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"I don't want to get into it just yet. When they get here we'll know more."
The plane proceeded to the Agency's hangar where the large doors were closed and the engines cut. Kennedy had directed that her own detail stay outside. She didn't want anyone getting a glimpse of Donatella She wanted no record that the woman was in the United States. Donatella was a very valuable card, and Kennedy knew she would be most effective if no one knew she had her.
The door to the plane opened and Rapp stuck his head out. He waved to Kennedy and Coleman and then he went back in. A few moments later he appeared with a pale and weak-looking Donatella and helped her down the steps. Donatella was wearing a white sling over her bad shoulder.
Coleman whispered to Kennedy, "It looks like she didn't come of her own free will."
Rapp walked across the smooth cement floor. He looked all around the hangar, checking the exits and looking to see who was there. He was in operation mode. Nothing would get past his heightened senses.
He stopped a few feet short of Kennedy and Coleman and said, "This is Donny." "How is her wound?" asked Kennedy.
"Pretty good, so far, but we should have it checked again."
"I'll make the arrangements," pronounced Kennedy.
Gesturing to his boss, Rapp turned to Donatella and said, "This is Irene Kennedy."
Without lifting her eyes Donatella said in a raspy voice, "I
know."
"And this is Scott."
Donatella lifted her eyes for only a second, but said nothing.
"It's really nice to meet you, too," replied Coleman.
Rapp smiled. "Donny is usually a wonderful person, but the last day's been a little rough."
"I called on Scott and the boys to protect Donatella until we figure out what to do. In the meantime you and I have some business to attend to."
Donatella became animated and spoke to Rapp in Italian. "I am not leaving your side."
"That's not possible." Rapp put his hand on her good shoulder and held her hand. "I've trusted Scott with my own life. He and his people are good."
"But he has people inside the Agency." She was clearly referring to Freidman.
"Scott and his people don't work for the Agency."
Kennedy did not like not knowing what they were saying. "Translate, please." Rapp told her of Donatella's concerns. Kennedy almost winced when he told her that Donatella had said, he has people inside the Agency. She remained cool and said, "I assumed that he did, and that is why my own security people are outside right now. I've called on Scott because he is someone I trust, and more important, he is someone who Mitch trusts."
Rapp could tell that Donatella was still not enthralled with the idea. "Donny, you have to trust me. In order to help you I have to do some things. I have to meet with some people and you can't be seen. We need to keep you under wraps until the time is right."
Reluctantly she relented, and they walked over to the van. Coleman introduced Donatella to his two men who said only hello. When they had her buckled in, Rapp asked for a moment alone with her and the others walked away.
Rapp brushed a curly black lock of hair from her face. "Donny, don't do anything stupid." She scowled at him. "I'm serious," he said. "These guys can protect you. They're good."
Looking out the window she sized them up. "Military."
"Yep. Retired Navy SEALs."
She sized them up again.
"I know what you're thinking and I want you to get it out of your head right now. They are my friends. Don't even think about running. If you kill them I will kill you." Donatella would not look him in the eye, so Rapp grabbed her chin and made her look at him. "I'm serious. I want you to give me your word that you won't kill any of them. Give me your word that you won't try to run. I can help if you trust me." Rapp looked into her tired eyes. "Do you trust me?"
She did not answer right away, but when she did it was sincere. "Yes, I do"
"Good. Now promise me that you won't hurt any of them."