Meanwhile, elsewhere
Philby watched through the huge windows that overlooked the helipad. There was a slight mist forming, but it shouldn’t hinder landing. He could see the approaching helicopter and shivered in anticipation.
It had taken almost all his remaining money to relocate the lab and staff up here to a hidden setting in the middle of the Swiss Alps.
He couldn’t wait to offload his present project, get paid, and jet off to Hamburg. There was another client there interested in a Bucky clone, and once that was concluded he would have enough money to finally dismantle everything and disappear from the face of the earth. He was tired of constantly looking over his shoulder.
Considering he hadn’t got paid a penny from Sgt. Barnes for his ‘Catclone, he was rather looking forward to making a pliant Buckyslave for the Lady in Germany, if the money was right. And, let’s face it, it probably would be.
But, back to the matter in hand. The helicopter had landed, and a bundled figure was being deferentially escorted inside.
Countess Brigadier Constance Patricia Clytemnestra Bridlington-Smythe removed her thick white furs to reveal a long figure-hugging blood-red dress, that must have cost more than the annual salary of the flunkie that politely took her coat and left the room.
She looked Philby up and down as she removed her elbow-length crimson gloves and placed them in her clutch.
“Well?” she asked imperiously. “Don’t keep me waiting.”
Philby stuttered, motioned to the tea tray on the desk, quite lost for words again whilst in her presence. She was stunning.
She waved her hand. “I’ve no time for that, dear boy.” She looked around the meeting room. “Take me to him.”
Philby collected himself. “This way, if you please.” he said, and he was very pleased at how his voice sounded. He ushered her through the other doors and out into the corridor leading to the reception room. She glided to his side, her six-inch-heeled sueded boots making her hips sway seductively.
“How has he come out?” she asked, conversationally. Her voice was low and hypnotic. He envied Hydra agents their training. They were always so cool and detached.
“Perfect,” he answered. “An exact copy, with full memory up to the date of the initial bioharvesting, which was about a year ago.”
“And the rest…?”
“As per your specifications. He is programmed to be enamoured of you, and compliant to your every whim.”
“We shall see,” she breathed.
They reached the reception room, and Philby opened the door for her.
She stepped inside and the man before her turned from his perusal of the bookshelves in the room, his fingers dancing over the spines. She caught her breath. He was an exact copy of Baron Helmut Zemo. Perfect. Pretty. Pliant.
Hers.
He was suited and booted to perfection. The colour of his cashmere roll neck bringing out the highlights in his impeccably groomed hair. His close-cropped beard shaved to emphasise his cheekbones.
He sighted on her and smiled delightedly, opening his arms wide and moving towards her. She placed her clutch on the little table, the better to receive him.
“My love,” he breathed, taking her hands and pulling her towards him, kissing her on both cheeks. “You look ravishing. I do so like this colour on you.”
His voice was indecent. She gazed into his magnificent eyes, noting those wonderful markings, and smiled. She felt light-headed.
His hands were warm on hers. He brought one up to caress her cheek, the other snaked around her back to pull her close. His mouth twitched, and he moved in to kiss her.
And what a kiss. He pressed his body against her. He opened his mouth to her, his tongue moving in possessively, his hand moving round to cradle her head, push through her hair.
Her eyes fluttered closed and she couldn’t help but get lost in his kiss. For a moment, the world fell away and she felt happy. She felt kind.
Then she remembered where she was, and what she had come here to do.
She broke off their kiss, and he looked at her inquiringly.
She smiled and he smiled back, content to let her take the lead. He released her, and moved protectively to her side.
She turned to Philby.
“Outstanding,” she said, her voice hoarse with emotion. She coughed slightly. “I will transfer the remaining funds to you immediately.” She smiled conspiratorially. “I think you deserve a little extra, since I am so pleased. How about 25%?”
Philby stopped himself from spluttering just in time. “Thank you, Countess.”
“Countess Brigadier,” she corrected unconsciously.
“Countess Brigadier,” Philby echoed.
“My pleasure,” said the Countess, taking Zemo’s hand and moving towards the door. “We will be leaving immediately. Bring my fur.” She turned to Zemo and looked him up and down. Possessive. “I hope you have some adequate outerwear for my beloved.”
Zemo smiled slightly, lifted one of her hands and bent to graze his lips gently over the knuckles. He looked up at her owlishly.
“My love, your mere presence keeps me warm.”
She caressed his cheek with her other hand. Oh, she was going to enjoy him.
He straightened and moved to place his hands on her waist. She put her hands on his shoulders and they gazed at each other for a long moment. She could get lost in his eyes, bewitched by his mouth. She wanted to strip him down and count his freckles. The trip to the hotel would take far too long. Patience. Patience. She called on her training.
Just then, the door opened and someone brought in her furs, and a decadent fur collared coat for the ZemoClone.
Zemo took her furs and opened them for her, allowing her to slip her arms inside and wrap them around her body. He brushed his hands up and down her upper arms and squeezed possessively. He donned his own coat, and they moved into the corridor.
Philby led them back to the helipad and watched them until they were out of sight in the mist.
The flunkie came running out of the reception room, waving the Countess Brigadier’s clutch in one hand. “Philby, she’s forgotten…”
The explosion originated from the bag, a tiny device that packed a big punch. In seconds the place was devastated: that initial explosion setting off a chain reaction when it hit the lab.
In the helicopter, Zemo’s silhouette was outlined in a fiery halo. She pulled him into a deep kiss before he noticed the reflection of the flames in her eyes.
***