Sanctuary

"Hi! How many in the party? Booth or table?" The cheery faced, liked her job way too much hostess asked with a smile. Andy reached in his back pocket and flashed his Cathedral ID. The stupid smile quickly vanished from her bright face as she set the menus down and turned towards a hallway, motioning for us to come with her. We passed all the happy, well dressed people, all the well dressed waiters, the high society folks, and into a back room, similar to the rest of the rest of the restaurant. Shiny wooden chairs and tables with white and lavender floral accents, elegant chandeliers, classical music playing, and a beautiful view of the city. In the middle of the room sat an older woman with gray hair, expensive jewelry and a cameo on. The now nervous hostess motioned to the two chairs placed on the opposite side of the table from the woman, and she placed two teacups in front of us, filling them with coffee. Once the door shut behind us signaling that she had left, Andy and I took our seats in front of her. She took a sip of her coffee and spoke.
"Mr. Biersack, Miss Bralow, I'm Rosalyn Abbey, Head Director of Cathedral. As you've been informed, we have a crisis on our hands. The Birdcage Operation is a go, yet again. You've been chosen for this case for many reasons. You've cracked this before, and you two are our best. I trust you two will keep your people safe and this mission discreet. You'll be faced with dangerous people. You two aren't stupid enough to leave your room without weaponry I hope. You need to shut this nonsense down and find that child dead or alive. Her name is Goldie Striker. She's 11 years old, blonde, fair skin, freckles, blue eyes. We haven't contacted her family, for the reasons you already know. Put your reputations in use, and stop this once and for all." The woman stood, placing her napkin in her chair, and the empty teacup back on the table, and started walking towards the door. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, kids. Your meal tonight is on the house. Be up and ready tomorrow." She walked out as another waitress came in. Silently bringing dishes of fine dining entrees, refilled our cups of coffee, adding two cold glasses of water, and two glasses of red wine, and walking out as quietly as she came in.
Andy sat glossy eyed and silent, as if he was still listening to Rosalyn talk.
"Babe?"
He snapped out of his trance and looked to me with ice blue eyes.
"Did you say something?"
"Are you alright?"
"Just thinking ahead."
"Don't. Let's just enjoy our night,"
he smiled and kissed me for a good three seconds, then picked up his wine and took a drink. The rest of our night was filled with what if's, three more glasses of wine, and wedding plans, and smiles and kissing. We had no idea what was ahead of us the next morning.

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