CHAPTER EIGHTY ONE – WOMEN IN TRANSIT

She released him with a contemptuous shove, and he rebounded off the doorframe with a graceless grunt. Clara could only gape in a mixture of awe and vague trepidation as Scarlett reasserted her control over the confrontation with uncompromising poise. "So what's it going to be, Henri?" she prompted with mocking sweetness when he remained sullenly mute. "A little aeronautic assistance to aid a friend in need? Or do you want me start getting...impatient?" Rousseau's jaw worked silently as he struggled not to let his impotent rage show. For a criminal tough guy, he suddenly seemed not at all intimidating in the face of Scarlett's blazing determination. "Fine," Rousseau growled, jaw clenched tight. "I'll arrange transport to get you across the ocean. But it won't be easy or comfortable, you understand?" Scarlett held his gaze, unflinching. "I don't care about comforts. Just get us there quickly and off radar." "It'll cost you," he added with a sneer. "Movement like this don't come che