portion of the briefing. They maintained careful professional distance—Jude the protective sentinel, Carmen the composed diplomat—but she caught the subtle warmth in Jude's eyes whenever their gazes met across the crowded room. Even here, surrounded by the institutions they served, their connection hummed like a live wire.
"The corporate security contractors operated as part of a sophisticated network," Carmen explained, switching between satellite imagery and financial records with practiced efficiency. Her tablet displayed real-time updates from Maria Elena about conditions on the ground. "They weaponized humanitarian aid, deploying former special operations teams to control access to medical supplies, food distribution, and clean water. Communities that refused corporate land acquisition attempts found themselves cut off from essential resources."
Colonel Matthews from Joint Special Operations Command leaned forward, his expression grave. "And they specifically recruited operators with intimate knowledge of our security protocols. Chen's testimony confirms they sought out personnel who could anticipate and counter standard protection measures." He glanced at several files marked classified. "We've identified at least three other diplomatic missions that were compromised using similar methods."
"Which is precisely why we're implementing completely new protection frameworks," Jude added, her voice carrying that particular tone of authority that still made Carmen's pulse quicken. "No more relying on local contractors or conventional security rotations. Every detail gets vetted through our own teams."
Several senior officials exchanged knowing looks at their seamless coordination. Carmen caught whispers about "unusual partnerships" and "crossed lines," but she kept her diplomatic mask firmly in place. Through the window's reflection, she saw how Jude's body posture shifted and her muscles coiled tighter with each murmured comment.
"The evidence transmitted from the secondary safe house has already led to multiple arrests," the FBI's liaison reported, spreading photographs across the table showing corporate executives in handcuffs. "Board members, private military contractors, corrupt officials—the network went deeper than anyone had ever suspected. We're still uncovering connections to similar operations in other regions."
Carmen pulled up the latest intelligence from indigenous territories. "The communities are finally receiving uncompromised aid deliveries. But we need sustained protection to prevent corporate interests from reasserting control through other proxies. They're already attempting to establish new shell companies and foundation fronts."
"We've identified similar patterns in Southeast Asia," Matthews noted, studying Carmen's reaction. He tapped his tablet, bringing up satellite imagery of disputed territories. "Multiple factions fighting over mineral rights, corporate foundations using aid as leverage, and indigenous communities caught between competing interests?—"
"The same playbook," Jude cut in, shifting slightly closer to Carmen's position. Their shoulders nearly brushed, the almost-contact electric. "But now we know what to look for."
The briefing continued as they coordinated responses across multiple agencies. Carmen maintained her professional composure while hyperaware of how Jude moved through the room, their months of working together creating an almost telepathic awareness of each other's positions. Every subtle shift in Jude's stance communicated potential threats or political undercurrents that most would miss.
A senior diplomat Carmen had known for decades—Alexandra Reeves, who'd mentored her through her first peace negotiations—caught her eye across the table and nodded slightly, layers of understanding and approval in the gesture. The old guard knew about sacrifices made for service, about finding unexpected connections in dangerous places.
"The State Department is preparing new oversight protocols," Deputy Director Harrison announced, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses. "Particularly regarding…unconventional security arrangements." His pointed look between Carmen and Jude carried volumes of meaning. "Recent events have necessitated a reevaluation of standard procedures."
"Our results speak for themselves," Carmen replied smoothly, her years of negotiating experience keeping her voice mild. "As recent events have demonstrated." She felt more than saw Jude's slight smile at the diplomatic deflection.
The meeting stretched into evening as they established new frameworks and security measures. When it finally ended, Carmen gathered her files while various officials filed out, their whispered conversations a mix of admiration and uncertainty about what her partnership with Jude meant for traditional protocols.
"They're adapting," Jude said quietly once they were alone. "Though I'm not sure anyone was prepared for our particular approach to diplomatic protection and extraction."
Carmen smiled, remembering safe houses and firefights and quiet moments between danger and victories hard-won together. "They'll adjust. Besides"—she caught Jude's eye, letting her diplomatic mask slip just slightly—"I hear Southeast Asia needs experienced hands."
"Mineral rights disputes, corporate interference, and a high-risk environment," Jude listed, professional distance yielding to something warmer now that they were alone. Her hand brushed Carmen's arm, the touch brief but grounding. "Sounds like our kind of mission."
"Already coordinating with your team?"
"Sarah's running background checks on local forces." Jude's smile held promises that made Carmen's chest warm. "Just keeping my diplomat informed."
They left the State Department together as evening settled over Washington. Tomorrow would bring new battles worth fighting and new truths worth protecting. But they had proven their partnership was stronger than protocol or professional boundaries—a truth even the most conservative officials would have to accept.
The drive from the State Department to her Georgetown townhouse gave Carmen time to shed the day's diplomatic armor. She watched the city's familiar landmarks pass by their unmarked vehicle, feeling tension ease from her shoulders with each mile between them and the formal debriefing. Beside her, Jude coordinated the night's security rotation with her team, her voice low and steady in the dark.
Home felt different now, transformed by everything they'd survived together. Carmen changed from her formal suit into soft silk loungewear while Jude completed her nightly security sweep with familiar precision. The habit should have felt intrusive after so many months, but Carmen had grown to find comfort in the routine, just as she'd grown accustomed to seeing Jude's tactical gear hung beside her diplomatic attire.
"Clear," Jude reported, though they both knew any threats to them had been neutralized days ago. She'd shed her tactical gear but still moved with that contained power that had first caught Carmen's attention in Washington all those months ago.
"You don't have to maintain the security protocols here anymore," Carmen said softly, watching Jude set the perimeter alarms. "We're safe."
"Old habits." Jude's smile held warmth as she moved closer. "Though I might have other reasons for being thorough now."
The admission made Carmen's chest tighten. She remembered their first security briefing, how they'd maintained careful distance and professional facades. Now Jude's presence in her home felt as natural as breathing.
"I've been thinking," Carmen began, turning to face her fully. "About what happens next. The State Department will have opinions about our arrangement."
"Let them." Jude reached for her hand, callused fingers gentle against Carmen's skin. "We've proven our partnership works."
"It's more complicated than that." Carmen traced the healing cut on Jude's cheek, remembering gunfire and safe houses, desperate escapes and quiet moments between danger. "I'm in my fifties, Jude. I’m a lot older than you, with decades of negotiating baggage and political enemies."
"And I'm a SEAL with PTSD who sleeps with a weapon within reach." Jude's voice carried equal parts humor and honesty. "Age is hardly our biggest challenge."
Carmen laughed softly, letting Jude pull her closer. "The missions will be difficult. Corporate interests are already regrouping in Southeast Asia, and there will be other battles that need fighting."
"Good thing you have an experienced protection detail." Jude's arms slid around her waist, steady and grounding. "One that's particularly invested in keeping you alive."
"Is that what we're calling it now?" Carmen rested her forehead against Jude's, breathing in the familiar scent of gun oil and safety that always clung to her skin. "Just a protective interest?"
"You know it's more than that." Jude's voice roughened. "It has been since that first night on the hotel terrace. Maybe even before."
The admission hung between them, weighted with everything they'd survived together. Carmen thought about all the lines they'd crossed, the protocols they'd shattered, and the professional boundaries they'd redefined.
"We'll need separate addresses on paper," she said practically. "Maintain some appearance of professional distance. The diplomatic corps isn't ready for?—"
"For what?" Jude's smile held understanding. "For a decorated diplomat finding love with her security detail? For two women choosing each other despite protocol and duty?"
"For me being happy." Carmen touched the dog tags that rested against Jude's chest. "I've spent my career being the perfect diplomat, making acceptable choices, playing by their rules. This—us—it breaks every convention they have."
"Then let them break." Jude caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "We've earned the right to choose something for ourselves."
Carmen studied the woman who had changed everything: the precise line of her jaw, the strength in her shoulders, the way her eyes held both tenderness and steel. Somehow this warrior had slipped past decades of diplomatic armor, making her feel safer than any security protocol ever had.
"The age difference doesn't bother you?" she asked quietly. "The silver in my hair, the career baggage, the?—"
"I love your silver hair." Jude ran gentle fingers through it as if proving her point. "I love your diplomatic precision and how you can stare down corrupt officials without blinking. I love watching you negotiate peace treaties and throw wine bottles at assassins."
The words made Carmen's chest warm. "I was afraid," she admitted softly. "After Sofia died, I thought that part of me was finished. That I could pour everything into the work and never risk that kind of loss again."
"And now?"
"Now I have something worth every risk." Carmen leaned up to kiss her. "Someone who sees past every mask I wear and loves what they find beneath."
When they broke apart, Jude's eyes held promises that made Carmen's pulse race. "So we'll maintain separate addresses, keep things professional in public, and let them adjust to our partnership in their own time."
"While privately rewriting every protocol they have?" Carmen smiled against her mouth.
"While choosing our own path forward." Jude pulled her closer, strong arms steady around her waist. "Together."
They stayed wrapped in each other as night settled over Georgetown, the city's rhythms fading to comfortable quiet. Tomorrow would bring new challenges: missions to plan, battles to fight, conventions to challenge. But they had found something worth protecting in each other's arms, something stronger than protocol or professional distance.
Something worth keeping, no matter the cost.
Evening draped itself over Washington as Carmen stood on her townhouse balcony, reviewing intelligence briefs about Southeast Asia while Jude cleaned her weapon at the small table nearby. The familiar click and scrape of metal components felt oddly domestic now, a counterpoint to the city's distant hum.
"Three corporate foundations have been identified in the region," Carmen noted, scanning the most recent reports. "All with suspicious ties to mining operations near protected indigenous lands."
"And two former special operations teams were hired through shell companies." Jude's hands moved with practiced efficiency, each component placed with precise care. "They're recycling the same playbook."
"But this time we know what to look for." Carmen lowered her tablet, studying the woman who had transformed from protector to partner. Jude wore casual clothes now, but that contained power remained—a warrior at rest, but never truly off guard. "Sarah's preliminary report suggests they're targeting communities near rare mineral deposits."
"Essential for modern technology." Jude reassembled her weapon with fluid grace. "Perfect leverage for corporate interests trying to force land concessions."
The casual discussion of threats and tactics should have felt strange in the peace of their private sanctuary. Instead, it felt like pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together: Carmen's diplomatic expertise merging with Jude's tactical precision, creating something stronger than either could achieve alone.
"The State Department approved our joint assignment," Carmen said, moving to lean against the balcony's edge. "Though Deputy Director Harrison made several pointed comments about 'maintaining appropriate professional distance' during operations."
Jude's smile carried warm amusement as she joined her at the railing. "I'm sure the mental image of his senior diplomat throwing wine bottles at assassins challenged his notion of what constitutes appropriate behavior."
"That was one time ." Carmen felt laughter bubble up, the joy of being alive and in love making even deadly memories lighter. "And it worked perfectly."
"It did." Jude's arm slid around her waist, strong and steady. "Though maybe next time aim for something less expensive? My SEAL training never covered the proper tactical deployment of vintage bordeaux."
They stood together as stars emerged above the capital's monuments, each light a reminder of how far they'd come from that first security briefing. Carmen thought about all the masks she'd worn over her career, all the careful distance she'd maintained. Now here she was, planning joint missions with the woman who had slipped past every defense she'd built.
"I received a message from Maria Elena," she said softly. "Three more villages have received medical supplies without corporate interference. Clean water reaching communities that were cut off for months. Children returning to schools that were forced to close." She turned in Jude's arms. "We made a difference."
"You made a difference." Jude's free hand came up to trace the silver threads in Carmen's hair. "I just kept you alive long enough to do it."
"You did more than that." Carmen caught her hand, pressing a kiss to scarred knuckles. "You showed me that some battles are worth fighting not just for duty, but for love."
The admission hung in the evening air between them. Below, Washington's traffic flowed like rivers of light, the city's rhythms a reminder of all the forces they'd challenged together. But here on their balcony, they had carved out something precious: a space where the diplomat and the warrior could simply be Carmen and Jude.
"Southeast Asia will be dangerous," Jude said quietly. "The corporate interests are already mobilizing, trying to hide their operations behind new front companies."
"Good thing I have an experienced, professional protection detail then." Carmen smiled up at her.
"I think we left 'professional' behind somewhere between firefights and safe houses." Carmen leaned up to kiss her. "Not that I'm complaining."
When they broke apart, the city's lights sparkled like earth-bound stars around them. Tomorrow would bring new missions, new battles for justice, and new truths worth protecting. But they had proven their partnership stronger than protocol or corruption, their love worth any risk.
"Ready for our next adventure?" Jude asked softly.
Carmen studied the woman who had changed everything: the precise line of her jaw, the strength in her shoulders, and the tenderness in her eyes that she showed to no one else. They had crossed professional lines and survived betrayal. They had found each other in darkness and emerged stronger in the light.
"With you?" Carmen smiled. "I'm ready for anything."