Payback is a… #4
Simo grumbled, “You did not see how heartbroken she was over what he did to her.” Simo’s voice was tinged with irritation as he continued, “How could a man that was that beautiful girl’s first lover, tell her he loves her, then go out the next day and get into bed with another woman?
Drunk or not, he is nothing more than shit. ”
Ari nodded contemplatively. “Perhaps I am wrong.”
“I’m sorry, Ari. I am tired…”
“My friend, it is fine. You speak the truth and know the situation better than I. I speak of this as Johnny has become rather… broken as well.”
“Oh?” Simo replied.
“Yes… also it is rumored he is in the running for a role in this film.”
Simo grumbled again. “Even after he was arrested for running naked and drunk down Santa Monica Boulevard?” Simo let out a short chuckle. “Not sure I want in on this.”
“It is your choice. No pressure, just an option for you and your team. There are risks to keep in mind.”
“Understood…” Simo paused for a long moment, then met Ari’s green eyes. “I have a question.”
“Ahh… here it comes.” Ari smiled. “Simo, we are family. Please continue.”
“I never knew you could handle a blade so well…”
Ari smiled as his dark eyebrow arched slightly. “That is not a question.”
“I am curious… why a Japanese sword?”
Ari held up his hand, smiling. “That is a very long story… I will keep it brief. When I was a child, my family’s chauffeur and I shared a secret, mutual enjoyment of early '70s martial arts films. He dared to sneak me into the rundown, ancient movie theaters in London so I could watch them. Later, in my early teens, I discovered a kendo club in London. After my studies, Albert, our chauffeur, would secret me off so I could train. He would always cover for me.”
“Your parents would not have approved?”
Ari chuckled. “No. Gentlemen did not learn ‘cheeky foreign’ martial arts. Had it been European fencing, that would have been acceptable. Though, had they ever found out about Albert’s involvement, I am positive Albert would have been summarily fired in disgrace.
” Ari sighed wistfully. “Albert was a great friend and teacher… it was he who saw my talents and steered me toward MI6. Much to the chagrin of my parents, my choice of vocation nearly caused me to be disowned.”
“Ari… just who were your parents?”
Ari shot a wry grin at Simo, winked, and chuckled. “I thought you knew.”
“No. No one else seems to know. If it is private, I understand…”
Ari’s smile faded. “We are best of friends; I trust you. What I am about to tell you is to remain secret. Mainly for your goddaughter’s sake, my Christina.”
Simo placed his hand over his heart. “My word.”
“My family are peers of the British realm. In translation, we are members of the aristocratic order.” Ari paused for a long moment, sighed, and then continued, “My father is Prince Michael Ascher Ambrose of Kent… Ah! I see you are surprised. Now you may understand why I was… nearly disowned by my family. My father has refused to speak to me since and has forbidden my mother any contact with me. Though, the… titles are still my birthright… but in truth, they are so silly, really.” Ari paused for a moment and continued, “The only people who know this are… Annabeth, Andrew, and now yourself. Although, I do believe Chen is aware, but respectfully remains mum. Oh, and Andrew is Albert’s son… ”
“Ah! Things make more sense now! Are you in line to the throne?” Simo chuckled.
Ari let out a little laugh and grinned. “Should you happen to see the registry of succession for the throne of England, I am 35th in line at last count. I am listed under the name of Aristotle Ascher Phillip Ambrose... of the House of Windsor. My real name. And yes, my family tree has a member of Greek royalty who has no real Greek blood. Like Prince Philip, who was born in Corfu, Greece, that is the only claim he has on being anything remotely to being Greek. There you have it.”
“I always thought you had an air of aristocracy about you…”
“Now that you know a bit more about me… what is with you and your desire to visit Miss Jessie Veronica James?”
Simo’s eyes widened momentarily. “Ah… well?”
“If you would rather not…”
Feeling guilty about not sharing as Ari did, Simo shrugged his big shoulders. “She has no family. It was Booker’s suggestion… guilt trip to Virginia.”
“I see… I’ll wager Mike Booker has other ideas.”
“Oh, he was open about how good a team we would make. I told him it’s never going to happen. Never.”
“Famous last words.” Ari smiled warmly.
Simo’s voice went quiet for a moment. “I can’t, Ari. I… just can’t.”
“Kryptonite, eh?”
“What is that?” Simo asked.
“Superman’s weakness, kryptonite.”
Simo nodded. “The green rock. Yes, kryptonite.”
“Annabeth is my own kryptonite. I understand… I wish you luck, my friend.”
Not wanting to talk about Jessie, Simo quickly changed the subject. “How is Christina?”
Ari opened his mouth to speak, then hung his head and replied, “She is well. She calls often and is scheduled for a visit. Though for only a few days… now that Annabeth is aware that Miami has been properly dealt with.”
“Theo and I miss her.”
Ari nodded with a tight-lipped smile. “She does send her regards… at every call. I am sorry. It is incredibly difficult… to discuss this any further.”
Ari hung his head again and, without a second thought, Simo set his hand gently on Ari’s shoulder. Ari kept his head low and nodded silently a few times as Simo gently squeezed his shoulder. When Ari cleared his throat, Simo patted Ari’s shoulder and removed his hand. “I understand.”
Ari reached out, patted Simo’s knee, regained his composure, and spoke. “Thank you, Simo. So… when will you be leaving for the graduation?”
“In three weeks. I will only be gone for a few days.”
“You should take more time, stay and relax.”
“That is a bad idea.” Simo smiled.
“Proximity provides opportunity, eh?”
“Yeah.” Simo nodded, thinking that too much time around Jessie will cause problems… big problems.
Simo reached out and shook Ari’s hand. “I better get Eleni situated and started with Chen.”
“Very well. Take care, Simo.”
“You too. My love to Christina and Annabeth.”
As he left Ari’s office, Simo glanced back and saw Ari staring at the picture on his wall of Annabeth and Christina.
His heart hurt for the man, as he understood, all too well, that heartache.
He thought of Jessie and wondered why he would put himself through the aggravation to see her again.
He considered the idea that he was punishing himself for his past screw-up with his ex-wife.
He was processing that idea when he found himself out on the veranda standing there as Eleni and Theo watched him.
With a jolt, he realized he had been standing there for some time in deep thought.
“Ready?” he quickly spoke, acting like nothing peculiar just happened.
“Yes.” Eleni eyed him and stood up.