Ilse sat in the Geneva International Airport, awaiting her flight to Accra. She watched the travelers passing by the window of the small work cubicle she had reserved the day before. Some walked, some rode the automated walkways, and others floated by on personal air scooters. Fingers poised above her open tablet, she began, "I depart in ninety minutes. I've taken a three-week leave from work, the first in two years. I wonder if three weeks will be enough time to see this through."

She paused and looked up again, trying to draw inspiration from the people passing by.

"I find myself in a constant state of fury. It's been a full twenty-nine hours since I sent the Message."

Capitalizing "message" made sense to her. It marked the end of a long, painful time and the beginning of a new one, perhaps a short one.

"I cannot shake the anger. But I am determined. Fate has given me purpose. I must succeed. Ekow must be free, his work available to everyone."

A young family of five, unusually large these days, swarmed by her window on their way to some unknown destination, frantic but smiling parents corralling the young ones playfully leaping at the floating scooters.

"I'm mad. I'm mad at the prosecutors for allowing that monster to go free. I'm furious at this Water Cabal for allowing so many people to suffer. But most of all, I'm mad at myself. How could I help these assholes? How did I get to such a dark place?"

A large crowd surged past from an arriving flight.

Journaling was cathartic. She'd forgotten how intimate and cleansing it was. Her last entry was from before she was assaulted.

"I cannot excuse what I've done. But Ekow Aboah is a second chance for me. His work was my work. He's reminded me of who I was, not what I became. I was a good person. I am back on that path. Whatever it takes."

Somehow, seeing it on her screen made it more real. Commitment frightened her. Her anger carried her through the fear. She had to protect the Waterfall Reagent. Somehow, she would bring the Water Cabal to justice.

"I'm going to Accra to help Ekow Aboah. It will be challenging to convince him or his mother that I can help. They will have every reason to doubt me. But I need this. Even if they refuse to allow me to accompany Ekow, I still will find a way."

Ilse saved and closed her journal, left the privacy cube, and took the automated walkway to her gate. All that was left was to get on the plane.

A few minutes later, an announcement said, "Hyper-Sonic Flight 1542 to Accra will be ready for boarding in ten minutes." Her flight was on schedule.

* * *

Although Minnie was expecting Ilse Langstrom, busy with arrangements for Ekow's departure, she was startled when the house operating system announced her arrival. Depositing the tablet on her desk, she warily approached the front door. Ekow had warned her. When she opened the front door, she gasped.

How will he ever stay unnoticed traveling with her?

Recovering quickly, she said, "Welcome, Dr. Langstrom. We have been expecting you. Please come in."

"Thank you, Councilwoman Aboah," Ilse responded, unsurprised by Minnie's reaction. She forced a smile as she crossed the elegant foyer and entered the living room. "It's nice to meet you."

"Please, sit down," Minnie gestured to a comfortable-looking couch, trying to keep the conversation light. "It is not a terribly long flight from Geneva to Accra, but traveling is always tiring. You can put your bag on the floor for now. Would you like a refreshment? Coffee, tea, perhaps water?"

Ilse carefully placed her suitcase on the floor next to the couch. She perched herself on the edge of the sofa.

"No, thank you. I'm fine."

Minnie sat across the coffee table on a matching loveseat. After a few seconds of awkward silence, Minnie began, "Dr. Langstrom, I ..."

Ilse interrupted her, "Ilse. Please call me Ilse."

Minnie frowned. She did not like being interrupted.

"Dr. Langstrom," she began again. "Please do not take this the wrong way, but I am wondering why you are here. According to my son, you are an admitted criminal. You are involved with this Water Cabal. You are a scientist. How can you help my son? All I see with you is increased risk. You stand out no matter where you go. You will have to convince me here and now that I should not have you arrested for what you have done. I have that authority as a tribal councilwoman. In fact, the police are outside waiting for my signal to do just that."

Shaken, Ilse looked at the ceiling, seemingly searching for inspiration. After a moment, she returned Minnie's gaze directly.

"I deserve your mistrust, Councilwoman. I did not expect the police, but I completely understand. I am prepared to face the consequences of my actions. I leave it for you to decide."

Ilse continued, gaining confidence as she spoke, "I am not proud of what I've done. I was acting out of pain, out of despair. But Ekow brought me back to myself. I was lost. Drifting. I had no purpose and no desire to find one. The sun would rise. I would go to work. I would come home from work. I would go to bed. I existed. Only."

Isle paused. She had rehearsed this interview in her head, knowing it was coming. Minnie's expression was unreadable.

"To answer your first question, I am here because I know I've done some terrible things and want to make it right. I don't mean to be dramatic, but this is for me, too. Obviously, I'm not a super-secret agent or any kind of agent. But I can help. My uncle, whom Ekow met in Sophia Antipolis, and my father are well-known and respected men of science. My father has contacts at the highest level of the World Police Force. That's where Ekow must go. He needs to avoid the agents of this Water Cabal until this can happen. He cannot go directly to WPF Headquarters without being intercepted. He also cannot wait here for them to come to him. I don't think you or your tribal council can protect him. He must find a less direct way to reach the World Police Force once he puts distance between himself and his pursuers. I think I can help make this happen."

Ilse stopped again and took a deep breath. Minnie's face registered no emotion. She glanced around the house to settle herself. Her hands were already damp. She had to convince this more than-capable woman that she was needed.

"I believe you are already preparing for Ekow to leave," she said. She saw Minnie's eyes widen slightly. "I want you to know that Ekow has accomplished the very thing I was striving for as a scientist. I was well on my way to reaching my goal, or so I thought. A very difficult personal situation sent me down a path I deeply regret. Learning of Ekow's discovery rekindled my passion. His dream, my dream, now can be fulfilled." She concluded fiercely. "I'll do whatever it takes."

Ilse held Minnie's still unreadable gaze. The fire of her passion still burned, but she could not tell if this striking woman thought of her as anything more than a distraction.

Finally, Minnie sighed, "I appreciate your words, Ilse. But words are not deeds."

"I am here," Ilse replied simply. "I would have resigned from WIPO already, but I didn't want to do anything that might draw attention. When Ekow's situation is sorted, I will resign. It seems clear to me, and I hope to the two of you, that Ekow must go somewhere unexpected until we can arrange for him to be taken in by the World Police Force. The way will be dangerous. I am afraid, for him and myself, but you will not find a better companion in the limited time he has. Please, Councilwoman Aboah, I must do this. I know I can help!"

Minnie chose her words carefully, "Ilse, I fully expected to hand you over to the Accra Police. That remains an option. You are correct that Ekow cannot stay here. But I am deeply concerned about your involvement, not just because of what you have done but also because he must hide. Your presence will make that much more difficult."

"I understand that I attract attention. But with the proper disguise, I can blend in," Ilse responded.

Minnie studied the woman, her posture, judging her sincerity. She made her decision.

"Ekow said much the same thing when he and I discussed the merits of your involvement. Ekow was quite adamant that you should accompany him. I do not understand why, but surprisingly, I believe you are sincere. I do not know if you will be an asset to him or cause more problems, but I will respect my son's wishes."

Ilse leaned back into the couch, relief etched on her face, but Minnie was not done.

"I reached out to our contacts at the World Police Force through the Tribal Council, Minnie went on. "Ekow and I agree that he must leave as soon as possible. That would be tomorrow. I thought I would go with him, but that would be expected. Your arrival and willingness present an alternative I did not think I would choose."

Minnie nodded, "You will be going, Ilse. This will free me to pursue help from the World Police Force personally."

Minnie stood and moved towards the front door, saying, "Please wait here." Minnie stepped outside the front door and waived to the two unmarked police cars at either end of the block. They silently moved off.

Ilse wiped her hands on her thighs, pounded the cushions lightly, and said under her breath, "Yes!"

Returning to the couch opposite Ilse, Minnie wore a no-nonsense look as she said, "Now, since you insist on helping, let us begin."

Minnie and Ilse spent the rest of the afternoon discussing transportation, variations on disguises, and potential travel routes. Minnie was pleased to learn that Ilse had purchased several wigs and oversized clothes to hide her identity. Ilse's forethought reassured Minnie. Despite herself, Minnie began to like the girl.

Ekow came in through the house's back door a few hours after Isle's arrival. He had been securing his laboratory notes and records. His friend in China would receive his work should he not make it to safety. What else could he do?

"You have made it to Accra," Ekow flashed his 100-watt smile as he walked into the room. "I am glad."

Ilse and Minnie looked up from sorting through skin tones and outfits to create additional options for Ekow and Ilse's disguises. Ilse got up and approached the living room coffee table, offering her hand. Ekow took it, covering her right hand with this left, showing his appreciation.

"Thank you, Ekow. I hoped for a different outcome. But I am only more determined than ever to help you. Your mother and I were busy all afternoon."

"I can see that. It is good," Ekow responded. "I appreciate and want your help." Ekow looked pointedly at Minnie, who just shrugged her shoulders.

"We should be ready to go tomorrow morning, Ekow," Ilse assured him. "We are nearly set."

"So it has come to this," Ekow sighed with resignation. "Well, if we must go, then we will go."

Ekow perched on the couch opposite the two women. The three returned to their preparations.

* * *

The next day, Ilse and Ekow dressed and prepared for their departure. Ekow wore traditional tribal robes over a smart London suit like one of Ghana's successful businessmen. He wore green eye contacts and a fake beard. He had elevated shoes, making him two inches taller. Minnie did not recognize her son.

Ilse wore an oversized blouse and skirt, her stomach and backside well padded. She had false teeth that were uneven at best and a mousy brown wig to complete her disguise. To Minnie's pleasant surprise, she looked twenty years older and an unremarkable woman.

"You both look like different people," Minnie admired. "This should work, at least for a time. I will pray it is long enough."

She embraced Ekow for a long moment, not wanting to let go.

"Remember, stay away from cameras when in public," she reminded them unnecessarily. "Now, off with you before I change my mind." Uncharacteristically, she seemed about to cry.

"Thank you, Mother," Ekow smiled. "I will miss you while I am away."

"Stay safe, my son," Minnie demanded. "You have a good head. Use it!"

A tear leaked from Minnie's left eye. Ekow walked with Ilse to the self-driving taxi, awaiting them. With a smile and a wave to his mother, the vehicle pulled away. She watched the cab drive off and returned inside, determined to reach the World Police Force the next day.

"We are off," Ekow said soberly to the stranger sitting in the taxi. "I am impressed that you look so different."

"You as well," Ilse replied. "Your robes make me feel like I'm traveling with royalty."

"Indeed you are," Ekow said with a smile. "Did I not mention that my father was a king? It does not mean what it used to. I never wear his royal raiment, but it is handy when you are running for your life, does it not?"

The taxi arrived at Kotoka International Airport within ten minutes.

"Going through the arrival area to a café should give us a feel for acting in our disguises in public," Ekow said. "We will get a taxi on the other side. Probably overkill to think we're being watched already, but better safe than sorry."

"Yes," Ilse responded. "I need to get used to moving around with this extra padding."

After walking to a café inside the terminal, their confidence growing, they left by the farthest exit and hailed a second taxi.

"My mother arranged for a desert vehicle to await us at one of her tribal councilman's dealerships. The owner is listed as an American limited liability company, so it cannot be traced."

"That was smart," Ilse said complimentarily. "Anything to create distance between us and anything we need to touch or use. How long before we reach this dealership?"

"We should be there in just a few minutes," Ekow assured her. "Ah, here we are."

The taxi turned into the lot of a Rover dealership, which contained at least fifteen desert vehicles and many other models.

"It looks like we'll have some selection, but where are the Volvos?" Ilse asked, attempting to lighten the mood.

Ekow looked at her seriously, "I am glad you have a sense of humor, Ilse."

Ilse felt embarrassed looking at his serious face until he could no longer hold back and laughed, flashing his 100-watt smile.

"You too, Ekow," Ilse smiled and laughed, relieved, then said, "We are well and truly on the run.

The thought sobered Ekow as the taxi came to a stop.