Checking Out Belizna

[Zhenya]

The coffee shop was quaint, and not somewhere she had been before. It was on the main thoroughfare of Arbatskaya, eccentric chairs and tables spilling out of its charming doors even in winter, so Zhenya’s driver was idling on a nearby road and would be a short walk away. Usually she might have sent someone to fetch and escort Rachel to her, but on this occasion both the circumstances and Zhenya’s naturally genial nature saw her go herself.

She was a woman always immaculately presented, and today was no different, though it was softer than her usual business attire. Her hair fell in gentle waves, brown threaded with gold, and her coat was mauve, belted neatly at her waist. Gold jewellery decorated her fingers and ears, subtle, including the band which connected her to Julian, though she had dismissed him for the day. Security was unnecessary.

Zhenya had met Rachel before, albeit briefly, and Emily had spoken about her little sister’s current situation prior to this meeting. Pervaya primarily employed ex-military for its operators, and while the mental health support the company offered was of course outsourced (to the best, naturally), Zhenya did understand a little of the deep claw marks left by PTSD. She was close with many of the men who worked for her. In her eyes, they were family. It had always been a source of consternation for Lorcan.

Rachel was sipping a coffee when Zhenya entered. The winter air flushed her cheeks prettily, and she smiled in both greeting and recognition, genuinely warm. There was no real rush. Belizna was still in a state of progress and remained unopened to the public. There might be building teams about but they would more or less have the place to themselves, so Rachel could acquaint herself at leisure with the project and grounds.

“Rachel,” she said as she approached. “I’m so looking forward to today! How are you feeling?”