7. Counteragent
I was reading when I heard the buzzer announcing a visitor. I was surprised when I saw Agent Vaughn. I looked at him. “I know what you did for me. Proving Sydney’s father betrayed her in Madagascar. I would have been executed for that. Thank you.
“I didn’t do it for you,” he answered.
“While that might be true,” I said, getting up and facing him. “I owe you my life.”
“You owe me my father’s life. In Cap Ferrat I saw Khasinau experiment on people who had been exposed to the liquid from inside the red ball. I want to know what he learned from doing that.”
“If he found a cure?” I asked.
“Yes. I know the terms are you only cooperate with Sydney, but this disease, it works quickly. I don’t have much time.”
My God, I thought, he’s infected. “You’re the one who’s sick?”
“Yes.”
I looked at him and knew I might get some information. “Tell me how you feel about my daughter.”
“Help me, and I’ll tell you what you want to know.”
I nodded, giving him the information. He left.
I was on the bunk, reading when the buzzer went off and shortly afterward, Sydney, worried, approached the cell.
“Is there an antidote?” She asked without any sort of greeting.
“Yes. It can be found in Palidiski. It’s a former training base of nuclear submarine personnel.”
“Who operates the base now?”
“When Estonia gained independence, local authorities graciously accepted our offer to take over the facility. I can tell you where it is in the facility, but even if you can get it, I can’t guarantee anything.” I went on to tell her what I told Vaughn and she hurried off.
I had a feeling that Vaughn had probably collapsed before he could tell anyone the information.
That also meant Sydney would probably be on her way to Palidiski as soon as it could be arranged. I thought Sark ought to know that my plan was working. It had been a close call when my sentence was commuted. Thank you, Sydney, sweetheart and I mean it sincerely.
At my next meal I asked John if he’s heard anything about Sydney. I thought she was going on another mission, this time to Estonia. John said he would check it out with his source in the Rotunda and let me know.
Of course, I was right. She went after the antidote. That meant Sark would do what he had to do. I wanted him working with Arvin. He was, of course, not to tell him anything about my whereabouts. I’m sure there were lots of rumors, especially after Khasinau’s death was revealed. Everyone outside my core group would assume I was either dead or in the hands of an enemy. I can’t believe the stupidity of my fellow criminals. I’m also sure no one suspected me of shooting Alexander. Most of them thought he was The Man and that the CIA had done it.
I heard from Sark that everything went off smoothly. I knew the antidote would work and that meant Vaughn would be coming to see me...about his relationship with my daughter.
It was a day later when I heard the buzzer go off. Possibly it was Vaughn. I stood by the windowed door waiting. It was him. I heard him say, “I got it from here, thanks.”
He walked up to the window. “You asked me some questions. I told you I’d answer them if you helped me. You did help me and I thank you for that.”
“I didn’t do it for you.” I threw his words back.
“I’m trying to live a normal life which was always hard given what I do, but it’s gotten harder since I met your daughter. It’s not that knowing her hasn’t made my life better. It has. But it’s also made it that much worse. I think I’ve said enough.”
“The problem, Mr. Vaughn, is that to the one person who matters you haven’t said anything.”
“Listen, this might not mean anything to you. This may not be something you can understand or appreciate...”
Good God, the man didn’t remember my days as a spy with a handler.
“...but we have rules. Very clear and important rules that govern a relationship between a handler and his asset.”
“And between a man and a woman?” I said quietly, staring at him.
He flushed and turned away, walking back up the hall. I was thankful in many ways that my handler had no such ideas about me. I certainly didn’t about him.
It was a job, pure and simple.
Passage I
It’s been a few days since Sydney returned with the antidote for Agent Vaughn and she hasn’t been to see me. It’s all right, I know, but I miss her! Moy bog, I really do miss seeing her. I realize I’ve another agenda here and I don’t plan spending the rest of my life in a cage. But Sydney has become a bright spot in my life for the present, more than I suspected she ever would be.
John keeps me informed if she’s around or if he’s heard of her going on another mission, but so far, she hasn’t been down. John said she hasn’t been on a mission since she returned from Japan. I have finished War and Peace and want another book. Maybe they will let me have Anna Karenina. That was supposed to be a wonderful story full of Russian pathos and Russian Fate. I will ask John to find out if they will let me read it.
Finally, Sydney is coming. She tells me all about Sark joining up with Sloane and how he managed it.
“So that’s how Sloane and Sark have presented their new partnership.”
“No one at SD-6 likes it but they all believe it. I need to know if you’ve ever told Sark that I’m a double agent.”
Khasinau actually found it out thru his mole at the CIA, Hadlaki. However I faced her as calmly as I am, saying, “No, Sydney.”
“You saved Vaughn’s life. I’m grateful to you for that, but I haven’t made up my mind yet if I should trust you.”
“And yet, here you are. I never told Sark—‘Khasinau did’—about your status as a double agent, Sydney. That doesn’t mean you’re safe. Tell me, what intelligence has he provided Sloane?”
Sydney told me about the Uzbekistan’s loss of six suitcase nuclear warheads. I was shocked, but didn’t show it. How in hell did Julian manage that and what for? It certainly wasn’t in my plans. She went on to tell that they were probably going to be given to rebels in Tajikistan so they could plan terrorist attacks. She was being sent with Dixon to purchase the codes for SD-6.
“We both know Sloane doesn’t care about preserving the stability in Asia, so my question is why does he want those communication codes so badly?”
What was he going to do with them? Was it some plan cooked up for Sloane’s benefit? I had to act fast.
“I’m going to ask you to give me something you have no reason to give. I’m going to ask for your faith. You have to convince your superiors to let me leave this place.”
“What?”
“For forty-eight hours!”
“Are you serious?”
“I’ll agree to a special forces escort.”
“Why?”
“I cannot tell you that.”
“Go where?”
“If you do not trust me, I cannot help you later.” I was pushing hard.
“What are those codes for--?”
“I’m trying to help you—“
“How am I going to sell this?”
“—but I must be allowed to do it MY way.”
“Yeah,” snapped Sydney, “well, it’s asking too much!”
I slammed my fist against the glass, causing her to jump back. “I cannot give you the details, because I don’t trust CIA. The only way for me to maintain my value is to tell you only what you need to know in order to stay ahead of Sloane. And all you need to know now is that if I’m not allowed to leave, everything you’ve worked to accomplish will be lost.”
She stared at me; then turned and left. I knew the camera was on me while our conversation was going on, but I didn’t care. I loved giving that so-called head of the Task Force a kick in the ass. He sent me to Camp Harris and I was almost executed just because he believed Jack’s story.
I’m sure that they are giving Sydney a hard time. Jack won’t be in my corner either, but at this juncture I didn’t care. I’d made my point. Now all I had to do was wait to see what happened.
A couple of days passed. John, though, told me Sydney had gone to see an informant in Uzbekistan and to get codes for something, what he didn’t know. Of course, I did. I was anxious to learn more, but I could not press him. He was too valuable an informant to lose, especially if he were to ask one question too many.
It was after lunch the next day that Sydney, Jack, Kendall and Vaughn all came down to the cell. Kendall wanted to know why I hadn’t told Sydney what was at stake—what the codes were really for...six nuclear weapons.
“And what would you have done? Given Sydney false control codes to hand over to SD-6? Sark may have known the difference and she would have been exposed as a double agent. I wasn’t willing to risk her life like that.”
“Do you know where the nukes are?” Kendall snapped.
:”Yes, I do.” I answered.
“Where?” Every eye was on me.
“I’ve spent the last thirty-six nights lying on a steel mattress.”
Kendall asked, “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It means I would appreciate a pillow and a blanket.” I answered sweetly.
“Done.” Said Kendall. “Tell us about the warheads.”
“They’re in Kashmir, under what used to be a maximum security prison camp. It’s now the stronghold for a mercenary group—The People’s Revolutionary Front.” I suppressed a shudder remembering my time there.
“So Sloane and Sark have in fact partnered with this organization?”
“It would appear.”
“Can you give us the prison camp’s exact coordinates?”
“Yes.”
Kendall looked at the others. “I’m going to recommend to the defense department an immediate air strike. When the smoke clears we can dig the warheads out of the rubble.”
I jumped in, “I wouldn’t do that. Now that the PRF has the control codes, they may have set the warheads to detonate in the event of sabotage or a preemptive strike.”
“What about sending in a commando unit?” Vaughn asked.
“If they were familiar with the facility, I’d say that was a good idea.” I commented in a non-committed manner.
“That’s what you were planning on doing,” said Sydney suddenly.
“Yes.”
“That’s impossible to verify.” Jack jumped in quickly.
“All right, Miss Derevko. You’re going to lead us to that prison.”
“Oh no, I’m not. My offer expired the moment the detonation codes were acquired.” I knew if I said ‘no’ that he would be more determined than ever to make me go.
“Do I have to remind you that your immunity deal is contingent upon your continued cooperation?”
“I have cooperated, Mr. Kendall.” I was not too sarcastic. “You didn’t listen. Now, if you’d bring me my pillow and blanket.”
“No, you listen to me. I’m authorized to put you in solitary. You’ll be lucky to get a view of this hallway!” Kendall was mad.
“Agent Kendall...may I speak to my mother alone?” Sydney said to him.
He nodded and everyone left, although Jack hesitated for a moment.
When they were gone, Sydney turned to me. “You said you didn’t tell us the truth because you were trying to protect me and because you didn’t want to risk Sark finding out that I was a double agent.
“The thing is, someone now has the ability to detonate six nuclear weapons and I am responsible. So I am going to be part of the team that finds and disarms those warheads, not matter what you do. But if you were telling the truth when you said you wanted to protect me, then, Mom...I need your help.” She turned and left.
I was a bit ashamed by her words. I was trying to protect her, damn it. Now she threw them back at me with feeling. I felt a tear cross my cheek. “Sydney, please, come back.”
She returned looking at me. “Yes?”
“I’ll take you to the prison.”
She grinned at me. “Thanks.”
I was standing at my desk when I heard the gates sliding open and then the door open. I turned to see Jack with his back to me. He turned and was holding a silver necklace in his left hand. Now what?
“Obviously you can’t maintain your cover if you’re shackled. So there are two things you need to know about this necklace. One, it’s layered with C-4. If you remove it while it’s armed, you’ll break the circuit and it will detonate. And two, if at any moment I believe you’re attempting to escape or sabotage us; I’ll activate this remote trigger...” He pointed to a small button on his watch. “...and blow your head off myself.”
I pulled up my hair in the back. He stepped forward and awkwardly latched the necklace. It was as though we had stepped back in time. He had done it many times during our marriage. He was so close to me—closer than ever. I could have leaned forward and kissed him, but didn’t although I wanted too. I wanted to caress his face as I had so many times to feel his skin and tickle the hairs on the back of his neck. The feeling left me as his eyes were cold, unfeeling.
Then Sydney, Vaughn and Kendall arrived with two other agents. My bodyguards, I thought. Jack stepped away.
“All right, here’s how this works. Derevko will detail your infiltration into the facility once you reach it. Until then, you have operational control.”
Jack nodded.
Kendall continued, “The unrest in Kashmir has caused both Pakistan and India to seal their borders so you’ll board a train in New Delhi. There’s a three mile stretch of track that passes through the eastern tip of Kashmir. That’s where you’ll get off. Your gear will be planted in the baggage car.”
“Once you’re off the train you’ll rendezvous with the CIA contact that will provide you with the op tech you’ll need to infiltrate the facility,” continued Agent Vaughn.
Sydney looked at Jack. “How did you clear this with Sloane?”
“I took care of Sloane.” He answered, but didn’t say how.
“There’s a C-5 prepped and waiting at the Van Nuys airport.” Kendall said and nodding to the two guards, “they’ll escort you. Good luck.”
I looked at Jack, who was looking at me. I left after Kendall and Jack followed with the two guards. The CIA was as paranoid as KGB. Always with the guards. Sydney was talking to Vaughn as we walked up the hall and then she joined us. I thought we were going to the van, but instead we walked up some stairs. Kendall disappeared.
“Where are we going,” I asked?
“Wardrobe.” Sydney grinned. “You can’t be a tourist wearing that! You have to have vacation clothes...and maybe a wig! The woman who runs this place can fit you in no time.” She stopped at a door, looking at my two guards. “Wait here.”
We walked inside to go shopping.
About thirty minutes later, the three of us left with matching luggage, filled with clothes. The two guards fell in behind us as we left the building and walked to one of their black SUV’s. I was put in the rear seat between the two guards after the luggage was loaded. Jack and Sydney sat up front with the driver, who made the trip to the airport in forty five minutes.
It was now evening when we took off.
Nothing was said for a while. I guess we were all deep within own thoughts. I was seated next to Jack and I wondered how he liked that. He wasn’t happy about the whole idea of me being along on this mission, but, frankly, I was thrilled to be out of that damned glass cage. According to our flight plan, we would fly to San Francisco and pick up the CIA’s private jet for the trip to Hawaii, Tokyo, and then to New Delhi. We didn’t have much time either.
Sydney was working on something on her computer. I looked at her. “Agent Vaughn has trouble sleeping when you are in the field.”
She looked up for the moment. “I doubt he told you that.”
“He didn’t have to tell me. I could see it in his eyes. I can see it in yours.” I said it with confidence. I knew they were dancing around the fact they were falling in love. I thought I might give them a little push. It was a risk. I did want her out of the CIA.
“Agent Vaughn is my colleague.” She said almost primly.
“You are so willing to take risks for your country. Why aren’t you willing to do the same for your own happiness?”
Jack broke in, saying, “I hardly think you’ve earned the right to give anyone relationship advice.”
I turned to him, “Jack, Sydney’s smart and she’s strong, but she’s not happy.”
Sydney looked up and said snappishly, “Okay, wait a second, this...”
“And after a twenty-year absence, you’ve gleamed that from the cumulative half-hour you’ve spent in her presence?” Jack was irritated.
Bingo, I thought, he’s pissed. “I knew it the moment I saw her. I’m her mother.”
“Your motherhood is a biological fact with no substantive value in Sydney’s life.”
Damn it, Jack, I was her mother until I left—six years, you idiot. That’s what I would have liked to say back, but I was forestalled.
“Hey” she said to me, “stop baiting him.” To Jack she said, “Stop being such an easy target. We’re going to be traveling together for the next two days; you can’t jump down her throat every time she opens her mouth.”
I grinned happily and Jack stared down at the floor.
We didn’t say much until we landed at the San Francisco International, taxiing over to the CIA’s private hanger. The mid-size jet was waiting for us. We transferred baggage and all, in fifteen minutes and the plane took off fifteen minutes later, heading out over the Pacific and points east.
Not much was said during the rest of the trip which took several hours. We’d better get moving. I had a hunch whatever Sark and Sloane were doing it would not take them long once everything was set to go. Still I couldn’t give my input. I was a prisoner and had no say in the operation until we got to the prison. I had to let things transpire as they happened.
When we arrived at New Delhi, the CIA’s man met us with a car. We had changed clothes on the plane just before landing. I felt like a million dollars with the new clothes and shoes. Those Federal prison uniforms were not the most stylish and they were boring...just blue and no color. With my blond wig on, I really felt very different and looked different too!
The train station was jammed, but the CIA’s man found a porter to put the bags on board while we went through customs. It took nearly fifteen minutes to get to the head of the line. Jack had our passports which he handed to the official.
“What is the purpose of your visit to India?”
“Family vacation. We’re touring the Kaziranga National Park by train.”
I glanced at Sydney who was playing with her hair, which was also a wig. She looked bored with the whole proceedings.
“Not exactly a vacation when you’re forced to go. No offense. Cute country.”
“Honey, we agreed we’d spend Thanksgiving together.” I said in my Mother voice.
“Yeah, before I found out all my friends were going to be in Miami,” she whined.
Jack glanced at the two of us. “Okay, we’re not going to talk about this now. I do apologize.”
The official stamped our passports, handing them back to Jack. “Enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you,” I said politely. I have always found that being polite to everyone has a good effect on those you are interacting with, including family.
“Thank you,” Jack said too.
“That is a lovely necklace you’re wearing,” the official said.
I fingered the necklace, smiling. “An anniversary gift from my husband.” I put a hand on his face softly and kissed him once, then again on the lips. My heart was beating fast from the audacity, but also because I’d wanted to do it ever since he put that damned necklace on me. He looked stunned. Good! Even Sydney had a momentary lapse and looked equally stunned. Good!
“Thanks,” I said to the official. I turned and we left the counter.
A few minutes later, we were led to our sleeper rooms, by the porter. “You, Miss, are in sleeper “G” and Mr. and Mrs. Gordon, you are right next to her in sleeper “H.” We stepped inside as he said, “The rest of your luggage will be in the baggage car.”
“Thank you,” Jack said.
“Thanks,” I added.
The door was shut after Jack tipped him. Jack locked the door. I dropped my bag and he looked at me, and then turned to open the suitcase to remove the black outfit. I removed my jacket and began unbuttoning my blouse, removing it. I stood looking at him smiling. He stopped when he saw me staring and handed me the other clothes. He didn’t smile, but turned back to the other suitcase and removed his suit.
That was fun! He did look uncomfortable. I wonder if he remembered what I looked like naked! I’ll bet he did.
I was dressed first, but waited. Jack went to the door and unlocked it. He looked out. The passageway was dimmed, which meant most people were in their bunks or chairs trying to get to sleep. He gestured me out the door first and we headed for the baggage car. It didn’t take us but a minute to enter to find Sydney already opening the bag with our parachutes.
Jack went to the sliding door and opened it, looking out he could see the bridge up ahead. Once he stepped back, Sydney threw him one of the packs, which he handed to me. I’m busy putting it on as he is too.
“That bridge is the point of no return,” he said. “If you’re lying about this none of us will survive.”
“I’d offer to go first,” I said, pulling the strap over my shoulder, “but I don’t want to be accused of trying to escape.”
“We go at the same time. Sydney, you follow.”
“That’s not safe. The winds are too strong. Our chutes could get tangled. You go first.” I argued and with good reason. I didn’t want the mission to end before it barely started.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight.” He snapped.
“You’ll have to trust me some time,” I snapped back.
“Trust is the last thing you’re getting from me!”
I put on my goggles. “The only reason you know about the nukes is because of me. I want some respect.”
“We’ll miss out window unless you jump,” he snarled.
“Shut up!” Sydney yelled at us.
Surprised we both looked at her as she jumped. Jack grabbed me and hurled me out of the train. He followed almost instantly. I managed to maneuver with my shroud lines, missing the top of a tree and headed for a softer landing in a meadow of sorts. I landed pulling my chute down.
I looked around and saw Jack a little way up the meadow and Sydney was also close by, unbuckling the parachute and joining Jack who began talking to her. His voice didn’t quite carry to me, but he seemed agitated. I joined them. As I did, I saw a flashlight give a signal that we were expecting. Our contact was here.
“There,” I said, pointing up.
Jack flashed his light three times in answer and we hurried up to meet him.
“Agent Bristow, so good to see you again.”
“It’s been a long time, Saeed. This is my daughter, Sydney.”
“Ah your reputation is beginning to rival your father’s.” He responded. I grinned and thought she was better.
“Nice to meet you,” she said.
“Saeed Akhtar, Irina Derevko. She’s assisting us on loan from FBI custody.”
I smiled, although I wanted to punch Jack. The idea of him not introducing me as Sydney’s mother was in poor taste. At least that was my opinion. “Your last name’s Akhtar, but your accent has a trace of Hindi.” I shook his hand.
“My mother is from Jammu.”
“Your parents were brave to marry, knowing the prejudice they faced.”
“Let’s get moving,” Jack said.
We moved over to the jeep which was our mode of transportation to the prison. “I have everything you need to infiltrate the prison camp undetected: MBGs, Kevlar BDUs, encryption sat-comms, three pounds of C-4 charges, and a cryo-3 radiation detector to help you locate the nukes.” Saeed showed us where each was on the jeep.
“How far away is the PRF stronghold?” Asked Sydney.
“Nine hours. Outside Muzaffarabad.” He handed us guns.
“None for her,” Jack says.
I smile resignedly and stepped up into the jeep.
We’ve driven several miles when we saw a light up ahead. As Saeed drove closer, we saw the road was completely blocked off by a tree. Saeed stopped the vehicle, confused. Jack, however, saw something. I also felt that we’re in trouble.
“Back up,” said Jack.
“Jack?” asked Saeed, still a bit confused.
“Back up now!” snapped Jack.
Saeed put the jeep into reverse, but it was too late. Several men, with guns pointing at us, surround the jeep their guns cocked. We all put our hands up. Jack and Saeed were yanked out of the jeep. Jack was put on the ground and then Sydney and I were lined up next to him. Saeed was kneeling in front of the truck.
“International aid workers here,” he cried, explaining our presence.
However one of the men, probably the leader, shot him in the back of the head and spat on him as we all watch with in horror.
“I am disgusted one of my own countrymen would assist the CIA. I assume you speak for your unit?” He stood in front of Jack.
“Yes!”
“We know you’re looking for the Peoples Revolutionary Front. We thought we’d make it easy for you. Here we are. Is there something you’d like to tell us?”
“We’d like the warheads you’ve acquired,” said Jack.
“I’m sure.” The man with the gun retorts. He turns to speak to another man by the truck.
He opened one of the cases.
I looked at Sydney, and then stared past her to Jack. She nodded imperceptivity and then at Jack who looked at her then saw me looking down at the necklace. He turned back to look at the men, knowing what I wanted to do, and nodded. That meant we’ve probably got a chance to leave alive.
“Thank you for the supplies,” says the PRF leader.
As I watch, Jack, his hands still raised, touched the release button on his watch. The necklace, laced with C-4, dropped and I ripped it completely loose, as Sydney fell back onto the ground. Jack elbowed the guard behind him, punching him in the face and grabbing his gun while I threw the necklace at the jeep. Jack hit his watch and an explosion ripped through the night. He was knocked to the ground by the concussion..
I had my guard’s gun now and shoot him, turning then to start firing at the rebels. The feel of the gun in my hands is exhilarating and I try to pick out a target. Sydney was by my side moments later, also firing. Jack pulled himself off the ground where he’d been thrown by the force of the explosion. In seconds, the PRF men are dead.
Suddenly I hear a grunt from Sydney and whirl around to face her. “Are you okay?”
Jack turned toward me, cocking his gun. “Drop it!”
“Dad...” Cried Sydney.
“Quiet!”
I dropped the gun. “Jack, we’re in enemy territory and the PRF knows we’re here. We need to start trusting each other right now.”
“You will not carry a weapon.”
I sigh and drop the gun. “Okay.”
Sydney was checking the compass on her watch. “Looks like we’re about twenty miles southwest of Azad,” she said.
“We can contact the CIA station chief in Pakistan. He’ll patch us through to Langley on a secure line.”
“We should make it by dawn,” I said hopefully. I fell in behind Jack and Sydney followed.
*
Passage II
We were going through some rugged country, so our night march was somewhat stifled by being unable to see much. I figured we’d only gone about half way when it started to get light again. It was cold and I would welcome the sun when it finally was up all the way.
I wasn’t happy with how things had gone. Jack was being stubborn and I know it was all about power and me. He was going to show me who was boss, even if it delayed us getting to the prison camp. Damn that man!
Sydney said, “Maybe they were just a roving patrol.”
“No. PRF rebels would never be deep into Indian territory without being dispatched.”
“Your father’s right. We had one advantage—surprise. Now that’s gone.” I added, backing him up.
“Just a second,” said Sydney.
I looked back to see her sitting on a rock, pulling up her pant leg.
“Can’t stop. More patrols could be in the area.” Jack said.
“Oh God,” said Sydney.
We both turned around.
“What happened,” I asked kneeling in front of her.
“Nothing. I just scraped my leg.” She lifted her pant leg to show a big gouge on her leg with blood and scrapes around it.
Jack and I crouch down beside her. With Jack taking off his pack so he can help her. I’m busy looking around.
“Dad, I can do it.” Sydney complained.
“I got it. You need to stop the bleeding,” he says, looking for something to clean the wound.
I see a bush with some berries and walk to it.
“Where are you going,” Jack says sharply.
I pull some berries off the bush and crush them in my hand. “These bushes, they have cummunis berries. Their juice soothes the skin, helps healing. You should put this on first.”
“Seriously, I fine,” she says.
“You’re not fine,” says Jack.
“No, you’re not fine.” I kneel in front of her and gently press the berries’ juices into the wound with a black cloth that Jack holds. His hand covers mine. I turn to him, “Jack, I know you’re determined to get to Srinagar, but my contact in Jaipur is much closer. He’s completely reliable, he has good equipment...”
“This is a CIA mission. I have operational control. You’re a prisoner. Your only function—the sole reason you’re momentarily breathing fresh air is to use your knowledge of the rebels’ base to help us steal the suitcase nukes and leave. That’s why we’re using people I know and trust. We’re not having this conversation again.” He stood up and started walking.
I look at Sydney, hoping against hope, she’ll agree with me. “This is not a power play. The facility we’re headed for...security’s tighter than the NSA’s. If I don’t have the right equipment, it’s pointless.”
“We should move,” is all she can say as she stands.
I give a little sigh. ”Okay.” I helped her up and we walk together behind Jack.
About two hours later, we came to a rise in the land and stopped. Below us was a small village, but what was more important—there was a small train station with water tower. I was thankful to see a train stopped. We hurried down the slope and as we were on the opposite of the station, we could get inside one of the cars without being seen.
There were several boxes inside. Jack and Sydney rummaged around. Sydney found some bread; Jack found some liquor. I ate a piece of the bread. No taste. I watched Jack open the bottle. I wanted some of it too. He took several swallows and saw me looking at him. He handed me the bottle. Drinking, I smiled, looking away. It was potent though and warmed me through and through.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
I smiled. “Do you?”
“The toaster,” he said.
I laughed.
“What are you guys talking about?” Sydney was looking back and forth to each of us.
“Ahhh,” I said, remembering. I took another drink and passed it back to Jack, smiling.
Jack was smiling as well. “We used to have this toaster at home. It was broken and using it one night, I started a small fire.”
“We had something like this to drink and we both had a little too much.”
“I forgot about the toast I was making.” Jack shook his head.
I laughed.
“When was this?” asked Sydney.
I looked at her then Jack, “You were...four years old.” Jack nods in agreement. “There was so much smoke; we had to move out for a week. We stayed in that hotel.”
“The Summit,” said Jack quietly.
“The Summit,” I agreed.
“W-wait was that the hotel with the sundaes?” Sydney’s eyes widened with remembrance.
“Mm-humm,” I said.
“Yeah,” smiled Jack, “I think you had one every night.”
I smiled and laughed. Jack made eye contact with me. He looked down. “You should get some sleep.” He stood and walked out to the area between the two train cars. He doesn’t look back at us. My eyes follow him and I noticed Sydney is smiling.
“Tired?” I asked.
“Aren’t you?” She asked back. I wonder if she thinks I’m that old. She might have a half step on me, but not much more than that.
Jack turned to look at us. I can see he doesn’t want us talking. Damn it, I should be able to talk to my own daughter! I slip off the box I’d been sitting on and curl up on the floor next to Sydney, but not touching her. I had the feeling, if only briefly, that she was willing to talk, but that was squelched by Jack. Maybe some day soon...before...
A couple of hours later we were in the marketplace where Jack’s contact and friend had a shop. We’d only been there a few minutes when he showed up.
“Jack?”
“I would have called, but I need your help.” He shook hands.
“Yes, yes, of course. No one can see you dressed like this.” He turned and dropped the sari cloth over the entrance for privacy.
“That’s one of the reasons we’re here.”
“It’s good to see you again.”
“You, too. You look well.”
“Well imagine what I looked like before?” He laughed.
Sydney smiled politely and I listened impatiently.
“Are you who I think you are?” He looked at Sydney.
“Yes,” answered Jack.
“He always brags about you. He showed me a picture once—“
“We need to penetrate a class-A target outside Muzaffarabad. We’ll need aliases, papers, transport, ammo, sat phone and security penetration.”
“Yes. Would you like some tea?”
I answered for us all. “No thank you. We also need tactical gear and high-resolution night vision goggles.”
“Yes. Except no. My main supplier died two months’ ago.”
“Saresh was killed?” Jack said.
“Heart attack. We’re old men, Jack. We don’t live forever, especially in Kashmir. Of course, um, I can provide aliases, basic weapons, access to satellite phone and transportation. What kind of security?”
I was exasperated, but answered as calmly as possible. “Biometric sensors, dual infrared passive and microwave sensors, fiber optic on the fence.”
“What’s your time frame?”
“We have none. We’re already behind schedule.”
“Well I can do what I can do, but it might not be enough for you.”
“We’ll take whatever you’ve got. Thank you.” Jack said in a kinder voice.
“Yes, but first you need to be looking not like you.” He went to a large cupboard and took down some clothing, giving Sydney the choice first. She took the blue sari and left the room after inquiring where the sat phone was.
I dressed quickly. I wore a red silk sari. Jack had to put on a fake beard and a turban that the men of the area usually wore when they went out. He had just finished when Sydney returned.
Jack’s friend looked him. “Perfect!” He handed Jack some keys. “Here. My truck is parked on the other side of the market.” He gestured in the direction.
“I owe you,’ said Jack.
“What kind of air filter does it have?” I asked, remembering where we were going.
“A foam filter.” He answered.
“That won’t work. It’s clog up in the desert conditions.” I said.
“We’ll return the truck as soon as we can,” said Jack over my objection.
“We cannot use this truck. It’ll never get us there.” My voice sounded strident and it was. I knew we had several kilometers to go before taking the road up into the low hills below the mountains.
“Irina...” Jack started...
“I know you think I’m always second guessing you—“
“I told you—“
“But if we don’t get a car with a—“
“This is my decision and it is not negotiable.”
Sydney broke into our argument. “Listen to me, both of you. We have a job to do. Your issues are to have to be dealt with later.” She looked at Jack’s friend. “Please excuse me.”
He left muttering a little and shaking his head.
“Right now,” said Sydney, “we have six suitcase nukes that are going to be activated tomorrow at 1700.”
“Is that confirmed,” said Jack seriously.
“CIA doesn’t have any details; they want us to deactivate the nukes and steal them.”
“CIA needs to get authorization for a preemptive strike now.’
Sydney said, “They need confirmation that the nukes are there.”
“It’ll be too late by then.” Jack said.
Sydney shook her head. “Not if we work together. This is the way it’s going to be. Dad will decide how we get to the base. It’s his call. Once we arrive, Mom takes over. You were an officer there,” she looks at me, “so you know your way around. You’ll lead us into the facility to the nukes and back out. Then you,” she looked at Jack, “will resume control and get us home. There will be no objections and no deviations from this plan.”
Jack nods and I’m helpless to continue my argument. Damn, my daughter is tough when she has to be. Derevko through and through. We follow Jack to the truck behind the marketplace. Jack jumps up into the truck which has four storage bins sitting on the truck bed. He takes the lid off one.
“Three of these bins are filled with grain which is hiding our weapons. Irina, you’ll be in the fourth.”
Sydney looked horrified. “You can’t be serious?”
“She’s the most likely to be recognized. The rebels are looking for a three-person team. So we have a better chance of avoiding detection if we alter our configuration.”
I would like to hit him, but I don’t say a word. I walk to the truck, put a hand on Jack’s shoulder for a boost, and swung my leg into the bin and pull the other one after it. I squat down and Jack put the lid over me. I heard him jump down. He would drive and Sydney was in the passenger seat.
“Are you sure she can breathe in there,” Sydney asked. I’m sure Jack just gave her a look.
I was five hours in the bin. It was hot and dusty, but there was enough air. The road wasn’t paved with cement, but it was better than some I’ve traveled over. Finally Jack stopped. I wondered if we’d made to the point where I would try to get us into the facility with the ridiculously low amount of gear we had. I heard them murmuring something in the cab, but couldn’t understand their words.
Then Jack lifted the lid off me. I gripped both sides of the bin to pull myself up. Sydney tossed me a water jug. “Thank you,” and I unscrewed the top, I took a long drink. Putting the top back on I looked around. This was not right.
“What are we doing here? This is not the drop.”
They both looked down. I wanted to scream, but instead I said, “The filter got clogged, didn’t it?” I looked at Jack, who looked away. I tossed the water jug back to Sydney. Jack is taking the mission bags out of the bins where they’d been buried under the grain.
“We’re still ten miles away from the base. We need to hike to the field where we’ll access a sewage tunnel that will lead us into the facility.”
Sydney looked at me. “I thought you said security was heavy?”
“It is on the other side of the facility. At the entry point we’re using, the rebels rely on land mines to keep intruders away.”
Jack looked up from the bin. “We don’t have equipment to detect land mines.”
“We don’t have the equipment because your contact didn’t come through. I know where the land mines are planted.”
“You want to walk through a minefield you haven’t seen in nineteen years?” Jack was incredulous.
“Is there another way,” asked Sydney.
“...and assume no new mines have been planted?” Jack finished his first thought.
“I just spent five hours in a grain bin. It’s my turn now. Let’s get to it.” I took the clothes from Jack and stared defiantly at him, daring him to take over after failing so miserably. Damn his ego!
In less than ten minutes we’d changed clothes. I made sure we all had a full canteen of water. Jack packed some ammunition for the automatic rifles. He had two and Sydney one. Naturally I had none. I led the way, remembering when I’d gone the opposite direction with Grigor those many years ago.
It took us about two and a half hours to reach the field where the mines had been planted. We would have to travel the length of it to reach the sewage tunnel. In the distance we could barely make out the prison and it was all uphill. I stood for a full five minutes remembering the path Grigor and I took so long ago. I had to re-cock my memory in order to re-trace my steps but backwards this time.
We were all wearing a Kevlar vest under our shirts and jackets. It wouldn’t help much if a mine went off. Whoever stepped on it would take the brunt of the explosion and the others, well...I didn’t hesitate once I had the path fixed in my mind.
“Let’s go. Follow me.”
“Where did the PRF get all these mines?” asked Sydney.
“They didn’t. These were planted by the KGB to keep prisoners from escaping.”
“Where did they get them – Red Army?”
“You Americans have the worst inventory controls in the world.” I answered. “So, Sydney, how’s school?”
“I’m writing my dissertation....supposedly.”
“Quiet,” snapped Jack.
Moments later he’s aiming his gun past us up the rise. Suddenly three PRF rebels stood in the distance and started shooting. Jack fired back, as does Sydney. She and I were behind a couple of trees that I led her to. Jack is exposed, having not moved.
“To your right, Jack,” I cried.
We’re all behind trees now with Sydney and Jack exchanging fire with the three rebels. I felt helpless without a gun. I turned to Jack.
“Jack, I need a gun.”
He paused for a moment then tossed me a gun after shooting one of the rebels. When he threw it, I caught it and returned fire. I didn’t see him get shot and fall back onto the ground. Sydney and I killed the other two. I turned to see Jack begin to get up, groaning.
“Don’t move.” I yelled. “You’re on a mine.”
I turned and stepped carefully toward him, giving Sydney directions. We both looked down to see his hip resting on one of the mines. It was M-26 anti-personnel mine. Sydney pried off the panel and looked at the blasting cap. Jack said we needed to cut the detonator core that led to the blasting cap. Sydney was about to cut it with her knife, but I stopped her, because her knife wasn’t coated. If she cut the wire with metal she’d complete the circuit and set it off. I reached in and pulled the wire. It came out cleanly.
Jack stood up, immeasurably relieved I’m sure. I turned and looked in the direction we were going.
“Over that hill is the entrance to the sewer tunnel. We should hurry. Follow me closely.”
It took us about a half hour to make it through the field to the tunnel. We pulled the steel net away from the tunnel’s entrance and entered. It was dried up. Evidently they were using something else to dispose of the waste. I didn’t mind a bit, remembering Grigor and I coming through it, slogging through waste material that had not washed away. Phew!
I pushed the grate open and we were in the old store room. It had not changed too much, but I doubted the occupants of the building were interested in this room.
“Clear,” I called, stepping into the room. Sydney and Jack followed. I went to the desk where there’s a piece of paper. I began to draw a map. They looked down.
“We’re here. The nukes will either be in a sealed R and D lab or a vault located in a sub-basement. The lab’s the better bet because its security system is more sophisticated.”
“So we’ll check the vault first?” Said Jack.
“Not if we only get one shot.” I said. “The lab has thermal sensors to detect intruders through their body heat. If we raise the room to body temperature—98.6 degrees—the sensors won’t be able to distinguish between us and the thermostat level of the lab Sydney, you’ll get to the central heating control panel here.” I drew the picture of where it was in the hallway. “It’s located in a room near this stairwell in the sub-basement. Find the panel for zone three.”
“Got it.”
“Jack, the lab door is controlled by a voice recognition system, only Cuvee’s voice is programmed to open it. We need to break into the main computer system here to access his file. You’ll erase his voice and substitute your own. I’ll be in Cuvee’s private office.’
“You and I are not separating. Not in here.”
“Jack, listen to me. Unless I deactivate the facility’s surveillance system from Cuvee’s office, we won’t get anywhere near the nukes.”
“No. You’ve done good work getting us here. I’m not blind to that, but I’m also far from trusting you. If you want those nukes for yourself, this is a perfect set up. You were an officer here in this facility. You’ve got friends here willing to work with you.”
“Friends? You know what this place was when I was here, Jack? A prison where KGB interrogated suspected traitors and no, I wasn’t an officer here, I was a prisoner. Why do you think I learned the sewage tunnels or memorized the mine locations? So I could escape, you idiot!! We’re out of time. We either separate and meet in the lab in five minutes or we’re going back. It’s your choice.” I was doing all I could to keep myself from throwing a tantrum.
Sydney jumped in on my side. “Dad, she’s right. We don’t have anymore time now.”
Jack nods, regret on his face. I’m not sure what the regret was about: that I was in prison when I was here or that he lost the argument. I thought it was the latter. I stood by a locker and opened it, taking out some clothes. “I’ll be in the lab in five minutes. I promise.” I tossed some clothes to Sydney.
“You better be,” said Jack.
I angrily threw clothes at him.
Leaving them to change and to find their way to their assignment, I made my way up two sets of stairs to the first floor. So far, I’d seen no one. I wondered where everyone was, but wasn’t exactly hoping to make contact. I didn’t have any weapon on me. I glanced out into the courtyard. I had to get to the office that Aronskiy once occupied. That was where Cuvee would have his surveillance system on line. I needed to find him and where his men were.
I moved quickly knowing I didn’t have time to waste. I wanted to do what I had to do and join my daughter and Jack. I promised and it was a rare day that I didn’t keep a promise. I was breathing heavily as I ran across the open area, hoping no one saw me. I dashed up the stairs to the office I knew so well.
Stopping in front of the door, I opened it slowly. I saw no one. I did see the security system running. It was automatically showing pictures of various rooms and halls in the facility. I was thankful Cuvee had not been in his office to see me running across the courtyard. I stepped inside and closed the door.
When I turned, I nearly fainted from shock—Cuvee stood in front of me. Where the devil did he come from? Then I remembered the bathroom located on the right.
“Irina!”
“Gerard,” I answered. I was going to have to sell my family for the time being. “I was hoping you were here”
“I heard that you were dead.”
“Captured and held by the CIA for three months. I got out by convincing them they needed my help to steal the warheads.” I laughed as did he.
“You little witch!” He said.
I smiled and he kissed me. I think he thought we’d take up where he left off years ago. I pulled away and as I did, he saw the surveillance screen which showed Jack and Sydney in front of the door leading to the lab.
He threw a switch and barked an order for his men to meet him at the lab. There were intruders.
“Are those two with you?”
“Da.” I answered. “It’s Jack and my daughter, Sydney.”
I knew this was going to be hard—hard on them because now Jack’s worst suspicions would be confirmed, hard on Sydney too who was beginning to believe me and hard on me, because I had to play a part of a betrayer once more...I knew I was working on fulfilling my agenda which would take longer. I had to save them. I sighed and hung back when we arrived at the laboratory door as Cuvee entered to confront Jack and Sydney. Sighing again, I put a smile on my face and joined Cuvee. I saw the disappointment on Sydney’s face and the confirmation of the expected betrayal crossed Jack’s.
They were dragged out of the room and taken to cells which had been updated a little. The floor was no longer dirt. It had been cemented. Jack and Sydney had been separated. Each was wearing handcuffs. I followed Cuvee into Jack’s cell. I couldn’t look across to where Sydney was watching. I’d learned a little more about my daughter; I’d bet she was crying. She was trying to listen, but I doubted she could hear.
I couldn’t even think about her now. I had to protect Jack from Cuvee, who was going to make it hard on him. I had to do it, without Cuvee knowing what I was doing. I leaned back against the wall, watching Jack without expression. I needed Jack to at least trust me a little by the time this was over.
“I think you understand the situation you find yourself in.” Cuvee was smiling.
Jack looked at him.
“Not to brag, but I’m kind of responsible for matchmaking you and Irina. Didn’t she tell you? I was a supervisor at the KGB. I was the one who gave her the assignment to go to the US and marry a CIA officer. Now, you weren’t the only prospect, of course, but you had the most potential. Ha! I actually thought it would dawn on you that a woman like this would never go for someone like you.”
I gave a short laugh and was mentally killing this idiot. My God, if Jack had suspected, my career as a spy would have been over in a minute and there wouldn’t have been a Sydney. I kept a calm face.
Cuvee was baiting Jack again. “Luckily for me, your ego was too big for that!”
Jack lunged at Cuvee and hit him. I hit Jack and he fell back onto the bunk, his hands still handcuffed. It had been awkward and I hated to do it, but I didn’t want Cuvee to do it.
“You’re a dead man,” yelled Cuvee. He aimed his gun at Jack, but I jumped in front of him.
“No, wait, wait! I want what we came for!” I turned and aimed my gun at Jack. Peripherally, I can see Sydney gripping the bars of her cell. No matter...I need to do this in order to keep Cuvee from killing Jack.
“Sark’s made a deal with us. What kind of a double-cross is he planning?”
Jack didn’t say anything. I doubt he’d ever thought about Sark doing something like that.
“Maybe you didn’t hear me?” I stepped forward and yanked Jack’s head back by his hair. I pressed the gun to his throat.
“Unnhhh!” Jack groaned.
“We know Sark has a new partner. Who is it?”
I knew by my question that Jack realized I’m faking this. He knew that I was quite aware that Sark was working with Sloane.
A worker entered the cell, saying, “Mr. Sark is on the telephone.”
Cuvee walked to me and kissed me on the cheek and followed it with a kiss near my mouth. His eyes didn’t miss Jack’s face. “Get the information.” He said to me.
“Uh huh,” I said.
Cuvee walked to the door, then aimed his gun at Jack and imitated a gunshot. “Pow!”
I wait until he leaves before I grab Jack’s hands, pushing him back. “Damn it. I was caught. I had to do this or we’d all be killed. They are not detonating the nukes. They’re going to open a Rambaldi artifact. It is supposed to prove that the experiment on self- sustaining cell regeneration was positive. Positive proof of endless life.”
His eyes widened in surprise.
I have my left hand over his, passing him the keys to unlock them. When I leave, I’ll leave the cell door open. I hold the gun on him as I talk.
“Trust me on this. If you don’t make it out, I’m sorry this happened.” I hit him in the mouth with the gun, but not hard enough I hope to loosen any teeth.
“Unnhhh!” He responded falling to his right.
“Open the door,” I yelled and the door unlocks. I walked out, leaving the door slightly open.
Minutes later I am in the lab with Cuvee who is monitoring the actions of his men. One man sits in front of laptop watching it. The cores are situated around the egg-shaped container. Cuvee gave the signal to start and we both watch as one of the workers starts augmenting the power output via the computer. Cuvee leans in as the power increases. The container opened to reveal a flower inside.
Suddenly I heard planes and look up as an explosion rocked the building. Plaster fell and I could hear cries from outside the room from PRF men who were more affected by the explosions than we were. Cuvee reached down and picked up the flower. I whirled and jammed my foot into his stomach. I wanted that flower. He whirled aiming his gun at me almost ready to pull the trigger when Jack showed up suddenly throwing an elbow at him. Then he grabbed Cuvee, twisted his arm, and knocked him out with a punch to the jaw. He looked at me and I wasn’t sure what it meant.
Sydney in the meantime picked up the flower from the floor. “Flower? That’s what this is all about?”
“We need to get the cores and get out of here,” snapped Jack.
I jumped forward for one of the cases as Jack was removing the cores. When we were finished I ran outside with Jack and Sydney just in time to see a helicopter fly toward us. Jack has the suitcases with the cores and pauses just a moment as Sydney recognized the man hanging out of the helo door.
“It’s Vaughn!” She cried.
I reached the helo first and Vaughn helped me in with Jack and Sydney following.
“Got the cores,” yelled Jack over the whirling wings. “Tell them to call off the air strikes.”
“This is agent Vaughn,” he said into the COM link, “abort the air strikes! I repeat abort the air strikes.”
We flew to New Delhi’s International Airport and set down at an anonymous looking hanger. There were no markings on it anywhere. It was a CIA building, of course. When the helo landed, my two bodyguards were standing at the doorway. They put me in handcuffs and led me to a jet plane sitting on the tarmac at the door to the hanger. I said nothing as Jack was busy giving the cores to someone representing one of the governments involved and Sydney was busy talking to Vaughn.
The two Marshals put me into a seat at the rear of the plane, handcuffing me to the arms of the seat and shackling my ankles to the legs of the seat in front of me. I was a prisoner again. I leaned back and fell asleep. It had been a tough three days: the hiking and the stress of having to deal with Cuvee as well as Jack. I didn’t even wake up when the plane took off.
We flew to Athens and gassed up and from there to London which is where I finally woke up. I was handed a sandwich and a cup of coffee after they unlocked the handcuffs. We had not had much to eat during the past 48 hours and I could have eaten two of them. It was not offered. I drank the coffee and was chained again to the arms of the seat.
The plane left London and flew to Newfoundland and on to Boston. We gassed up once more in Chicago. By the time we landed at LAX, it was dark. I was exhausted again. I was put into a van and fastened to the wall and floor as before. I did help and I wondered if anyone was going to say, “thank you.”
When we got back to headquarters, Sydney came down with me. The Marshals opened the door. As they took the handcuffs off, I saw that I now had a pillow, blanket and a mattress. At least Kendall kept his promise.
I turned to face Sydney who was standing on the other side of the glass. “You must have a lot of questions.”
“Yeah.”
“One thing that should not wait any longer is why I shot you in Taipei. The rebel leader, Gerard Cuvee...when you were in Taipei, he was in the next room watching to see if I would betray him or you. Shooting you in the shoulder, giving you time to escape, it was the only way I could think to maintain his trust and keep him from killing both of us.”
We both smiled.
“We’re both tired. You should get some rest.” I said.
“You too,” She answered, smiling, “Mom.”
She left. I closed my eyes as a tear rolled down my cheek. Opening them, I smiled. Sydney is now my daughter. I’d won part of the battle. I turned to my bunk. It did look inviting. I spread the blanket, fluffed the pillow, and fell asleep as soon as my head hit it.
TBC