The Monte Carlo Affair: Across A Crowded Room (IATO Series Book 2) by Eliza March, Elizabeth Marchat Page A

familiar with that story herself. Facebook kept them in touch, but it had been at least a year since she’d seen them.
    Jason would also be showing up sometime tonight so she could complete their assignment.
    She walked through the apartment. There were traces of her everywhere already, in the plants she had added and the pictures she scattered on desks, bookcases and shelves. She would miss all of this after tomorrow. Her suitcase and backpack were packed by the front door as if for a short excursion. The story was that she would be traveling with her friends from America for a week, when in fact, she wouldn’t be returning here at all.
    The night breeze rustled through the apartment from the double doors. It called to her. Emily stepped out on the balcony, contemplating who she was supposed to be tonight. For the last three years, she’d avoided relationships. They could hurt you if you let them. Lately, she’d forgotten to listen to her internal warnings, but then she’d already discovered you could live with a broken heart. What would another shattered piece matter?
    The warm summer breeze blew in off the Mediterranean Sea, keeping the air from becoming stifling. The plants were a mix of tropical palms, cactus, citrus, and temperate foliage. The sea air smelled wonderful. Little wisps of wind whipped the lightweight curtains around the French doors.
    Her stomach clenched with unexpected eagerness. The nanochip that she’d stolen from Mosel’s facility earlier in the day was taped securely to her body. The chip Emily left behind in its place would be virtually undetectable as a fake until the terrorists tried to use it. She had a job to do. She would meet with Jason one more time tonight, and then she hoped Mosel followed her back to DC.
    Funny thing about tonight, three of her closest family and friends were going to be in the same room together, and to preserve Jason’s cover, the truth of their relationship would be kept secret. He’d never formally acknowledge family in public.
    Emily turned to pick up her bag just as the buzzer rang. She ran to the open balcony door and shouted to Jorge, “I’ll be right down!”
    Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the hallway, the night, and the intrigue.
    This is it!
    She’d been eager to handle a field job on her own. So far, she’d done her part, and now all she had to do was pass the chip to Jason. Then he would make the drop, and finally, she was scheduled to get out of town. He’d tell her about the arrangements later.
    She couldn’t turn back if she wanted to. This mission was too important for two reasons. First, the safety of the world depended on her getting the chip into Jason’s hands tonight. He needed to get it out of the country and safely back into the secure vault where it would be kept indefinitely. Secondly, they planned to discover those involved with her father’s murder once she convinced Mosel to see her in Washington.
    A tingle of satisfaction ran up her spine. She was her father’s daughter, after all. She’d never thought about shirking her duty. Anyway, now wasn’t the time for second thoughts. She’d gotten into this with her eyes wide open. She’d act her part and have fun doing it. Who knew when they’d let her out of the facility in Boston again?
    Tonight Cinderella was going to the ball. Tomorrow, she’d worry about Act II of this charade.

 
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    The bronze sun set low over the western Mediterranean. Light reflected a shimmering gold, casting flames onto the Casino’s façade as the limousine pulled under the portico overhanging the circular drive.
    The front of the building resembled a castle more than a modern day casino. The numerous tri-globed lamps lining the boulevards began to glow in the dimming evening light. Date palms lined the streets, interspersed with citrus trees of all varieties.
    A double marble staircase complete with ornate balustrades led to a luxurious landing. The enormous