As you know, I'm a rabid fan of the late Vince Flynn and grateful that Kyle Mills has picked up where Vince left off. The primary reason for my love of the series Vince began is his hero Mitch Rapp. Even though there have been many of his "type" come after him, none has matched his status. He's my all-time favorite in the thriller genre - and beyond. Having said that, I've never been fond of the ladies who captured (Vince's) Rapp's attention/heart, so I've decided to create "The One" he needs to love above all others. (It turns out I need to write something while I wait for another story to take hold, so this is it.)
(To get to the beginning of this, go here.)
She stood, carefully judging her motive first and then her next move. "Mr. Rapp--"
"It's Rapp or Mitch."
"Rapp, would you consider having lunch with me? I'm starving and it would be good to have lunch in a non-professional environment. If you have time. I'm not the kind of girl who's going to analyze your every word and response in conversation. I usually eat alone. It would feel good to spend some time having a 'normal' lunch. Are you game?"
He gave her a look with a barely there smile. "Can I trust you?"
She let out an abrupt laugh. "I don't know, can you?"
Rapp started for the door and looked back, “Coming? I’ll drive.”
“We can go in separate vehicles if you’d be more comfortable,” she offered, suddenly feeling a bit intimidated by the prospect of having asked this man she’d long admired to lunch.
He paused with his hand on the doorknob. “I thought you said you wanted a ‘normal’ lunch. I’m taking you to lunch. Is that ‘normal’ enough for you?”
She walked quickly toward him. “Yes, sir, it is.”
He gave a rare laugh and held the door open for her. She walked out in front of him.
Once inside his armored BMW X8, he asked, “Where to?”
“It’s fairly out of the way. You like Italian food?” she asked hopefully.
“I do.”
“Head south.”
He noticed as he repeatedly and routinely checked his mirrors she did the same. Conditioned probably from an early age by her father and now because of who her father was. Rapp knew there was simply no way you could hide from everyone. No matter how much you wanted to or how hard you tried.
“How long have you known Irene?”
She cut her gaze away from the mirror to look at him and followed it with staring out the windshield. “About 18 years or so. I don’t get to see her often, but we try to communicate fairly regularly and if possible to have lunch once a month. Doesn’t always happen, but it’s always good when it does. She’s recommended several clients over the years. It’s rewarding to have someone like her have that confidence in me. Truthfully, for her to recommend me to you? Priceless. I didn’t think you’d show up.” She quickly shot a glance at his profile.
“Not sure why I did,” he replied after a few moments passed.
She gave him further directions. He pulled into the tiny parking lot and backed into a spot near the entrance to what resembled a small restaurant where he once had dinner in Rome. Strange to have that memory surface.
Christine collected her purse from the floor and began to open the door.
“Sit tight, Doc.” He got out and did a careful but casual assessment as he rounded the front of the car to open her door.
Father, only you know what happens tomorrow and today. Help me to do what you ask today and tomorrow. And to honor you in what I do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.