Book 31 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa is happily married now.  Favors have always been her currency,  and now even the President wants a favor?

 

 

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CHAPTER 1

The President picked up and answered,"Afternoon your Highness, what can I do for you?"

"good afternoon Mr.President, thank you for taking my call. I have a matter that I would very much like some assistance with," The Prince of Bhomeini stated.

"If I can be of help I certainly will, of course," the President answered.

"The summer Olympic games are being hosted in your country this year. Your city of Portland," the Prince led.

The President remarked, "Ah yes, we are definitely looking forward to that. Its a lovely city by-the-way you should visit it should you get the chance."

"I'd very much like to but alas, my duties will prevent me. My problem is one of the unconfirmed competitors. You see; I have a cousin. This cousin has a daughter, though raised her whole life in America; she's still a citizen of Bhomeini. Raised western, she decided to not follow the Muslim ways and became a gymnast. The family supports this and has encouraged the child. Now the child has grown of course and shows much potential. She has requested to represent Bhomeini in the upcoming games. Her request has been granted, from what I've seen and been told she stands the same chances as any of the other competitors."

"that's wonderful news your Highness. My best wishes to the young lady of course, I'm sure she'll give her best efforts in the games," the President replied," However I don't see how I can be of assistance."

The Prince chuckled, "my apologies for such a circuitous route. The problem is not all will be so, enthusiastic. In fact; some may be rather hostile about it. I called to ask about some sort of protection for her that would seem less obvious. Surely you'd understand how it would look for a group of men, competent and professional as they may be; but still men, would look to be watching over her."

The President was vaguely familiar with the ideals of the middle east pondered ,"yes very true. I see your point. Though not sure exactly how to go about solving this dilemma right off hand."

The Prince was quick on the take, "actually I read not long ago about that unfortunate business of an assassination attempt on you. You're life was saved by a woman was it not? Lyssa Kordenay? I also read that she recently married."

The President thought about it, "well yes that's all true, but you have to understand that it was a fluke. By chance that she saved me. At injury to herself no less."

The President scribbled Lyssa's name on a sheet of paper along with the sentence' get all information now,' and passed it to his aide. the woman nodded and hustled out.

"I would greatly appreciate the favor if you would look into the possibility of her acting as a chaperon for my cousin during the games in your country," the Prince emphasized.

"I'll see what I can do in those regards, Highness. Please do keep in mind though, Lyssa Kordenay-Mason is a private citizen. I can only ask for her help but I can't make it mandatory. On your behalf; I will ask," The President signed off.

Hours later he sat in his study looking over a speech he'd be giving in week at Yale when his aide came in.

"Sir, here's all the information I could find on her. I looked at the Secret Service file on her then I did a lot of asking around. Those guys couldn't find a hooker in whorehouse if they had a no-limit credit card it seems," she said flatly.

His eyebrows shot up at that statement, "WHAT?"

"I spoke to our embassy in Moscow. What came out of there was startling to say the least. The Ambassador's daughter attends Bolshoi. Lyssa is referred to as the Ghost Legend. In fact she told me in no uncertain terms that Lyssa is both feared and respected in Moscow. I quote 'any favor asked by The Ghost Legend is to be granted. no matter what it is.' Anything, anytime, anywhere," the aide stated.

The President set everything aside now, "are you serious? That sounds unbelievable. I always thought ballet was like modeling. A cut-throat business. Yet you're saying that Lyssa can literally have whatever she wants from any dancer, whenever she wants it?"

The Aide nodded, "Sir; the premier Primas Katya and Marissa BOTH were her understudies for some time. A former Prima tried to gain a principal position by drugging Lyssa and Katya so they could be raped by the producer, but Lyssa prevented it causing quite the scandal. The Prima and that producer were ruined. Katya was ushered into the spotlight while Lyssa kept to the background in the matter. Also not long ago there was an incident in London. She and two other dancers were kidnapped by a serial killer. The details are intentionally very fuzzy but the general gist is that she somehow got loose and turned the tables on him."

"Turned the tables in what way,"the President asked pointedly.

She continued, "He was burned, alive. Speculation is she may have had some time to do other things but MI-6 swept things under the rug, despite Scotland Yard's protests. One of the other dancers was a foreign national; French with some political connections. The High Echelon wanted the whole thing to go away. Fast."

"She looked like I do when I have papers to sign. The kind I don't like but have to anyway," the President mused aloud.

"Sir," she asked.

"Nothing. Where is she now," he asked.

"She officially lives in Virginia but sources say that she was really living on Grand Cayman but has moved to a private Bahamian island owned by her husband, ex-SEAL now private charter pilot with a shady reputation, Rodrick Mason when they married six months ago. He does have a satellite phone. The number is at the bottom," the aide answered passing the sheet of paper over.

He picked up the phone, "yes. Put in a call to Lyssa Kordenay-Mason," he gave the number then hung up.

 

~o~O~o~
 

Lyssa looked over as Rodrick answered his satphone, "yeah? Just a moment," he passed it to her.

Lyssa took the phone, "Hello?"

a voice on the other end stated, "one moment please for the President of the United States."

Almost a minute later he came on, "Mrs.Mason...."

"Please Sir; just Lyssa," she said warmly.

"Well you did wind up with two bullets meant for me, a bit of respect is called for," he chuckled.

Lyssa laughed easily, "things happen Sir. This call couldn't be a matter of conscience, is there something on your mind?"

"Actually there is; a very diplomatic situation has come up and I'd very much like to speak with you about it can you come to Washington tomorrow," he asked.

"Baby, the President wants to know if I can be in D.C. tomorrow," Lyssa asked Rodrick.

Rodrick thought about it, "yeah. About two p.m. is the earliest, we're out of flight time until five a.m. and I'm wiped out personally."

"Three p.m. Sir," Lyssa responded.

"Thank you Mrs. Mason, ah, I mean; Lyssa. Oh and by the way; congratulations to the both of you on the wedding," the President replied.

"Thank you Sir. The First Lady sent a nice card," Lyssa said then disconnected.

~o~O~o~

Several minutes later Kimberly came over the walkie talkie, "Lyssa. Lyssa come in."

Lyssa grabbed the radio, "what is it Kim?"

"Better get over here," Kimberly replied.

"ok," Lyssa answered.

Minutes later she and Rodrick walked into the office.

"What's up," Lyssa asked.

Kimberly frowned, "Somebody's digging into your past. I pinged the computer and got the White House. Presidential Aide and she is digging anything and everything she can find using Presidential clearance. what's going on?"

"She gonna find anything compromising," Rodrick asked.

"No way. I'm back-stopped like nobody has ever been. I planted the documents personally and hacked the social security from the mainframe itself. Just like for you Kimberly. Our identities are so solid there is only one way to crack them. Physically go talk to people where we're supposed to be from. and just for your information Kimberly, the private schools you and I graduated from shut down seven years ago. None of the teachers are able to make a comment and there were no yearbooks or anything like that," Lyssa stated.

"Yeah yeah. You danced your way to Julliard and I waited tables through ITT, that campus is shut down now and the dance schools you went to before Julliard were private and have since shut down," Kimberly reminded.

"So like Pete and I are the only ones with a real verifiable past and Star doesn't exist at all right," Rodrick asked.

"Essentially...yes,"Kimberly remarked.

"kinda puts it in perspective huh baby," Lyssa smiled.

Rodrick nodded, "yeah, now that you mention it."

Kimberly piped up, "ok. She hit the wall now. in a couple of minutes she'll either shut down or make a reqquest of the local FBI offices to pursue inquiry. ok. Not a couple minutes. She's shutting down. that's it."

"ok Kim.we're heading back to the house. President has asked to see me tomorrow,"Lyssa said.

"ok," Kimberly answered.

 

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CHAPTER 2

"The President will see you now Mrs. Mason," The agent standing at the door stepped aside after opening the door for her.

Lyssa walked into the Oval Office wearing the Dior signature strapless dress of butterfly print and white heels.

"Good afternoon Mrs.Mason, I mean Lyssa. Thank you for coming," The President rounded his desk and gently shook her hand.

"Well now unless the reason is seriously great, such invitation shouldn't be passed. Is there something I can help with Mr.President," Lyssa asked easily.

He directed them both to the two couches and sat opposite her, "Lyssa I'll cut right to the chase. The summer Olympics are in Portland this time and the Prince of Bhomeini has asked a favor and in fact named you personally. His cousin is competing in the women's gymnastics, a formal announcement is pending but she is definitely competing."

Lyssa remarked, "that definitely sounds like a delicate situation."

He nodded, "the Prince has asked that you act as a chaperon for the young lady and I can see his reasoning. You're held in high esteem for your works as a Prima with discipline unmatched and also that you made international news saving my life. Rumors abound that you have; uh, hidden talents, when it comes to looking after yourself. I ask, as a favor; that you use your fame, notoriety and any OTHER skills you may have acquired, to look after the Prince's cousin while she competes here in the states."

"That's a tall order for a ballerina Mr. President," Lyssa commented.

"Surely you could understand if we placed more, obvious, guardians around her? How that would be misinterpreted," he pointed out.

Lyssa looked thoughtful for a minute, "I believe so, yes. An Arabic girl competing in the Olympics though and gymnastics on top of that. I'm fairly certain there will be a considerable amount of...uproar?"

"Precisely. We're all expecting that. You won't be alone, we took in consideration that because of your husband you may not object to being accompanied by a SEAL," The President picked up a single page and handed it over to her.

Lyssa looked it over. This was nowhere near a dossier but she read anyway.

"Actually; he's quite the expert on the middle east, though young. Fluent in sixteen arabic dialects, knows the koran cover to cover and all the major players of islam on sight if needed. Hand-to-hand, small arms, communications, PARAMEDIC training. Academics are equally impressive; three years college for sports, sports medicine and middle eastern studies. Degrees in all of course, running back in high school. He's a real go-getter," the President sounded pleased.

Lyssa was quiet for a moment then said, "all that does sound impressive, but SEALs are alpha males Sir. He may not be exactly thrilled to be pulling a duty he may think mundane as personal protection. Especially a young gymnast. He may even think it beneath him. SEALs have egos Mr. President, I'm married to one."

The President smiled, "actually he volunteered when he heard about it. His mother was a gymnast so he doesn't disrespect the sport. Even said, and I quote, 'This could advance participation internationally' end quote."

Lyssa nodded, "Well that puts it into an agreeable perspective though I do see one small catch."

"What would that be," he asked.

"Well if a situation arises; I'm not a cop or anything like that. I could be arrested in the course of protecting her ,and for that matter, myself along with her," Lyssa stated.

"As sharp as I believed you to be, Lyssa. We thought of that as well. You'll be given temporary credentials of the DSS. In short Diplomatic Security Service; a division within the State Department in charge of security for visiting diplomats and other dignitaries as well as guards for our diplomats overseas," the President smiled.

Lyssa smiled back, "Well then. as a FAVOR. To YOU. And his Highness; THE PRINCE. I'll do it."

The President smiled and stood, "excellent! I knew you could be counted on for this. My secretary has ALL the necessary briefing materials for you and other things you'll need. Thank you Lyssa, and I must say; that dress is spectacular on you."

Lyssa shook his hand again," thank you Sir. It was made for me as a gift from Dior. May the rest of your day go as well as this small meeting."

He smiled as she walked to the door the door. Lyssa stopped in the doorway and looked back.

"A Presidential and a Royal favor," Lyssa smiled at him, "I LIKE this."

The President looked on as the door closed behind her. He suddenly felt unsettled at her last smile. Like he just agreed to something best used in fairy tales to warn of danger about making deals. then the words came back to him. She was both feared AND respected in Moscow. Did that apply other places as well?

 

~o~O~o~
 

Jerry Babineaux couldn't believe it. He would be working with one seriously hot woman. Lyssa Kordenay, ballerina extraordinaire and euro-super model. The guys back at SEAL team seven got a chuckle out of it. Him being paired up with a ballerina to protect some cousin of the Prince of Bhomeini but he'd heard of her and showed several pictures. that changed all their minds. She was gorgeous and intense.

He watched from inside the private terminal as she walked off a plane handed her bags by some guy completely covered in flight gear as if he was flying a fighter or gunship instead of a charter jet. A black dog similar to German shepherd walked by her right side obediently without a leash.

"Chicks and their pets," he said to himself shaking his head.

As she approached he gave a low wolf whistle. He was surprised when the dog began growling at him, growling that intensified as Jerry walked closer.

"Darlin' you might wanna tell rover there to chill," he drawled.

Lyssa didn't even lower the designer pink lens sunglasses, "He doesn't like you, why should I?"

"Jerry Babineaux. My buddies call me J-Bo. We gonna get to know each other real good darlin'," he drawled.

"I'm not your...darlin'.....I'm Lyssa. We're working together to protect Yasmina. that's why we're here," She said icily then muttered something in German.

The dog stopped growling but didn't look away from the SEAL. J-Bo shook his head in amusement.

A woman in a suit walked up and showed official credentials, "Ma'am. I'm with the FBI, Special Agent Tabitha Garand. The vehicle you requested is parked out front; a black Tahoe with an agent standing by until you and Ms. Faheen depart. We'll collect her
luggage per your instructions and deliver them to the site."

"Thank you Special Agent Garand. He's driving. You can drive can't you," Lyssa asked pointedly.

Jerry chuckled, "I can drive."

They both followed the agent out and he said softly, "my, you definitely are pretty when your dander gets up."

Lyssa didn't respond to him but did mutter quietly and Warlock circled around to walk between them. At the SUV Warlock circled it once then returned to stand beside Lyssa.

"Load up. I'll go get our young charge," She said then went back in with the Belgian shepherd at her side.

"My my, she's definitely pretty when her dander gets up," Jerry chuckled to himself then climbed behind the wheel.

 

~o~O~o~
 

Yazmina walked down the jet-way and saw a woman wearing black leggings, white blouse with a wide black belt and tall boots with a dog beside her wearing a vest emblazoned with the notice, Service Dog do not touch.

"Hello Yazmina, I'm Lyssa. You know why I'm here," Lyssa asked in flawless Arabic.

"Oh yeah, WAY COOL! And I speak English just fine," Yazmina giggled.

Lyssa smiled warmly, "well this is Warlock. He's a trained K-9 so its best not to pet him. We'll move rather quickly through the terminal, your bags are being collected by an agent for the FBI and will be brought to us in a little while but getting you to the vehicle is our concern. Its no secret about you, so naturally the press is here and its going to be a zoo of course. Warlock will lead and you follow me. Hang onto my belt before we hit the Pit so we don't get separated, ok?"

"ok," she sounded slightly excited.

On command Warlock began retracing his way back to the SUV when a flood of journalists surged to surround them demanding a comment in various languages.

"Make way. Make way please," Lyssa called out.

When the reporters ignored her and began to crowd she called out loudly in German, "SCHUTZEN!"

Warlock leaped forward gnashing his teeth and snapping malevolently while barking loudly. The pushing crowd fell back immediately to get out of the dog's bite range and Lyssa swept forward with the young gymnast in tow. One got too close and Lyssa slickly slammed her boot heel down on his foot making the man yelp, drawing Warlock's attention who quickly began snapping at him to chase him back.

"AUBEN," she commanded in German and the shepherd began clearing the way out.

Out on the walkway Warlock stood by the SUV door as Lyssa ushered the girl inside then commanded him to get in and slammed the door

"Go sailor," Lyssa ordered

"Aye aye babycakes,"Jerry sang out and powered away.

At the first light they stopped for Lyssa popped him hard on the back of his head.

"HEY! What was that for," he remarked chuckling.

"I'm jogging your memory. Or should I aim lower and apply considerable more force," Lyssa asked absently.

"AWW! I don't mind your little love taps none," he remarked wiggling his eyebrows in the mirror at her.

"WOW! That was so cool Lyssa. Is your dog gonna go everywhere with us,"Yazmina gushed.

"Warlock will be around from time to time. He's not a people person so I have to keep an eye on him but I needed him to control that crowd like he did to get their attention. Word will spread that I use a trained dog and they'll keep back just in case I have him hidden close by," Lyssa explained.

"That's SO cool," Yazmina giggled.

"Yazzie; I'm not going to try ruining your fun but I am your chaperon. I'm a reasonable person but if I ask something, please do it," Lyssa instructed.

The gymnast answered soberly, "I understand Lyssa. a favor. for a favor. a girl named Ekaterina told me about you last month. She guest taught my ballet class."

"So you know young Katerina then,"Lyssa asked pointedly.

"Lyssa; the Ghost Legend. PRIMA LYSSA; who will never let you fail, even if she must challenge heaven and earth," Yazmina almost recited like a mantra.

"Very good," Lyssa said," and so you will not. I will allow nothing less than your utmost best. At ALL times."

"Yes Prima Lyssa," the girl answered, suddenly remembering the intensity of the young Russian's dedication to discipline.

Minutes later they went through the checkpoint and stopped at the dormitories. Accomodations were alphabetical. Three interconnecting suites were held for Bhomeini gymnastics. Lyssa put Yazmina in the middle room. The connecting doors would remain open when unoccupied so that Warlock could patrol them if left behind. A quick change and down to a press conference.

 

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CHAPTER 3

Hammed waited patiently beside his uncle in the back as the many journalists crowded each other for the front row. Several men sat still on either side of them. Finally a door opened and a tall blonde woman stepped in followed by the Prince's cousin. The woman looked slowly at the crowd then glanced back to the girl who then stepped up to a podium and began reading from a sheet of paper.

"Ladies and gentlemen. My name is Yazmina, though I've been raised here in America, I'm still a citizen of Bhomeini. Our reigning Prince has known of my enthusiasm for sports; especially gymnastics, and when the chance came we discussed the possibility of representing our home of Bhomeini in the games. My mother was a gymnast, but she never made it to the Olympics. Her confidence in me gave me the courage needed to try. It is my hope that as the world watches all the athletes compete here in peaceful representation of their countries that we can all learn that not only in athletic excellence can the people of the world find unity, a spirit of togetherness, but also in our daily lives that peace can shine through. Thank you very much," Yazmina smiled to the photographers.

Suddenly a man stood up in the back and bellowed out a lengthy statement in Arabic and several men surged forward shoving through the journalists yelling.

Jerry watched as Lyssa held something behind her until the yelling start then he saw what it was and almost started laughing as he slipped in earplugs, moving closer to the girl. Lyssa carefully timed it and lobbed the object above the press. It went off with a 180 decibel bang and a one million candlepower strobe.

People fell over and lay strewn about and those that tried to stand staggered then fell over from the effects of the M-84 flash-bang grenade. Louder than a jet-engine and brighter than the sun with only Lyssa and J-Bo prepared for it and able to move.

"Get her out,"Lyssa said.

She hand signaled to make sure she was understood before striding into the fray. A quick glance verified no cameras were directed at her as she scooped up the man's Koran and pried open his mouth to shove it inside then slammed a punch to his right eye.

She turned and walked back saying casually, "Fanaticism and terrorist rhetoric will not be tolerated in any way here. Go home on your own or be sent; permanently."

Jerry got Yazmina down the hall, "you ok kid?"

"That was like, SUPER LOUD. what was that," she asked shaking her head to clear the swirling strobes in her vision along with the ringing in her ears.

The SEAL laughed, "that kiddo was what we call a flashbang. Fun; ain't they?"

"Whoa,I see swirlies! COOL! Who needs drugs when you can have one of THOSE things on a regular basis," she commented loudly.

Jerry chuckled, "you'll be ok in a little while sweetpea, don't worry."

He looked at Lyssa when she rejoined them, "i take it you understood what he said?"

"Hell no. I just got bored and said fuck-it. Yes DUMB-ASS; I did," Lyssa remarked hostily then turned to Yazmina, "Yazzie, do you understand exactly what just happened in there?"

The girl stopped shaking her head making faces and looked at her, "kinda, sorta, yeah. The guy in the back yelled out he was declaring a fatwa on me. From what I've been told by my aunties and all that; basically, its a death sentence. Um, in the name of all that is holy in Islam, yada yada, all muslims that wish to achieve paradise, blah blah blah; I'm supposed to be killed in the name of Allah the most just and righteous, all the doo-dah-day. I'm in big trouble now aren't I?"

Lyssa looked her in the eyes, "a metric shit-load of it and its not your fault."

"So what do I do," she asked looking alarmed.

"We wait a bit. Then tell the world that islamic law doesn't apply to Catholics," Lyssa said flatly.

Yazmina and Jerry both looked stunned.

"H-how did you know," she asked.

Lyssa smiled and tweaked the crucifix just inside the collar of Yazmina's blouse. Yazmina stared in shock then laughed joined by Lyssa.

Finally Jerry chuckled, "a Catholic. That's TOO rich. I LOVE IT!"

 

~o~O~o~
 

Hienricht Schneider was livid as Lyssa sat calmly across from him.

He demanded, "Frau Mason! What, in the name of GOD, possessed you to throw explosives during a LIVE press conference here at the Olympics?!"

"It was a tactical decision necessary due to the laziness and/or stupidity of the Olympic Security Group for allowing TERRORISTS into the aforementioned press conference. THE responsibility, and ensuing blame for which, rests directly with you. The IDIOT in charge. It was only a flash-bang anyway, nobody important got hurt and there was no property damage," Lyssa said in a bored tone.

She tried very hard not to giggle as the man's face and ears turned a bright red from his anger. Before he tried to continue his tirade she stood up and cut him off.

Lyssa snarled, "I'm tasked to the DSS and as such; I have the authority to utilize whatever means I, NOT YOU, deem necessary to ensure the safety of the competitor specified representing Bhomeini; by Presidential authority and that of the Prince. The ruler of said Kingdom the competitor represents. Now if you don't like it, you can go shit in your hat Herr Schneider but never-the-less, you better up your standards for the OSG because I'm very disappointed and have no problem saying so," Lyssa finished coldly.

"Now see here! This is the Olympics not some military zone," he all but screamed.

"I understand you're monumentally stupid when it comes to foreign customs. How you got this position is a great mystery to all concerned but listen close. the assassination of friendly foreign nationals on U.S. soil, especially during the Olympics, is beyond unacceptable and no idiotic posturing incompetent is going to facilitate said assassinations. Now if you don't like it I suggest you
resign so that someone with more appropriate levels of intelligence can step forward to administrate. By all means Herr Schneider, do your job but under no circumstances are you to even THINK you have any influence of me and how I will be performing my duties," Lyssa stated and made to leave.

At the door she stopped and said over her shoulder, "by-the-way. Uta bailed out of rehab again, didn't she? My my, heroin is such a nasty drug addiction to keep quiet. Someone might even think you could influence athletic results."

"How would you know about such things," he hissed.

Lyssa looked over her shoulder, "oh you'd be surprised at what comes my way. talk of your daughter, Uta. Your wife Isle's penchant for certain clubs featuring young men. That apartment in Vienna where you keep Veronika. Shame on you, she was Uta's best friend in school. Just turned seventeen didn't she? You're what; fifty-four now? Legal age now for her but still. Not commendable. You should pay more attention to whom you pass in the hallway Hienricht. You didn't even acknowledge when I said hello."

Lyssa slipped out the door without turning back. Heinricht immediately took out his cellphone and hit a number on the speed-dial list. Moments later he was swearing in German.

 

~o~O~o~
 

Yazmina had went through her warm up with other competitors for the floor exercises. She was still surprised at ALL of the Russian, and several other eastern block European girls, gracefully curtsying as Lyssa passed by them with a smile and word of thanks in flawless Russian.

When J-Bo had asked what that was all about, she remarked casually that it was simply respect afforded that they knew was earned and expected.

Yazmina had giggled the first few times Jerry flirted with Lyssa and called her pet names. But now she saw that Lyssa wasn't amused and slowly working her way toward anger. An anger that would soon be turned loose on the man if he didn't stop.

"Yazmina! You are not showing proper fluidity. Each move should be an extension of your last. You KNOW better young lady! AGAIN," Lyssa chastised her.

Several gymnasts flinched at the command and almost immediately obeyed. The Russian coaches nodded in approval at the authoritative American woman. They too, recognized her on sight and knew her reputation for excellence. Yazmina sighed then straightened and began again. Ekaterina had been right, Lyssa was a vicious taskmistress and would accept nothing less than one's best.

Her cousin, the Prince, had been outraged by the press conference. Apparently the Mufti, a muslim cleric that interpreted Islamic law, had not announced that he would be at the Olympics. Much less declaring a fatwa, death sentence in violation of Islamic law, for lewd and outrageous display by a woman. Traditionally a woman charged thus would summarily be stoned to death, struck repeatedly by rocks thrown by a mob until dead.

Being a catholic had been kept secret but now Lyssa had advised her it was time to reveal that secret. The first round of competition began shortly after Lyssa commented that she had improved and now just needed to find an inner calmness to carry onto the floor with her. After the groups of gymnasts had completed and given their scores they were each given a few minutes of
interview. Lyssa whispered to her that this was the time.

A reporter from Al-Jazeera immediately called out about the fatwa declared on her and how she intended to deal with it.

Yazmina stood tall and proud then said, "Mufti Harouk has no business being here and he certainly has no right to call for the death of a properly raised catholic young woman such as myself."

Several gasps could be heard in the crowd of press agents.

She continued, "To make such a RIDICULOUS charge is nothing short of an act of insanity. Its people like him that doom our GOOD world and give Islam a SHAMEFUL reputation. Islam can be a strong and dedicated faith, but NOT when it is corrupted by backwards thinking of power hungry madMEN, such as Mufti Harouk, who care nothing but to DICTATE the lives of others. I came to compete and bring athletic HONOR to my country regardless of RELIGION! I hope my dedication to the sport is reflected in my
performance in the events for THAT is what matters MOST. Thank you and now I'll make way for my most worthy competitor, the CURRENT points leader from Argentina, Lina Ramos."

Yazmina clapped and stepped back as the other gymnast walked forward smiling to her. The girls embraced each other in display of sportsmanship and wished each other well before Yazmina stepped away.

"Damn that was cool kiddo, you did GOOD," Jerry muttered to her as she stood beside him and Lyssa.

Lyssa herself looked at her steadily, "ok, you called him out. Now its his move, he'll take his lump and go back to Bhomeini with his tail between his legs or show himself as a serious radical and stay giving you grief. Either way now your cousin can step up and deal with him as can the U.S. state Department."

"How Prima Lyssa," Yazmina asked trying to stay on her good side.

Jerry piped up, "firstly the Prince can protest to have the visa revoked. To which the suit and tie guys will be more than happy to do to accommodate. Without the visiting visa he can formally be told to leave, and if he doesn't then the U.S. can LEGALLY detain and deport him. Lyssa and I can step in and make his life a bad walk down Main Street, Shitville. get it now?"

"Not just him. His whole entourage and if they really want to get nasty about it we call them out as a terrorist faction trying to operate in the U.S. and send their silly asses to Gitmo, or worse, and bury them forever," Lyssa added with an edged voice.

"Wow," Yazmina said with dismay, "you really have it bad for the Mufti."

"I have a thing against his kind. They're going to learn that they will not get away with bringing that stupidity here. We have enough as it is. Come on Yazzie, you did very good today. Time to get a shower and then we'll go get something to eat," Lyssa praised her.

"DA PRIMA LYSSA! I could really go for ice cream," Yazmina smiled.

"You did well on the floor and how you spoke highly of the Argentine girl is a plus. I think you earned a scoop or two but you WILL work it off first thing in the morning," Lyssa cautioned.

"Woohooo," the young gymnast celebrated.

"Sweet-thang; you ain't half bad," Jerry winked to Lyssa.

That quickly earned him a sore foot from her stepping down hard with her heel. To further drive her point home, at the door she used opening it to conceal a swift pop of her elbow at the top of his chest then swung her fist straight down to his groin making him choke then squelch trying to suck in air.

While Yazmina showered he asked, "the fuck was that for?"

"I've warned you once and let another slide. Now that I have your attention, get this very clear. I am NOT your darlin', or babycakes or sweet-thang and if you call me anything like that again I'll cripple you. Am I understood or am I wasting my time with a below SEAL standards knuckle-dragger," Lyssa glared at him.

Jerry slowly smiled, "aw honey. Those little love taps of yours...."

Lyssa didn't let him finish, like lightning she slammed the uppercut to his jaw. Between the punch and the force of it slamming his head into the hard tiled wall behind him, Jerry was knocked out and slid down the wall to the floor.

Lyssa turned and leaned against the wall, "I'm not your honey, either. Maybe I should've asked for one of the new cherries in Delta."

 

---

 

CHAPTER 4

"You LIED to me nephew," Mufti Harouk said with disappointment.

"But Uncle the girl is lewd and her display is outrageous! Not wearing proper coverings and showing the soles of her feet like a whore," Hammed protested.

"She is NOT muslim! Islamic law does not apply and you've made us all to be fools and worse in the eyes of our people. The Westerners will demand action, as will the Prince and he will not have any reservations. I'm surprised he's not had a call put through to me demanding my return to Bhomeini already," Harouk stated.

"Who cares about the westerners? They are infidels! Pigs in the eyes of Allah! The Leader demands judgement against the girl for her outrageous behavior; she must be slain in the name of Allah," Hammed demanded.

Harouk was about to speak when another man came in handing him a cellphone. After a brief conversation Harouk stood up and addressed the men gathered

Firmly he spoke, "Gather you things. Our Prince has been kind enough to purchase all seats on a flight that leaves in an hour. We will ride alone in our embarrassment."

After the rest of the group left the room Harouk turned to Hammed," well? Go and gather your things boy!"

Hammed looked at him defiantly, "No! I will stay and complete the work."

"YOU WILL GO HOME WITH THE REST OF US AND BE THE FIRST ON THE PLANE BECAUSE OF THE HUMILIATION YOU CAUSED US ALL. If you will not go along willingly the American State Department Security people will see to it you do. They are waiting downstairs now for us," The Mufti demanded.

"BAH! THE LEADER'S DEMAND FOR ACTION WILL BE MET BY A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF ALLAH," the young man bellowed.

Several men of the group came back in and grabbed him and began forcing him out to leave.

"I must find a way to make a suitable apology to that young girl," Harouk murmured to himself.

He collected his luggage and followed the group down with the struggling Hammed. Outside several black SUVs with State Department license plates waited to take them to the airport. They were driven directly to the plane on the tarmac, not the terminal and watched closely as they boarded the portable stairs. The vehicles remained until the passenger jet cleared the airport's outer marker border.

 

~o~O~o~
 

The rest of the women's gymnastics went without incident. The Mufti, wearing sunglasses, had been confronted at the Bhomeini airport and he gave a brief statement that he'd been misled about the young woman and he rescinded the fatwa. He formally apologized for making such a spectacle distressing all the athletes and asked that she accept his best wishes in the games to bring honor to the Kingdom that he'd shamed pleading in his zeal to uphold Islamic law he'd not been given all of the facts. A mistake he swore never to commit again.

A car waited for him outside the airport to drive him directly to the Palace where the Prince told him in no uncertain terms that should he open his mouth again publicly his tongue would be immediately cut out.

The nephew, Hammed, disappeared from his home that night amid rumors of dark vehicles being on the street sometime during the night and a U.S. Military flight took off before dawn under mysterious conditions. The only public statement issued by the Prince himself was that he had been, and still was, proud of his cousin for standing up for herself and representing the Kingdom in such peaceful competition among distinguished athletes representing their own countries with equal honor.

 

~o~O~o~
 

Yazmina stood at the jetway proudly wearing the bronze medal smiling, "Thank you Lyssa. PRIMA LYSSA! Who would never let me fail because she would not let me do anything less than my best at all times."

Lyssa smiled at her, "hold your head up Yazzie, you've earned a great honor. Be sure to always be worthy of it."

"I will! And thank you too J-Bo for watching over me and making me laugh when I needed to," she giggled.

"Did good sweetpea, ya mama and daddy sure be proud of ya," he winked at her with a smile.

Yazmina looked down, "Thanks to you too Warlock."

The belgian shepherd had been sitting watching attentively and gave her something between sneeze and a woof. Yazmina hugged Lyssa and Jerry then walked onto the plane.

Lyssa began walking toward the private terminal pulling her travel case with Warlock walking beside her.

"C'mon Lyssa. The job's done; we can let loose and have some fun. You know; now the kid's gone the grown-ups can play kinda fun,"Jerry drawled walking beside her.

Lyssa kept walking straight to a tall man talking on a phone in the private terminal who signed off, "We'll get on that soon enough."

Promptly he disconnected and looked at Lyssa then made an appraising noise. Jerry stood in shock as Lyssa stepped up to him and kissed him almost lewdly drawing more than one stare from passers-by.

After breaking the kiss Rodrick looked down at Warlock,"keep my wife safe?"

Warlock woofed then growled.

"Well let's go home then," Rodrick said.

Rodrick turned taking her rolling case with one hand and sliding his other around to Lyssa's back leaving Jerry gaping stunned. Warlock trotted beside them back out to the Gulfstream then climbed up the stairs.

Rodrick told Lyssa, "so unfortunate. Hammed somehow got transferred off the flight to Gitmo somewhere, but somehow somebody interrogated him and got a whole lot of info before he disappeared."

"Things have a strange way of happening in the Bermuda Triangle," Lyssa commented then walked up the stairs followed by a chuckling Rodrick.

Jerry Babineaux still stared in shock as the private plane pulled away.

"SHE'S MARRIED? WHAT THE FUCK," He said loudly.