Sydney Derevko Bristow
Cadet
Irina's last thoughts while waiting for her execution are very well written..reflects Irina very well...and oh good parts with Jack are on the way 
The Derevko Journals
- Thread starter lenafan
- Start date
texasalias2004
Cadet
Great update! I am really glad that Sydney is learning more about her mother.
texasalias
texasalias
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
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
Sydney Derevko Bristow
Cadet
I was expecting to read more on her thoughts about Jack..but then again this is how you portray Irina.. :mellow:
It was very exciting, i loved the update!!! Why did Irina drop the gun twice when JAck told her to on their way to Kashmir?
Not that it was fair to chain Irina after the operation was over: if she didn't run away when she had a chance, why would she do that after? I honestly think they could simply handcuff her, without any further restraints.
BTW, i don't think i'd fell asleep if i was hungry
!!! Why did Irina drop the gun twice when JAck told her to on their way to Kashmir?Not that it was fair to chain Irina after the operation was over: if she didn't run away when she had a chance, why would she do that after? I honestly think they could simply handcuff her, without any further restraints.
BTW, i don't think i'd fell asleep if i was hungry
Sydney Derevko Bristow wrote:
MariaPurt wrote:
Yes, but then we haven't gotten to A Dark Turn or the third season which I'm working on now.
MariaPurt wrote:
Thanks!It was very exciting, i loved the update
She did because she did have an endgame!
Protocol. After all she was high up on the CIA's wanted list. No one know how far reaching her contacts and 'employees' were. We know she had a contact in the CIA. SHe was helping them take down The Alliance and SD-6, but Jack always maintained she had an ulterior motive (endgame). She was dangerous.
Sure you would if you were tired enough.BTW, i don't think i'd fell asleep if i was hungry
10. Abduction
We had been back just two days and I was feeling bored. Those hours outside this cell were exhilarating. To be with Jack and Sydney on a mission was a great deal of fun, although dealing with Jack had a few bad moments. I couldn’t blame him and it did turn out all right. He didn’t trust me yet and I wondered if he ever would again. I think Sydney trusts me more than he does, but then she’s extremely empathetic. That’s a bad habit to have if you are a spy.
I sat crossed-legged on the floor, trying to meditate when I saw the fly. Where did it come from, because he wasn’t here when I left? I watched him for a minute as he buzzed around. Then quickly reached out and plucked him out of the air. I glanced up and saw the monitor was on. I wondered if anyone was watching.
About an hour later, John appeared. “Get up, Ms. Derevko,” he said smiling, “you get to go outside on the roof.”
I stood. “What?”
“I said you get to go outside on the roof.” He unlocked the door as two guards appeared. This time they didn’t have handcuffs or shackles with them.
“Come on. Agent Kendall has authorized you an exercise period for fifteen minutes.”
I walked quickly to the door. The two guards fell in behind me as John led the way to the small elevator that would take me up to some fresh air. I said nothing. He’d given me all the information. So Kendall gave the authorization? I knew it had to be Sydney. In spite of everything, I didn’t believe Jack would have wanted me that free. My daughter evidently requested it.
Out onto the roof we went and I looked around to see three other guards already in place: two on the roof, the other above me on the upper roof and John stood near the door. Six guards! I was impressed. Kendall must have been also to put six men out to guard one woman. Granted I might be a danger, but at this moment I was here to help bring down the Alliance and SD-6.
I began to walk swinging my arms in a sort of exercise. Occasionally I’d do a couple of jumping jacks. I wanted to loosen up. It wasn’t but five minutes later when I heard the door behind me open. It was Sydney. I turned to face her as she was taking in all the guards in place. I wondered what she thought about so many of them.
“Kendall’s allowed me the fifteen minutes here, twice a week. You put in the request, didn’t you, to give me time out here?” I said smiling.
“Yeah. We appreciated your help in Kashmir.”
I stood looking at her and began saying something I’d been rehearsing a lot in my mind. “I need you to understand something. I was eighteen when the KGB recruited me. Sydney, for a woman to be asked to serve her country, it was a future; it meant... empowerment, independence. I was a fool, however to think that any ideology could come before my daughter.” I started to tear up and I could see she was too. She began to turn. I cried, “Sydney?”
She stopped and I jumped forward to hug her tightly as she did me. I hadn’t felt so much love for anyone at that moment as I did my daughter. I wanted her to stay there, but suddenly the US Marshals ran toward us with their guns cocked and raised and pointing at us.
“Hey, stand down,” yelled one.
“Back away, NOW,” hollered another.
“Let’s see your hands,” said another.
I jumped back, my hands held high and I cringed. Moy bog! It was not a pleasant feeling. Sydney backed away, tears running down her face. If I wasn’t powerless and still some distance away from my objective, I might have risked holding her a bit longer. Sydney left quickly. John opened the door for her.
I sat down on the roof and closed my eyes.
“Get up, Derevko,” said one Marshal harshly.
I opened my eyes. “Don’t I have a few more minutes?”
“Don’t argue. Get your butt up and moving.” He motioned to the door with his gun. I stood and slowly walked to the door. Two Marshals followed me as John went through the door first.
I walked to my bunk after they shoved me into the cage as I had begun to think of it as one. I sat down wondering what would happen next. I didn’t have to wait long. Ten minutes later Agent Kendall stalked down the hall and stood before the window.
“You cannot interact physically with anyone.” He said without any greeting.
“She’s my daughter!” I said back. “All we did was hug.”
“No physical contact!” He said. “I can rescind your privileges if you do not follow the rules.”
“No more out on the roof, right?”
He nodded. “So do I take away that privilege or will you adhere to the rules?”
“Yes,” I said. I liked being outside.
The next day I had a visitor I didn’t expect: Jack. I walked over to face him.
“How are your wounds healing?”
He ignored the question and plunged into what he wanted to say. “You obviously had the chance to betray us in Kashmir, but you didn’t!”
Smiling, I said, “I don’t imagine that means you’ve decided to trust me?”
“Our previous...dealings would indicate that your strategy here is long-term. SO for now I trust your behavior is predictable.”
Why is he so stuffy? “By ‘previous dealings’ you mean our marriage? You know, technically we may still be man and wife. I didn’t divorce you when I returned to Russia.” I gave him a big smile, thinking that I didn’t have a chance because I was sent to Kashmir and after that...well, it didn’t ever occur to me.
He stared at me as coldly as any of our encounters before. “Sorry,” I said, meaning it.
“Sydney’s on an assignment with Sark. It’s my belief that he’s still working for you...”
Good guess, I thought. Jack wasn’t stupid. “...and that you’ve coordinated your efforts to infiltrate both SD-6 and the CIA. Whatever you have in mind, I promise you it will not work.”
My heart jumped a tiny bit then.
“So I’m going to offer you a deal. I’ll see to it that you’re relocated to a private residence on Puget Sound, under twenty-four hour surveillance, of course. However, the illusion of freedom is better than none at all.”
I stared at him for a moment and then said, “In exchange...”
“In exchange, you’ll confess and tell us what you’re really doing here; why you turned yourself in. I’ll give you time to consider my offer.” He turned and walked away.
I stood watching him go. Damn that was interesting. Why would Jack, of all people, make me an offer like that? I would think he wanted to have me in prison or worse. He’d already proved he could do that. Perhaps it was because of Sydney.
And speaking of Sydney, she was on a mission with Julian? He didn’t say where they were though. Perhaps they are on the mission we set up and was the reason for their being together. Well maybe I could learn a little from John, but not today. I can wait a while longer for answers.
I went to the roof early today having obtained permission to jog. There isn’t enough room to do even a compacted run, so I opted for a slow jog if Kendall would give me permission. He did. So I’m up on the roof with five guards and am jogging around the perimeter under their watchful eyes. I do not care, however, because I’m using my muscles which have not had much in the way aerobic strengthening.
In the fifteen minutes I’m allowed, I have not stopped until I was told to by the guards. I felt a good sweat on my body and I was feeling exhilarated. I was working out some of the kinks in the back and of my muscles in general. John took me to the shower a few minutes after I returned.
I was reading when I heard the buzzer announcing a visitor. I stood by the window leaning on the glass as Jack walked up.
“Have you thought about my offer?” He asked.
I nodded. “I have nothing to confess, Jack. I know you find it hard to believe I’d turn myself in to make up for my mistakes, but that’s the reason...the only reason I’m here.”
I am such a good liar, but I’m not sure he believes me.
“If that’s the truth, why didn’t you simply refuse the offer when I made it?”
“I was considering whether or not to fabricate a confession just to get out of this cell.”
“You were right. Although our marital contract was founded on fraudulent pretenses, it’s still valid until it’s annulled. It means that technically, we are still married.” He stared at me for a moment; then turned.
“Jack,” I said, stopping him. “Thus far I’ve asked to be debriefed by only Sydney. From now on, I’m willing to talk to you too.”
Disconcerted, Jack stopped, gave a slight nod, and disappeared up the hall.
I returned to my bunk and sat down. Irina, now that was something you hadn’t planned on doing! Still it might be a good thing. Maybe Jack will listen to reason regarding our daughter, especially if we interact more often.
11. A Higher Echelon
The CIA is having trouble with their satellite, Echelon. I’m not sure what happened or how it happened, but Jack came to see me.
“Irina, if you want to help us, as you promised, we need to know if there is a way to block anyone from using an access point to get into the satellite’s controls. We think our friend, Cuvee, has acquired software and an access point to get into it.”
“If you want to know where Cuvee breached the system, it’ll take time, but I could do it if I were given access to Echelon...no restrictions.”
“Kendall will never give you that,” he responded.
“Then I would simply ask you to inform Mr. Kendall that the technicians he’ll assign to do the job will discover it is like quicksand.”
“What does that mean?”
“Tell him.” I answered back and returned to my bunk to read. I seemed calm on the outside, but truly inside I was churning. The premise had been set up. Sark was doing his job. Now all I had to do was wait for the CIA to fail.
I found out that Sydney was sent to Viet Nam to retrieve something for SD-6, but John didn’t know what it was. I was worried about her, but he told me before he went off duty that she’d returned without a problem. I knew there would be one soon. I had dinner and went to sleep early. I had a hunch I would be busy tomorrow, especially if my underling, Dr. Jung, was successful. Julian had notified me that the abduction had gone off without a hitch.
It was soon after breakfast that Sydney appeared. I was calm. I knew what had happened.
“They found it. Quicksand.” She said. I knew they would. Intelligence services in Russia were not always stupid. They erected barriers that would bounce back into the computers of anyone who tried to breach theirs.
“I told your father my terms. Full access to the network, no restrictions.”
“Dad fought for you on this. Don’t make him regret it.” She said solemnly.
I smiled. Bingo!
A few minutes later, two US Marshals opened the door to my cell. I stood waiting. They walked over and put me into handcuffs. I wondered what they thought I was going to do—try to escape—in front of an office filled with CIA agents and personnel. They led me to a stairway and up them and into a hallway. We entered the main part of the rotunda. I felt the eyes of a dozen or so people on me. Obviously they’d not seen me before, but they knew who I was—and what I’d done, kill twelve of their precious agents. I’m not sure what they were thinking. I’m not sure what I was thinking.
I looked at them calmly as I walked to the computer where Kendall, Jack and Sydney were waiting. The computer operator left his seat. I turned and held my arms out. One of the Marshals stepped forward and unlocked the handcuffs after Kendall motioned him to do it. Glancing at Jack and Sydney, I turned and sat down at the computer.
“I’ll need to send an access code.” I said. I didn’t look at him.
“How will we know you’re not signaling your operation?”
“You won’t.”
“Do it,” said Kendall after looking at Jack.
I began typing, entering an access code that would get me into their system. I didn’t know where Cuvee was going either. It meant a race to the finish line. I had two things to do: get Julian to read my encrypted message and stop Cuvee. He was not going to get anything I was going after. I hoped he would be no trouble once I shut him down. Julian was to find him and finish him.
I was working on finding Cuvee’s access point, when Kendall leaned down, saying, “Are you making any progress?”
“Like Echelon, Swarm has access points. If I can locate the directory, we will know if there are any accessible points.” I kept typing.
“That way we could keep SD-6 and Cuvee off the system.” Vaughn was there also keeping watch on me.
Jack and Sydney were at SD-6. Sydney was also worried about her friend and fellow co-worker there who had been abducted, Marshall Flinkman, their op tech. They were trying to locate him, but had not been successful.
“I’d like some coffee, please.” I said to no one in particular.
Kendall looked at Vaughn. “Cream or sugar?” Vaughn said.
I turned to look at him.
“Black.” He answered for me and left.
“Thank you.” I responded.
I’d been working for a couple of hours now when Kendall leaned over me again, saying, and “You said you would find ones that overlap.”
“I said I would find out IF they overlapped.” I said, not looking up.
“And if they don’t?”
“Then I can’t help you.” I retorted. I kept on typing. I’d done what I had to do to contact Julian, now I was busy trying to stop Cuvee and Arvin from getting into Echelon. I not only was doing it for Sydney—and the CIA, but also for myself to see if my skills hadn’t been diminished.
A few minutes later, Kendall says, “If this was some kind of manipulation...”
I was typing and suddenly there was a flash over one access point in Swarm. I’d found the point in Swarm and have now closed it so no one can get into Echelon.
“The overlapping access points, as promised.” I stand up as their computer operator returned to his seat.
“Confirming a match with Echelon right now.” He said.
“Close the access points and SD-6 will be shut out.” I walked away. The two Marshals stepped forward, putting on the handcuffs and leading me back to my cell. I smiled to myself thinking it had been a good day’s work.
12. The Getaway
John told me that Sydney had gone to Paris on an assignment for SD-6 and the CIA. I was not pleased to hear that—her double duties made me nervous and I was not prone to that feeling on a day to day basis that is until I turned myself in and became attached to my daughter. My God, I knew now I wanted her out of this business. John could not tell me any details for which I was thankful.
I was meditating the next morning when I heard the buzzer and the gates move. This time my eyes flew open at once. I stood, waiting. It was Jack!
He gave me a tentative smile; then opened the box, placing a piece of paper inside. “I’d like you to read this. It’s an email from Arvin.”
I looked at him quizzically, pulling the paper out and unfolding it. In the message Arvin told Jack that he had to call Ariana Kane, chief investigator for The Alliance, about Jack’s visit to him last night. He told Jack that when he became a member of the group, he had to submit to being injected with a device which not only tracked his whereabouts and his vital signs, but also transmitted his conversations back to the Alliance. He also told him that the leads Jack gave him had not panned out.
Arvin, however, gave him one of his own. He said that he’d murdered one of the members of the Alliance the year before—a Jean Briault. He feels the blackmailer may be doing it out of revenge.
I finished the email and looked at Jack, expectantly.
“Briault has a wife and an adult son, but neither would have the necessary insight to blackmail the Alliance and other partners considered Briault soft. No one was sad to see him go.”
“So you have nothing,” I said looking at him.
He shrugged somewhat helplessly.
“Are you considering going into witness protection?” The U.S. had possibly dozens of men and women hiding in plain sight under various aliases.
He shook his head. “That would leave Sydney exposed with no one to watch her back.”
“You’d have to take her with you.” I didn’t like the idea of her being without Jack’s protection, which, by now, I knew to be substantial. We may have our differences, but when it came to Sydney, there were none.
“And have her spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder? That’s not an option.”
He was firm about that. I wouldn’t be able to dissuade him.
“Then if you’re not here to say goodbye, why did you bring this to me?”
“I need someone to brainstorm with.”
“Surely CIA has teams who specialize in these matters. Forensics, profilers...”
He looked at me steadily. “Yes. They do.” He didn’t blink either.
He needs me. I nod. “Have your information resources pull everything they have on Briault.”
About six o’clock, Jack returned with files and papers under one arm and a bag in his other hand. “Dinner,” he announced, “from The Wok.”
My eyes widened, “it’s still in business?” I was shocked. The Wok was our favorite Chinese restaurant twenty-five years ago. We had been their first patrons the day they opened up.
“Yes. The son took over from the father and the food is just as good. I brought our favorites: Kung Pao Chicken, Beef Broccoli and vegetable fried rice”
The smell was over-powering. “Let’s eat first.” My stomach was churning with hunger pangs. The CIA did not feed their prisoners such exotic meals.
Behind Jack stood two Marshals with a table and two chairs. He turned and motioned them into the room. I backed away well aware of the rules. They set the table and chairs up and left. Jack removed the cartons from the sack, as well as paper plate and plastic spoons and forks.
I was hungry and I guess so was Jack, because we both ate quickly and silently. I was slightly ahead of him, though and spooned some more chicken on my plate. We just had water to drink, but it was enough.
Moments later, Jack spread the papers and files on the table. “Here’s what we have.” He gave half to me.
An hour or so later, having perused through the papers, I said, “There must be a dozen ways to blackmail the Alliance, all of them far less elaborate than this one.”
“So we can assume that there is a secondary objective which is to make Arvin suffer. Someone harboring an acute hatred...meaning it could be anyone.” Jack chuckled.
I was scanning through some papers as he spoke when my eye caught something a little odd. “Does the Alliance have any permanent operations in Peru?”
“Peru? No. Why?”
“Jean Briault, whenever he traveled he would use his credit card. Except there. Six times this past year he went to Lima, but not a single transaction.”
“I think there’s a custom statement.” He shuffled through the papers until he found it. “Six arrivals into Chavez airport, each time he declared seventy thousand in cash.”
“Why? What was he doing with all the money? No investments. He’s not buying art. Is it possible he was running his own syndicate?”
“One the Alliance wasn’t aware of, I’ll bet. He can’t wire his agents operational money, because the Alliance would spot that. So he bankrolls them himself in Peru. Assume we’re right. Why would they want revenge for his murder? I’ll have customs send over all arrivals and departures into Peru for one week on either side of Briault’s visits.” He got up and gathered a few things.
I said softly, “When I was your wife...” He stopped and looked at me. “I would meet my case officer in his hotel room. I suggest you find out where Briault stayed and pull the hotel security footage.” I knew I’d made a mistake by mentioning my case officer. I didn’t have to say that. I could see that our collaboration was over by the look on his face. I said no more as he left. The guards were back in minutes to take away the table, chairs, and empty cartons.
The hours passed slowly. Jack didn’t return right away. John did tell me that Sydney, herself, had had a close call in Paris. He didn’t have the details, but said that everything turned out all right. Evidently Vaughn had managed to keep her safe.
“What was he doing with her?” I said.
“Dunno.” John said, shrugging. I had a feeling he’d find out.
I smiled and thanked him for the news.
That afternoon Jack returned with more news. Ariana Kane was dead. Sloane executed her. She was the one who was Briault’s lover and had obtained the hundred million. She didn’t tell where the money was either.
“She had administered sodium pentothal to me and five minutes longer and I would have told everything. Sydney and I would have been revealed as double agents and killed as she had been.”
He explained how he’d found the money in Ariana’s account in a bank, then watched in horror as it suddenly disappeared leaving a zero balance.
“Fortunately Sloane saw the email that I sent him from the server room, detailing what I had discovered. Ariana had deposited the bearer bonds into that Monaco account but only long enough to convert them into cash which she then transferred out.”
“And have they recovered the cash?” I asked.
“Not yet.
“And Arvin never questioned why you ran?” I cocked my head, narrowing my eyes.
“No. He realized Kane was on a witch hunt and that running was a valid option. In fact, he’s taking a week off and leaving me in charge while he’s gone. Thank you for everything.”
I smiled...a thank-you from Jack? Amazing. “There is one thing that strikes me odd.”
“Yes. Me too.” He said.
“You said Sloane requested Kane to investigate.”
“The one person who had apparent motive for blackmail.”
“So he suspected her?”
“I don’t think so.”
I frowned a little, “but she was someone easy to frame.”
“Interesting theory,” he said.
“...or not,” I ended.
He left and I kept standing, facing the glass. So Arvin was going away leaving Jack in charge. Why? What was he up to? I hadn’t heard a thing from Sark.
TBC :dry:
We had been back just two days and I was feeling bored. Those hours outside this cell were exhilarating. To be with Jack and Sydney on a mission was a great deal of fun, although dealing with Jack had a few bad moments. I couldn’t blame him and it did turn out all right. He didn’t trust me yet and I wondered if he ever would again. I think Sydney trusts me more than he does, but then she’s extremely empathetic. That’s a bad habit to have if you are a spy.
I sat crossed-legged on the floor, trying to meditate when I saw the fly. Where did it come from, because he wasn’t here when I left? I watched him for a minute as he buzzed around. Then quickly reached out and plucked him out of the air. I glanced up and saw the monitor was on. I wondered if anyone was watching.
About an hour later, John appeared. “Get up, Ms. Derevko,” he said smiling, “you get to go outside on the roof.”
I stood. “What?”
“I said you get to go outside on the roof.” He unlocked the door as two guards appeared. This time they didn’t have handcuffs or shackles with them.
“Come on. Agent Kendall has authorized you an exercise period for fifteen minutes.”
I walked quickly to the door. The two guards fell in behind me as John led the way to the small elevator that would take me up to some fresh air. I said nothing. He’d given me all the information. So Kendall gave the authorization? I knew it had to be Sydney. In spite of everything, I didn’t believe Jack would have wanted me that free. My daughter evidently requested it.
Out onto the roof we went and I looked around to see three other guards already in place: two on the roof, the other above me on the upper roof and John stood near the door. Six guards! I was impressed. Kendall must have been also to put six men out to guard one woman. Granted I might be a danger, but at this moment I was here to help bring down the Alliance and SD-6.
I began to walk swinging my arms in a sort of exercise. Occasionally I’d do a couple of jumping jacks. I wanted to loosen up. It wasn’t but five minutes later when I heard the door behind me open. It was Sydney. I turned to face her as she was taking in all the guards in place. I wondered what she thought about so many of them.
“Kendall’s allowed me the fifteen minutes here, twice a week. You put in the request, didn’t you, to give me time out here?” I said smiling.
“Yeah. We appreciated your help in Kashmir.”
I stood looking at her and began saying something I’d been rehearsing a lot in my mind. “I need you to understand something. I was eighteen when the KGB recruited me. Sydney, for a woman to be asked to serve her country, it was a future; it meant... empowerment, independence. I was a fool, however to think that any ideology could come before my daughter.” I started to tear up and I could see she was too. She began to turn. I cried, “Sydney?”
She stopped and I jumped forward to hug her tightly as she did me. I hadn’t felt so much love for anyone at that moment as I did my daughter. I wanted her to stay there, but suddenly the US Marshals ran toward us with their guns cocked and raised and pointing at us.
“Hey, stand down,” yelled one.
“Back away, NOW,” hollered another.
“Let’s see your hands,” said another.
I jumped back, my hands held high and I cringed. Moy bog! It was not a pleasant feeling. Sydney backed away, tears running down her face. If I wasn’t powerless and still some distance away from my objective, I might have risked holding her a bit longer. Sydney left quickly. John opened the door for her.
I sat down on the roof and closed my eyes.
“Get up, Derevko,” said one Marshal harshly.
I opened my eyes. “Don’t I have a few more minutes?”
“Don’t argue. Get your butt up and moving.” He motioned to the door with his gun. I stood and slowly walked to the door. Two Marshals followed me as John went through the door first.
I walked to my bunk after they shoved me into the cage as I had begun to think of it as one. I sat down wondering what would happen next. I didn’t have to wait long. Ten minutes later Agent Kendall stalked down the hall and stood before the window.
“You cannot interact physically with anyone.” He said without any greeting.
“She’s my daughter!” I said back. “All we did was hug.”
“No physical contact!” He said. “I can rescind your privileges if you do not follow the rules.”
“No more out on the roof, right?”
He nodded. “So do I take away that privilege or will you adhere to the rules?”
“Yes,” I said. I liked being outside.
The next day I had a visitor I didn’t expect: Jack. I walked over to face him.
“How are your wounds healing?”
He ignored the question and plunged into what he wanted to say. “You obviously had the chance to betray us in Kashmir, but you didn’t!”
Smiling, I said, “I don’t imagine that means you’ve decided to trust me?”
“Our previous...dealings would indicate that your strategy here is long-term. SO for now I trust your behavior is predictable.”
Why is he so stuffy? “By ‘previous dealings’ you mean our marriage? You know, technically we may still be man and wife. I didn’t divorce you when I returned to Russia.” I gave him a big smile, thinking that I didn’t have a chance because I was sent to Kashmir and after that...well, it didn’t ever occur to me.
He stared at me as coldly as any of our encounters before. “Sorry,” I said, meaning it.
“Sydney’s on an assignment with Sark. It’s my belief that he’s still working for you...”
Good guess, I thought. Jack wasn’t stupid. “...and that you’ve coordinated your efforts to infiltrate both SD-6 and the CIA. Whatever you have in mind, I promise you it will not work.”
My heart jumped a tiny bit then.
“So I’m going to offer you a deal. I’ll see to it that you’re relocated to a private residence on Puget Sound, under twenty-four hour surveillance, of course. However, the illusion of freedom is better than none at all.”
I stared at him for a moment and then said, “In exchange...”
“In exchange, you’ll confess and tell us what you’re really doing here; why you turned yourself in. I’ll give you time to consider my offer.” He turned and walked away.
I stood watching him go. Damn that was interesting. Why would Jack, of all people, make me an offer like that? I would think he wanted to have me in prison or worse. He’d already proved he could do that. Perhaps it was because of Sydney.
And speaking of Sydney, she was on a mission with Julian? He didn’t say where they were though. Perhaps they are on the mission we set up and was the reason for their being together. Well maybe I could learn a little from John, but not today. I can wait a while longer for answers.
I went to the roof early today having obtained permission to jog. There isn’t enough room to do even a compacted run, so I opted for a slow jog if Kendall would give me permission. He did. So I’m up on the roof with five guards and am jogging around the perimeter under their watchful eyes. I do not care, however, because I’m using my muscles which have not had much in the way aerobic strengthening.
In the fifteen minutes I’m allowed, I have not stopped until I was told to by the guards. I felt a good sweat on my body and I was feeling exhilarated. I was working out some of the kinks in the back and of my muscles in general. John took me to the shower a few minutes after I returned.
I was reading when I heard the buzzer announcing a visitor. I stood by the window leaning on the glass as Jack walked up.
“Have you thought about my offer?” He asked.
I nodded. “I have nothing to confess, Jack. I know you find it hard to believe I’d turn myself in to make up for my mistakes, but that’s the reason...the only reason I’m here.”
I am such a good liar, but I’m not sure he believes me.
“If that’s the truth, why didn’t you simply refuse the offer when I made it?”
“I was considering whether or not to fabricate a confession just to get out of this cell.”
“You were right. Although our marital contract was founded on fraudulent pretenses, it’s still valid until it’s annulled. It means that technically, we are still married.” He stared at me for a moment; then turned.
“Jack,” I said, stopping him. “Thus far I’ve asked to be debriefed by only Sydney. From now on, I’m willing to talk to you too.”
Disconcerted, Jack stopped, gave a slight nod, and disappeared up the hall.
I returned to my bunk and sat down. Irina, now that was something you hadn’t planned on doing! Still it might be a good thing. Maybe Jack will listen to reason regarding our daughter, especially if we interact more often.
11. A Higher Echelon
The CIA is having trouble with their satellite, Echelon. I’m not sure what happened or how it happened, but Jack came to see me.
“Irina, if you want to help us, as you promised, we need to know if there is a way to block anyone from using an access point to get into the satellite’s controls. We think our friend, Cuvee, has acquired software and an access point to get into it.”
“If you want to know where Cuvee breached the system, it’ll take time, but I could do it if I were given access to Echelon...no restrictions.”
“Kendall will never give you that,” he responded.
“Then I would simply ask you to inform Mr. Kendall that the technicians he’ll assign to do the job will discover it is like quicksand.”
“What does that mean?”
“Tell him.” I answered back and returned to my bunk to read. I seemed calm on the outside, but truly inside I was churning. The premise had been set up. Sark was doing his job. Now all I had to do was wait for the CIA to fail.
I found out that Sydney was sent to Viet Nam to retrieve something for SD-6, but John didn’t know what it was. I was worried about her, but he told me before he went off duty that she’d returned without a problem. I knew there would be one soon. I had dinner and went to sleep early. I had a hunch I would be busy tomorrow, especially if my underling, Dr. Jung, was successful. Julian had notified me that the abduction had gone off without a hitch.
It was soon after breakfast that Sydney appeared. I was calm. I knew what had happened.
“They found it. Quicksand.” She said. I knew they would. Intelligence services in Russia were not always stupid. They erected barriers that would bounce back into the computers of anyone who tried to breach theirs.
“I told your father my terms. Full access to the network, no restrictions.”
“Dad fought for you on this. Don’t make him regret it.” She said solemnly.
I smiled. Bingo!
A few minutes later, two US Marshals opened the door to my cell. I stood waiting. They walked over and put me into handcuffs. I wondered what they thought I was going to do—try to escape—in front of an office filled with CIA agents and personnel. They led me to a stairway and up them and into a hallway. We entered the main part of the rotunda. I felt the eyes of a dozen or so people on me. Obviously they’d not seen me before, but they knew who I was—and what I’d done, kill twelve of their precious agents. I’m not sure what they were thinking. I’m not sure what I was thinking.
I looked at them calmly as I walked to the computer where Kendall, Jack and Sydney were waiting. The computer operator left his seat. I turned and held my arms out. One of the Marshals stepped forward and unlocked the handcuffs after Kendall motioned him to do it. Glancing at Jack and Sydney, I turned and sat down at the computer.
“I’ll need to send an access code.” I said. I didn’t look at him.
“How will we know you’re not signaling your operation?”
“You won’t.”
“Do it,” said Kendall after looking at Jack.
I began typing, entering an access code that would get me into their system. I didn’t know where Cuvee was going either. It meant a race to the finish line. I had two things to do: get Julian to read my encrypted message and stop Cuvee. He was not going to get anything I was going after. I hoped he would be no trouble once I shut him down. Julian was to find him and finish him.
I was working on finding Cuvee’s access point, when Kendall leaned down, saying, “Are you making any progress?”
“Like Echelon, Swarm has access points. If I can locate the directory, we will know if there are any accessible points.” I kept typing.
“That way we could keep SD-6 and Cuvee off the system.” Vaughn was there also keeping watch on me.
Jack and Sydney were at SD-6. Sydney was also worried about her friend and fellow co-worker there who had been abducted, Marshall Flinkman, their op tech. They were trying to locate him, but had not been successful.
“I’d like some coffee, please.” I said to no one in particular.
Kendall looked at Vaughn. “Cream or sugar?” Vaughn said.
I turned to look at him.
“Black.” He answered for me and left.
“Thank you.” I responded.
I’d been working for a couple of hours now when Kendall leaned over me again, saying, and “You said you would find ones that overlap.”
“I said I would find out IF they overlapped.” I said, not looking up.
“And if they don’t?”
“Then I can’t help you.” I retorted. I kept on typing. I’d done what I had to do to contact Julian, now I was busy trying to stop Cuvee and Arvin from getting into Echelon. I not only was doing it for Sydney—and the CIA, but also for myself to see if my skills hadn’t been diminished.
A few minutes later, Kendall says, “If this was some kind of manipulation...”
I was typing and suddenly there was a flash over one access point in Swarm. I’d found the point in Swarm and have now closed it so no one can get into Echelon.
“The overlapping access points, as promised.” I stand up as their computer operator returned to his seat.
“Confirming a match with Echelon right now.” He said.
“Close the access points and SD-6 will be shut out.” I walked away. The two Marshals stepped forward, putting on the handcuffs and leading me back to my cell. I smiled to myself thinking it had been a good day’s work.
12. The Getaway
John told me that Sydney had gone to Paris on an assignment for SD-6 and the CIA. I was not pleased to hear that—her double duties made me nervous and I was not prone to that feeling on a day to day basis that is until I turned myself in and became attached to my daughter. My God, I knew now I wanted her out of this business. John could not tell me any details for which I was thankful.
I was meditating the next morning when I heard the buzzer and the gates move. This time my eyes flew open at once. I stood, waiting. It was Jack!
He gave me a tentative smile; then opened the box, placing a piece of paper inside. “I’d like you to read this. It’s an email from Arvin.”
I looked at him quizzically, pulling the paper out and unfolding it. In the message Arvin told Jack that he had to call Ariana Kane, chief investigator for The Alliance, about Jack’s visit to him last night. He told Jack that when he became a member of the group, he had to submit to being injected with a device which not only tracked his whereabouts and his vital signs, but also transmitted his conversations back to the Alliance. He also told him that the leads Jack gave him had not panned out.
Arvin, however, gave him one of his own. He said that he’d murdered one of the members of the Alliance the year before—a Jean Briault. He feels the blackmailer may be doing it out of revenge.
I finished the email and looked at Jack, expectantly.
“Briault has a wife and an adult son, but neither would have the necessary insight to blackmail the Alliance and other partners considered Briault soft. No one was sad to see him go.”
“So you have nothing,” I said looking at him.
He shrugged somewhat helplessly.
“Are you considering going into witness protection?” The U.S. had possibly dozens of men and women hiding in plain sight under various aliases.
He shook his head. “That would leave Sydney exposed with no one to watch her back.”
“You’d have to take her with you.” I didn’t like the idea of her being without Jack’s protection, which, by now, I knew to be substantial. We may have our differences, but when it came to Sydney, there were none.
“And have her spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder? That’s not an option.”
He was firm about that. I wouldn’t be able to dissuade him.
“Then if you’re not here to say goodbye, why did you bring this to me?”
“I need someone to brainstorm with.”
“Surely CIA has teams who specialize in these matters. Forensics, profilers...”
He looked at me steadily. “Yes. They do.” He didn’t blink either.
He needs me. I nod. “Have your information resources pull everything they have on Briault.”
About six o’clock, Jack returned with files and papers under one arm and a bag in his other hand. “Dinner,” he announced, “from The Wok.”
My eyes widened, “it’s still in business?” I was shocked. The Wok was our favorite Chinese restaurant twenty-five years ago. We had been their first patrons the day they opened up.
“Yes. The son took over from the father and the food is just as good. I brought our favorites: Kung Pao Chicken, Beef Broccoli and vegetable fried rice”
The smell was over-powering. “Let’s eat first.” My stomach was churning with hunger pangs. The CIA did not feed their prisoners such exotic meals.
Behind Jack stood two Marshals with a table and two chairs. He turned and motioned them into the room. I backed away well aware of the rules. They set the table and chairs up and left. Jack removed the cartons from the sack, as well as paper plate and plastic spoons and forks.
I was hungry and I guess so was Jack, because we both ate quickly and silently. I was slightly ahead of him, though and spooned some more chicken on my plate. We just had water to drink, but it was enough.
Moments later, Jack spread the papers and files on the table. “Here’s what we have.” He gave half to me.
An hour or so later, having perused through the papers, I said, “There must be a dozen ways to blackmail the Alliance, all of them far less elaborate than this one.”
“So we can assume that there is a secondary objective which is to make Arvin suffer. Someone harboring an acute hatred...meaning it could be anyone.” Jack chuckled.
I was scanning through some papers as he spoke when my eye caught something a little odd. “Does the Alliance have any permanent operations in Peru?”
“Peru? No. Why?”
“Jean Briault, whenever he traveled he would use his credit card. Except there. Six times this past year he went to Lima, but not a single transaction.”
“I think there’s a custom statement.” He shuffled through the papers until he found it. “Six arrivals into Chavez airport, each time he declared seventy thousand in cash.”
“Why? What was he doing with all the money? No investments. He’s not buying art. Is it possible he was running his own syndicate?”
“One the Alliance wasn’t aware of, I’ll bet. He can’t wire his agents operational money, because the Alliance would spot that. So he bankrolls them himself in Peru. Assume we’re right. Why would they want revenge for his murder? I’ll have customs send over all arrivals and departures into Peru for one week on either side of Briault’s visits.” He got up and gathered a few things.
I said softly, “When I was your wife...” He stopped and looked at me. “I would meet my case officer in his hotel room. I suggest you find out where Briault stayed and pull the hotel security footage.” I knew I’d made a mistake by mentioning my case officer. I didn’t have to say that. I could see that our collaboration was over by the look on his face. I said no more as he left. The guards were back in minutes to take away the table, chairs, and empty cartons.
The hours passed slowly. Jack didn’t return right away. John did tell me that Sydney, herself, had had a close call in Paris. He didn’t have the details, but said that everything turned out all right. Evidently Vaughn had managed to keep her safe.
“What was he doing with her?” I said.
“Dunno.” John said, shrugging. I had a feeling he’d find out.
I smiled and thanked him for the news.
That afternoon Jack returned with more news. Ariana Kane was dead. Sloane executed her. She was the one who was Briault’s lover and had obtained the hundred million. She didn’t tell where the money was either.
“She had administered sodium pentothal to me and five minutes longer and I would have told everything. Sydney and I would have been revealed as double agents and killed as she had been.”
He explained how he’d found the money in Ariana’s account in a bank, then watched in horror as it suddenly disappeared leaving a zero balance.
“Fortunately Sloane saw the email that I sent him from the server room, detailing what I had discovered. Ariana had deposited the bearer bonds into that Monaco account but only long enough to convert them into cash which she then transferred out.”
“And have they recovered the cash?” I asked.
“Not yet.
“And Arvin never questioned why you ran?” I cocked my head, narrowing my eyes.
“No. He realized Kane was on a witch hunt and that running was a valid option. In fact, he’s taking a week off and leaving me in charge while he’s gone. Thank you for everything.”
I smiled...a thank-you from Jack? Amazing. “There is one thing that strikes me odd.”
“Yes. Me too.” He said.
“You said Sloane requested Kane to investigate.”
“The one person who had apparent motive for blackmail.”
“So he suspected her?”
“I don’t think so.”
I frowned a little, “but she was someone easy to frame.”
“Interesting theory,” he said.
“...or not,” I ended.
He left and I kept standing, facing the glass. So Arvin was going away leaving Jack in charge. Why? What was he up to? I hadn’t heard a thing from Sark.
TBC :dry:
texasalias2004
Cadet
Awsome update. I loved it and can't wait for more.
texasalias
texasalias
13. Phase One
Something’s happened. I haven’t seen or heard from Jack or Sydney for days. Even John has not had the opportunity to learn any details. It was on the fourth day that he filled me in on some facts.
The Alliance and SD-6 are no more. Sydney led a raid on SD-6 after getting information from her handler Dixon. She evidently convinced him that he was actually working for the bad guys. He provided her with the Intel to get into Credit Dauphine’s underground offices which held SD-6. The CIA took over after dealing with those security forces that had the guns.
The others: men and women like Sydney and Dixon were taken into custody and probably would be debriefed. They might, said John, even be absorbed by the CIA after they told them everything.
Jack had been tortured by a man sent by the Alliance to take over. I’m sure Arvin made sure Jack wasn’t too long in charge. He’s going to be all right. They had him in the hospital. I was glad. In spite of everything, I didn’t want him hurt. I’m sure Arvin didn’t either—with the years of friendship between them.
No word about Sydney though.
I returned to my bunk and another book.
The next morning Jack came to see me. He filled me in on the details of the raid.
“Sydney. Is she all right?”
”Yes, but she managed to give the CIA, Vaughn and myself near heart attacks.” He grinned. “She was sent to get information from the Alliance’s server which was on a plane that never landed but once every two weeks.”
“Two weeks? But didn’t the plane need refueling?”
“Yes. They did when they were flying.”
“Why land every two weeks?”
“To pick up a prostitute for the man who ran the servers.”
I gasped. “Sydney?”
He nodded. “But she was armed with a needle that doped the guy, giving her time to get the information to the CIA and then leave. But there was trouble.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course, there was.”
“Sydney was caught by boss’s assistant. She took care of him by shooting open the cabin door. He was sucked out into one of the jet engines. The boss recovered and he lost the fight with Sydney. He went out through the door.”
“Jack! Sydney...how did she escape?”
“She managed to wiggle into a parachute hanging in a closet next to the door. Then she was sucked out, but missed the jet engine. The plane crashed. The information she obtained was enough for all of the Alliance’s SD’s to be brought down and those who were The Alliance were arrested. Arvin has disappeared. He’s the only one of them left.” He looked at me.
I was relieved and I know that was the emotion showing on my face. I was happy that Sydney was alive—and Arvin too.
14. Double Agent
Jack was down to see me a couple of days after his last visit. He promised after telling me about Sydney’s escape from an Alliance Plane that he would fill me in on her comings and goings as long as they were not classified.
“We haven’t found Arvin yet and have no idea where he’s gone.”
I didn’t either! Sark had not contacted me. “Could he be dead,” I asked.
“I don’t think so, but he’s gone underground. The Alliance has been taken down completely. Their assets: bank accounts and properties have been confiscated by several governments. SD-6 had assets worth a billion in stocks, bonds, cash and some property.”
My eyes widened. That was a lot of money, I thought—and I said so.
“I doubt that we’ve found it all. If Arvin planned to escape, I’m sure he managed to skim off money for himself.”
“How about his Rambaldi artifacts? He was rumored to have many of them according to what Sydney said and I knew he’d obtained several she did not know about.”
Jack shrugged, “No one has found them.” He studied me for a few seconds. “Do you know where they are?”
I shook my head. “Sorry, Jack, no I don’t.” And I didn’t. I just wish I did know where they were. I wanted to get my hands on everything including the manuscript that the old master at the monastery showed me. The prophecy and the picture were nagging at my belief system. Having seen them had upped my interest a thousand-fold.
“Well, I have to go. I’ll let you know when Sydney will be back. Is there anything you want?”
“Besides out of here,” I laughed. “Yes! I could use another book and do you suppose Kendall would allow me during my fifteen minutes out on the roof to work out? I believe my muscles are atrophying.”
He stared at me somewhat appreciatively. “You look...umm...fine, but I will ask.”
The next morning when John came with the two Marshals to take me upstairs, he said, “you can work out, Ms Derevko.”
“I need someone to spar with,” I said, not looking at the Marshals.
“Well don’t look at me,” he said. “I’m too old and too slow.”
When we got up to the roof, John called the four Marshals to face me. “She’s been given permission to work-out, but needs someone to spar with. One of you can volunteer to do it, but I need to know how capable are you?”
Two of the men volunteered and the other two declined, stating they no wish to spar with a woman. Of the two who did volunteer, one was into boxing only. The other one had some experience in kick boxing and some Krav maga techniques. I chose him, removing my jacket. My shoes were not good, but I was sure I wasn’t going to get sneakers. I did ask John for his gloves, which I put on. They were a little loose, but I didn’t mind.
The other Marshals stepped back to watch. John was at the door. I looked at my opponent. I was at least twice his age. He was muscular and very fit. He would give me a good work-out. His name was embroidered on his uniform shirt—Maxfield, probably Max to his friends. He stood about six feet and weighed maybe 165 pounds.
I smiled at him and attacked almost before he was ready. He slipped my punch and jabbed my jaw, snapping my head back. I back peddled away.
“Good job,” said one of his co-workers.
Assessing him again, I saw that he was no push-over and I would have to be careful not to get hurt. Bobbing and weaving I moved him to a point where one of the Marshals was behind me. I jabbed at his jaw weakly and slipped the punch he threw back. As he ended it slightly off balance, I whirled, kicked his calf and spun around to face him. He looked surprised. I jabbed again, catching him just under the heart and whirled as he threw a right hook.
We moved back and forth, jabbing, doing some light punching, but I definitely kept my balance and didn’t let him hit me again. The purpose, in my mind, was a light work-out to get my thigh muscles a work-out as well as the muscles in my back and shoulders. I had a light sweat on my face by the time the fifteen minutes were up.
I saw John move from the door, so I stopped and held my hand out. “Thank you.” I said it with a smile. Maxfield took it, but wasn’t smiling.
“Next time?” I asked.
He nodded, “but maybe not so light.”
“Sorry, but my shoes are not good for a real workout and the gloves are John’s.” I smiled as warmly as I could. “We have no protective head gear.” I said calmly, all the while my heart was beating fast, hoping that somehow it would be provided. I did not want to get hurt anymore and I’m sure neither did he—at least from the standpoint of pain being administered by an older woman.
He grunted, turning away. I stripped the gloves off and handed them to John. “Okay if I shower first?”
Friday I was to go to the roof for my regular fifteen minutes, but this time I was wearing sneakers and had padded gloves. They were approved by Kendall when the Marshals said that I didn’t have a good workout because the shoes I wore were not good up on the roof. But then, to my surprise, we didn’t go to the roof, we went to a training room where CIA and FBI agents worked out when they had time.
The room was about twenty foot square. It was padded on the walls and the floor was covered with thinner pads. I walked in surprised about the locale. I really had not expected it.
“Now, Ms. Derevko, you can have a good workout.” John looked pleased.
“Yes!”
Maxfield walked to the center of the room. The other Marshals were in the corners, John at the door. I swung my arms several times loosening up. No one knew I had been doing some physical exercises the past three days which made me feel some strength returning to my body.
I entered the center of the room. I had the protective head gear on, as did he. I looked at him. “Light sparring for a few minutes—then we’ll see,” I said.
I threw a punch instantly and caught him on the side of the head. He bobbed away throwing a hook at my jaw which I slipped. I stepped back moving around him and throwing some jabs which he blocked easily. I knew the other men were reacting, but I paid them no attention. I had to keep my focus. Back and forth we came together, jabbed, moved away. I got in one good punch at his jaw, but took one to my stomach before I could get out of the way.
Then I moved at least six feet from him, whirled and kicked him in the side. Now the action was more exciting for everyone. Max and I used the entire room, because both of us used our kick-boxing to attack and defend. I was jammed up against the wall by one of his return kicks. His body pinned me while he delivered two quick jabs to my abdomen, followed by one to the jaw.
My head banged against the padded wall. I couldn’t hesitate though because he would give me a beating. I dropped to the floor and rolled out of his reach, landing on my feet. As he turned, I swept his legs out from under him and straddled his body. Before he could react, I had my hands on his shirt. I fell back, lifted him by putting both feet in his stomach and tossed him over my head.
When I let go, I bounded to my feet, and was going to land on top of him, but he was quick and fast enough to do a forward kip, hitting me in the jaw. I moved my head slightly so that I didn’t take the full punch. I grabbed him around the waist and pushed him into the wall behind him.
Vaguely I heard a whistle. It was John. Time was up. I stood back and waited. I took off the head gear and gloves. It had been a good workout. Sweat was pouring from my body. I held out my hand to Max, who took it.
“Nice moves, Derevko,” he said.
“You too, Max.” I turned to the door and John opened it. “Shower on the way?”
“Sure thing.”
I was beginning to enjoy some of my stay in the glass cage. I just wished I could see Sydney.
15. A Free Agent
Sydney came to see me today. I was unprepared for what happened. “Hi Mom,” she said.
I smiled. “Congratulations. Your father told me about your successes—bringing down the Alliance...and Arvin. What about your associates at SD-6? You had friends there, yes?” From previous talks, I knew she was especially concerned about Marshall Flinkman and Marcus Dixon, her partner.
“I haven’t seen them yet.” She answered. “I mean, they’re still being debriefed. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you for a while.”
“Well, I understand. I’m sure this has been overwhelming for you.” Nicely stated, I thought.
Sydney paused, looking at me almost apologetically. “I graduate today.”
“I know. I want you to know that I’m very proud of you for getting that degree. You won’t regret it.” I looked at her cocking my head slightly trying to get a handle on what was bothering her. “I would think you would be more relieved with SD-6 and the Alliance gone.”
Sydney paused, glancing down and then back at me, “I’m thinking about leaving the CIA, which would mean giving up my clearance to see you.”
My heart almost leaped for joy and then I realized she’d said ‘thinking about’. I paused trying to find the right words. “You’re too forgiving, Sydney. Don’t pretend something that I’m not. I’ve never been a real mother to you. You don’t owe me a second chance. If you make this decision about me, you’re a fool.” I saw her wince. I tried to keep my voice steady and cool.
“In fact, if you decide to stay, I won’t agree to see you anymore.” I looked at her, hoping it would be the last time—that she would make the right decision. “Take care of yourself.”
Sydney took a long look at me and there were tears in her eyes as she turned, walking back up the corridor. I leaned up against the glass, head down, fighting back my own tears. I’d just cut myself off from one of the two people I’d ever cared about and loved. I bit my lip in order not to be videoed. I didn’t want anyone to see me. I turned slowly away from the camera and walked over to my bunk to lie down.
I cried a little tonight—thinking about Sydney and what I’d told her. I couldn’t back down now. I wanted her to leave the CIA even if I never saw her again.
Two days later I was facing the glass when I heard the buzzer sound and the gates begin opening. I was thinking that I was a fool. Perhaps it was Sydney coming to tell me she had thought it over and was going to leave the CIA.
It was Jack instead. I didn’t like the look on his face, because it seemed that recently he’d been more resigned to our daughter talking with me. I thought our own relationship had been a bit more comfortable and without rancor on his part.
“How could you do that to her again?” His words were sharp and cutting. His eyes were unforgiving.
My chest tightened with fear. It was now the fear of losing the only other contact I had wanted.
“Jack,” I said, biting my lip. “If she stayed in the CIA because of me, I couldn’t bear it. Do you think,” I gestured to the room behind me, “that I put myself in this room for the rest of my life just to make up for my past mistakes?” I shook my head slowly. “When Sydney showed up in Taipei and then in Barcelona, I saw myself and I didn’t want this for her in thirty years!”
“Commendable,” he said coldly. “It seems that she now feels once more abandoned by the one person she wanted to see the most—her mother.” He stared at me and then blinked, when he saw me begin to tear up.
“Thanks, Jack,” I said, my lips trembling and a tear rolling down my cheek. “I’m sorry I couldn’t live up to her expectations. You were right when you told me that being her mother was only a biological fact.”
“Irina,” his tone softened. “Sydney was kidnapped by Sloane in Zurich an hour ago. We don’t know where she is or if she’s alive.”
By his words, I knew she was still a CIA officer. “What happened?”
“Sloane wore a disguise and was taking a piece of equipment that was in a safety deposit box. She and Vaughn traced him there. He threatened to blow up the bank if she didn’t put down her gun and come with him. She did.” He stared. “Can you help?”
“Jack, I have no idea where Sloane is—or could be.” I saw the deepening worry on his face. “Sydney will be all right. Sloane has known her all her life. I don’t think he’ll harm her really, do you?”
He shook his head, “No, I believe you’re right. Still she brought down the Alliance and SD-6.”
“I know,” I said softly.
*
16. Firebomb
Jack has been back to tell me Sydney was all right. Sloane escaped, however with whatever he’d wanted from the bank. I couldn’t help Jack in any of the questions he asked. I had not heard from Sark yet. I sat crossed legged on my bunk making plans based on ‘what ifs’ and could not go beyond a certain point until I did.
I had not seen Sydney since she returned and probably wouldn’t again—ever. I was working on coming to terms with that and it was hard. Still I had to remember the purpose I’d given myself up for—to get back in the good graces of Sloane and use him to get those Rambaldi artifacts. Sark had instructions and he was going to put them to work. I did want to get out of this place, especially now that I could not see Sydney again.
Sark told me that he was going to Mexico on a project for Sloane, but that he would get to work on our project as soon as he got back. He didn’t tell me what he was going to do in Mexico.
Jack came down to see me. He didn’t have a question, but in general was telling me that Sloane escaped again, using Sydney. I didn’t need a picture to be drawn to know that my daughter had decided to stay with the CIA.
“Tell her I’m glad she wasn’t hurt!” I turned away, walking to my bunk.
“What’s the matter?”
I whirled. “She’s still working for CIA! You know what my feelings are about that.”
He had the grace to blush a little. “Yes, but...”
“But nothing! I know that it’s almost impossible to be an agent and married!” I could see him begin to cool down thinking about our own marriage. “I’d think that you’d want her to be out also. She’s your daughter! How many times has she been almost caught or caught, but escaped. She is smart, but one day...” I paused. “Why is it so impossible for you to let her go?”
“I didn’t want her to be a victim.”
“Of what? Do you think Agent Vaughn is a double agent?”
“No, but...”
“Jack, they’re in love although they are dancing around the truth of it. Sydney graduated with a degree in English Literature. She can teach at any college or university. Give her a chance, please.”
“We’ll see.” He said, turning away to leave.
“Jack,” I cried, “I gave birth to that girl and for six years, I raised her, taught her, and even disciplined her because you were away so much of the time. I know you think I wasn’t anything but her biological mother, but those years...” I stared at him. “...those years meant everything to me. I used to dream about her growing up to be anything she wanted to be—to have a career, get married, have children.
“I never thought she would end up a spy and intelligence agent like you or like me. Please Jack, please try to get her to resign. I haven’t seen her and I won’t see her again, but I will remember her no matter what happens to me.”
He nodded. I don’t know if he would accept my plea, but I could hope.
TBC
Something’s happened. I haven’t seen or heard from Jack or Sydney for days. Even John has not had the opportunity to learn any details. It was on the fourth day that he filled me in on some facts.
The Alliance and SD-6 are no more. Sydney led a raid on SD-6 after getting information from her handler Dixon. She evidently convinced him that he was actually working for the bad guys. He provided her with the Intel to get into Credit Dauphine’s underground offices which held SD-6. The CIA took over after dealing with those security forces that had the guns.
The others: men and women like Sydney and Dixon were taken into custody and probably would be debriefed. They might, said John, even be absorbed by the CIA after they told them everything.
Jack had been tortured by a man sent by the Alliance to take over. I’m sure Arvin made sure Jack wasn’t too long in charge. He’s going to be all right. They had him in the hospital. I was glad. In spite of everything, I didn’t want him hurt. I’m sure Arvin didn’t either—with the years of friendship between them.
No word about Sydney though.
I returned to my bunk and another book.
The next morning Jack came to see me. He filled me in on the details of the raid.
“Sydney. Is she all right?”
”Yes, but she managed to give the CIA, Vaughn and myself near heart attacks.” He grinned. “She was sent to get information from the Alliance’s server which was on a plane that never landed but once every two weeks.”
“Two weeks? But didn’t the plane need refueling?”
“Yes. They did when they were flying.”
“Why land every two weeks?”
“To pick up a prostitute for the man who ran the servers.”
I gasped. “Sydney?”
He nodded. “But she was armed with a needle that doped the guy, giving her time to get the information to the CIA and then leave. But there was trouble.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course, there was.”
“Sydney was caught by boss’s assistant. She took care of him by shooting open the cabin door. He was sucked out into one of the jet engines. The boss recovered and he lost the fight with Sydney. He went out through the door.”
“Jack! Sydney...how did she escape?”
“She managed to wiggle into a parachute hanging in a closet next to the door. Then she was sucked out, but missed the jet engine. The plane crashed. The information she obtained was enough for all of the Alliance’s SD’s to be brought down and those who were The Alliance were arrested. Arvin has disappeared. He’s the only one of them left.” He looked at me.
I was relieved and I know that was the emotion showing on my face. I was happy that Sydney was alive—and Arvin too.
14. Double Agent
Jack was down to see me a couple of days after his last visit. He promised after telling me about Sydney’s escape from an Alliance Plane that he would fill me in on her comings and goings as long as they were not classified.
“We haven’t found Arvin yet and have no idea where he’s gone.”
I didn’t either! Sark had not contacted me. “Could he be dead,” I asked.
“I don’t think so, but he’s gone underground. The Alliance has been taken down completely. Their assets: bank accounts and properties have been confiscated by several governments. SD-6 had assets worth a billion in stocks, bonds, cash and some property.”
My eyes widened. That was a lot of money, I thought—and I said so.
“I doubt that we’ve found it all. If Arvin planned to escape, I’m sure he managed to skim off money for himself.”
“How about his Rambaldi artifacts? He was rumored to have many of them according to what Sydney said and I knew he’d obtained several she did not know about.”
Jack shrugged, “No one has found them.” He studied me for a few seconds. “Do you know where they are?”
I shook my head. “Sorry, Jack, no I don’t.” And I didn’t. I just wish I did know where they were. I wanted to get my hands on everything including the manuscript that the old master at the monastery showed me. The prophecy and the picture were nagging at my belief system. Having seen them had upped my interest a thousand-fold.
“Well, I have to go. I’ll let you know when Sydney will be back. Is there anything you want?”
“Besides out of here,” I laughed. “Yes! I could use another book and do you suppose Kendall would allow me during my fifteen minutes out on the roof to work out? I believe my muscles are atrophying.”
He stared at me somewhat appreciatively. “You look...umm...fine, but I will ask.”
The next morning when John came with the two Marshals to take me upstairs, he said, “you can work out, Ms Derevko.”
“I need someone to spar with,” I said, not looking at the Marshals.
“Well don’t look at me,” he said. “I’m too old and too slow.”
When we got up to the roof, John called the four Marshals to face me. “She’s been given permission to work-out, but needs someone to spar with. One of you can volunteer to do it, but I need to know how capable are you?”
Two of the men volunteered and the other two declined, stating they no wish to spar with a woman. Of the two who did volunteer, one was into boxing only. The other one had some experience in kick boxing and some Krav maga techniques. I chose him, removing my jacket. My shoes were not good, but I was sure I wasn’t going to get sneakers. I did ask John for his gloves, which I put on. They were a little loose, but I didn’t mind.
The other Marshals stepped back to watch. John was at the door. I looked at my opponent. I was at least twice his age. He was muscular and very fit. He would give me a good work-out. His name was embroidered on his uniform shirt—Maxfield, probably Max to his friends. He stood about six feet and weighed maybe 165 pounds.
I smiled at him and attacked almost before he was ready. He slipped my punch and jabbed my jaw, snapping my head back. I back peddled away.
“Good job,” said one of his co-workers.
Assessing him again, I saw that he was no push-over and I would have to be careful not to get hurt. Bobbing and weaving I moved him to a point where one of the Marshals was behind me. I jabbed at his jaw weakly and slipped the punch he threw back. As he ended it slightly off balance, I whirled, kicked his calf and spun around to face him. He looked surprised. I jabbed again, catching him just under the heart and whirled as he threw a right hook.
We moved back and forth, jabbing, doing some light punching, but I definitely kept my balance and didn’t let him hit me again. The purpose, in my mind, was a light work-out to get my thigh muscles a work-out as well as the muscles in my back and shoulders. I had a light sweat on my face by the time the fifteen minutes were up.
I saw John move from the door, so I stopped and held my hand out. “Thank you.” I said it with a smile. Maxfield took it, but wasn’t smiling.
“Next time?” I asked.
He nodded, “but maybe not so light.”
“Sorry, but my shoes are not good for a real workout and the gloves are John’s.” I smiled as warmly as I could. “We have no protective head gear.” I said calmly, all the while my heart was beating fast, hoping that somehow it would be provided. I did not want to get hurt anymore and I’m sure neither did he—at least from the standpoint of pain being administered by an older woman.
He grunted, turning away. I stripped the gloves off and handed them to John. “Okay if I shower first?”
Friday I was to go to the roof for my regular fifteen minutes, but this time I was wearing sneakers and had padded gloves. They were approved by Kendall when the Marshals said that I didn’t have a good workout because the shoes I wore were not good up on the roof. But then, to my surprise, we didn’t go to the roof, we went to a training room where CIA and FBI agents worked out when they had time.
The room was about twenty foot square. It was padded on the walls and the floor was covered with thinner pads. I walked in surprised about the locale. I really had not expected it.
“Now, Ms. Derevko, you can have a good workout.” John looked pleased.
“Yes!”
Maxfield walked to the center of the room. The other Marshals were in the corners, John at the door. I swung my arms several times loosening up. No one knew I had been doing some physical exercises the past three days which made me feel some strength returning to my body.
I entered the center of the room. I had the protective head gear on, as did he. I looked at him. “Light sparring for a few minutes—then we’ll see,” I said.
I threw a punch instantly and caught him on the side of the head. He bobbed away throwing a hook at my jaw which I slipped. I stepped back moving around him and throwing some jabs which he blocked easily. I knew the other men were reacting, but I paid them no attention. I had to keep my focus. Back and forth we came together, jabbed, moved away. I got in one good punch at his jaw, but took one to my stomach before I could get out of the way.
Then I moved at least six feet from him, whirled and kicked him in the side. Now the action was more exciting for everyone. Max and I used the entire room, because both of us used our kick-boxing to attack and defend. I was jammed up against the wall by one of his return kicks. His body pinned me while he delivered two quick jabs to my abdomen, followed by one to the jaw.
My head banged against the padded wall. I couldn’t hesitate though because he would give me a beating. I dropped to the floor and rolled out of his reach, landing on my feet. As he turned, I swept his legs out from under him and straddled his body. Before he could react, I had my hands on his shirt. I fell back, lifted him by putting both feet in his stomach and tossed him over my head.
When I let go, I bounded to my feet, and was going to land on top of him, but he was quick and fast enough to do a forward kip, hitting me in the jaw. I moved my head slightly so that I didn’t take the full punch. I grabbed him around the waist and pushed him into the wall behind him.
Vaguely I heard a whistle. It was John. Time was up. I stood back and waited. I took off the head gear and gloves. It had been a good workout. Sweat was pouring from my body. I held out my hand to Max, who took it.
“Nice moves, Derevko,” he said.
“You too, Max.” I turned to the door and John opened it. “Shower on the way?”
“Sure thing.”
I was beginning to enjoy some of my stay in the glass cage. I just wished I could see Sydney.
15. A Free Agent
Sydney came to see me today. I was unprepared for what happened. “Hi Mom,” she said.
I smiled. “Congratulations. Your father told me about your successes—bringing down the Alliance...and Arvin. What about your associates at SD-6? You had friends there, yes?” From previous talks, I knew she was especially concerned about Marshall Flinkman and Marcus Dixon, her partner.
“I haven’t seen them yet.” She answered. “I mean, they’re still being debriefed. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you for a while.”
“Well, I understand. I’m sure this has been overwhelming for you.” Nicely stated, I thought.
Sydney paused, looking at me almost apologetically. “I graduate today.”
“I know. I want you to know that I’m very proud of you for getting that degree. You won’t regret it.” I looked at her cocking my head slightly trying to get a handle on what was bothering her. “I would think you would be more relieved with SD-6 and the Alliance gone.”
Sydney paused, glancing down and then back at me, “I’m thinking about leaving the CIA, which would mean giving up my clearance to see you.”
My heart almost leaped for joy and then I realized she’d said ‘thinking about’. I paused trying to find the right words. “You’re too forgiving, Sydney. Don’t pretend something that I’m not. I’ve never been a real mother to you. You don’t owe me a second chance. If you make this decision about me, you’re a fool.” I saw her wince. I tried to keep my voice steady and cool.
“In fact, if you decide to stay, I won’t agree to see you anymore.” I looked at her, hoping it would be the last time—that she would make the right decision. “Take care of yourself.”
Sydney took a long look at me and there were tears in her eyes as she turned, walking back up the corridor. I leaned up against the glass, head down, fighting back my own tears. I’d just cut myself off from one of the two people I’d ever cared about and loved. I bit my lip in order not to be videoed. I didn’t want anyone to see me. I turned slowly away from the camera and walked over to my bunk to lie down.
I cried a little tonight—thinking about Sydney and what I’d told her. I couldn’t back down now. I wanted her to leave the CIA even if I never saw her again.
Two days later I was facing the glass when I heard the buzzer sound and the gates begin opening. I was thinking that I was a fool. Perhaps it was Sydney coming to tell me she had thought it over and was going to leave the CIA.
It was Jack instead. I didn’t like the look on his face, because it seemed that recently he’d been more resigned to our daughter talking with me. I thought our own relationship had been a bit more comfortable and without rancor on his part.
“How could you do that to her again?” His words were sharp and cutting. His eyes were unforgiving.
My chest tightened with fear. It was now the fear of losing the only other contact I had wanted.
“Jack,” I said, biting my lip. “If she stayed in the CIA because of me, I couldn’t bear it. Do you think,” I gestured to the room behind me, “that I put myself in this room for the rest of my life just to make up for my past mistakes?” I shook my head slowly. “When Sydney showed up in Taipei and then in Barcelona, I saw myself and I didn’t want this for her in thirty years!”
“Commendable,” he said coldly. “It seems that she now feels once more abandoned by the one person she wanted to see the most—her mother.” He stared at me and then blinked, when he saw me begin to tear up.
“Thanks, Jack,” I said, my lips trembling and a tear rolling down my cheek. “I’m sorry I couldn’t live up to her expectations. You were right when you told me that being her mother was only a biological fact.”
“Irina,” his tone softened. “Sydney was kidnapped by Sloane in Zurich an hour ago. We don’t know where she is or if she’s alive.”
By his words, I knew she was still a CIA officer. “What happened?”
“Sloane wore a disguise and was taking a piece of equipment that was in a safety deposit box. She and Vaughn traced him there. He threatened to blow up the bank if she didn’t put down her gun and come with him. She did.” He stared. “Can you help?”
“Jack, I have no idea where Sloane is—or could be.” I saw the deepening worry on his face. “Sydney will be all right. Sloane has known her all her life. I don’t think he’ll harm her really, do you?”
He shook his head, “No, I believe you’re right. Still she brought down the Alliance and SD-6.”
“I know,” I said softly.
*
16. Firebomb
Jack has been back to tell me Sydney was all right. Sloane escaped, however with whatever he’d wanted from the bank. I couldn’t help Jack in any of the questions he asked. I had not heard from Sark yet. I sat crossed legged on my bunk making plans based on ‘what ifs’ and could not go beyond a certain point until I did.
I had not seen Sydney since she returned and probably wouldn’t again—ever. I was working on coming to terms with that and it was hard. Still I had to remember the purpose I’d given myself up for—to get back in the good graces of Sloane and use him to get those Rambaldi artifacts. Sark had instructions and he was going to put them to work. I did want to get out of this place, especially now that I could not see Sydney again.
Sark told me that he was going to Mexico on a project for Sloane, but that he would get to work on our project as soon as he got back. He didn’t tell me what he was going to do in Mexico.
Jack came down to see me. He didn’t have a question, but in general was telling me that Sloane escaped again, using Sydney. I didn’t need a picture to be drawn to know that my daughter had decided to stay with the CIA.
“Tell her I’m glad she wasn’t hurt!” I turned away, walking to my bunk.
“What’s the matter?”
I whirled. “She’s still working for CIA! You know what my feelings are about that.”
He had the grace to blush a little. “Yes, but...”
“But nothing! I know that it’s almost impossible to be an agent and married!” I could see him begin to cool down thinking about our own marriage. “I’d think that you’d want her to be out also. She’s your daughter! How many times has she been almost caught or caught, but escaped. She is smart, but one day...” I paused. “Why is it so impossible for you to let her go?”
“I didn’t want her to be a victim.”
“Of what? Do you think Agent Vaughn is a double agent?”
“No, but...”
“Jack, they’re in love although they are dancing around the truth of it. Sydney graduated with a degree in English Literature. She can teach at any college or university. Give her a chance, please.”
“We’ll see.” He said, turning away to leave.
“Jack,” I cried, “I gave birth to that girl and for six years, I raised her, taught her, and even disciplined her because you were away so much of the time. I know you think I wasn’t anything but her biological mother, but those years...” I stared at him. “...those years meant everything to me. I used to dream about her growing up to be anything she wanted to be—to have a career, get married, have children.
“I never thought she would end up a spy and intelligence agent like you or like me. Please Jack, please try to get her to resign. I haven’t seen her and I won’t see her again, but I will remember her no matter what happens to me.”
He nodded. I don’t know if he would accept my plea, but I could hope.
TBC
texasalias2004
Cadet
Irina is right about Sydney needing to quit the CIA. Can't wait for more.
texasalias
texasalias
Sydney Derevko Bristow
Cadet
Finally she showed some emotion.
17. A Dark Turn
Jack was here this morning with the news I’d been expecting. Things were beginning to get in line with my plans. Sark had completed the first of assignments that would lead to my extraction.
“After you surrendered yourself to the CIA, you listed Luri Karpachev as one of your contacts.”
I nodded.
“He was murdered yesterday. We believe by Sloane. Karpachev’s body was found without his wallet. Presumably Sloane was more insidious ways to pass the time than picking someone’s pocket. What might he be looking for?”
I stared at him for a moment. “Why haven’t you tried to convince Sydney to leave the CIA?” I had a chance to press my point again and to do so before I answered his question.
Jack’s arms dropped from the glass. I think he was a bit exasperated.
“You and I know better than anyone—she should leave this life while she has the chance.” I continued.
“Sydney can be stubborn. Where she got that from is anyone’s guess.” He stared at me as though he really thought she got it from me. Well, yes, I can be stubborn. I’m not one to give up. “But she refuses to resign as long as Sloane is still free. Which brings me back to my question—what was in Karpachev’s wallet?”
“A key card to his home safe. In ’93 Karpachev came into possession of a Rambaldi manuscript. Sloane must believe he kept it in his safe, but he’s incorrect. Karpachev sold it.”
“To whom,” asked Jack, somewhat surprised?
“Ilya Stuka, a former contact of mine, living now in Bangkok.”
“What is this manuscript?” Jack continued.
“Rambaldi’s study of the human heart. As you know, immortality was one of Rambaldi’s obsessions.”
“Where does Stuka keep it?
Now my next words would work or not. “I don’t know, but I could find out if I were allowed to meet with him.” I waited while he thought about it.
“Kendall won’t risk letting you out again, despite your cooperation in India.”
Damn it, I thought, then said, “What if the price were worth it?”
“Sloane doesn’t know you’re in CIA custody?”
I answered quickly, “He thinks I’m in hiding as he is.”
“If Sloane believes you’ve surfaced, obtained the manuscript he’s after, he’ll want to meet with you. Negotiate a purchase.”
“Which I’d be happy to do.” I answered quickly.
“And we could grab him,” said Jack.
“And give Sydney her reason to get out.”
Jack stared at me some more. I met his gaze as guilessly as I could, but said no more. He would have to make the decision.
“I’ll see what I can do.” He turned and left, presumably to talk to Kendall.
If I knew Jack, he’d have the operation mapped out first before talking to his boss. I sat down on the bunk, shaking slightly in relief and a bit in excitement over the fact that it might work. It had too!
Jack was back the next day. He came into the cell. It had worked.
“Where is Stuka now, do you think?”
“Stuka works out of a nightclub in Bangkok. Why? Did Kendall approve the op?”
“Yes. We have a jet standing by.”
I smiled and then there was a knock on the glass. I looked past Jack to see a smaller man standing in front of the glass, holding a box.
Jack looked and then back at me. “Oh this is Marshall Flinkman. He worked with us at SD-6.”
“Hey! How you doin’? You’re Sydney’s Mom—that’s really cool! ‘Cause, uh, your daughter? Awesome by the way.”
I wanted to laugh, because he was excited and it was obvious he had a serious crush on Sydney.
Jack said, “Kendall insists that you be injected with a sub-dermal tracking device. I’ll have a receiver that will allow me to follow your movements on-site.” He motioned Marshall into the cell.
I thought he was kind of cute for the genius Sydney insisted he was.
“Yeah, you won’t even really know it’s there unless, you know, we put it under your thigh or somewhere else where you might sit on it and then you’ll have, like, a “Princess and the Pea” moment where you feel it, but you don’t. Do you know that “Princess and the Pea’? My mother...”
“Put it behind her shoulder,” instructed Jack.
“Um okay. The thing is, it might hurt a bit, ‘cause it’s small, but not really that small.”
I turned slightly and moved my hair out of the way; then I pulled the strap of my sleeveless tee down, baring my shoulder.
Marshall glanced at Jack who nodded, allowing him to go ahead. Marshall took a step forward closer to me and injected me with the tracking device. I was determined not to flinch. I turned and saw that his face had a fine sheen of sweat on it.
“Wow...you’re tough.” He said; then turned and left the cell.
“We’re going to wardrobe to pick out some clothes for you.” He took me by the arm and led me out of the cell. Two Marshals were waiting at the end of the corridor.
“You need them?” I asked, nodding toward the two.
“Its protocol,” he answered.
We flew into Bangkok the next afternoon. I dressed and used the right amount of make-up for my entrance to the nightclub. Jack said he would be going in first as a customer. I was to follow him five minutes later. The two guards, not in uniform, sat in the rental car. I knew I wouldn’t be going anywhere but inside.
When I entered, it was crowded and there was techno music blasting out over the crowd. I saw Jack sitting at the bar with a drink and he was watching me. I sauntered through the crowd and made it back to one of Stuka’s guards at the back of the room where Stuka was. I gave him my spiel in Thai. He waved a wand over me and found nothing. He waved me in.
I paused watching Stuka playing his knife game with a terrified young Eurasian girl who sat across from him. Her hand was on the table and he was jabbing his knife into the tabletop, between her fingers, going fast. The girl whimpered with fear.
“Stuka, I see you’re still playing with children.”
He looked up, stopping his knife trick and his eyes widened. “This is amazing. I heard you were dead...we all did.”
“Let her go,” I demanded nicely, “Play with me instead.”
Stuka grinned and gestured to the terrified girl. She hurried out past me. I sat down and put both hands on the table, spreading my fingers.
“Seriously, Irina,” he said.
“Why not? You know me.” I smiled. “I love games.”
I withdrew my left hand, leaving the right on the table. One of his bodyguards sipped his drink, staring fascinated at us. Stuka dug his knife into the table in between my fingers. I gasped slightly and blinked. He began going faster. I didn’t move, but stared at him with a smile on my face as he went even faster.
He stopped. I grabbed the knife and stabbed his hand. He yelled I lifted the knife from his hand to his throat. I saw the bodyguard take out his gun.
“Drop the gun,” I yelled at him.
“Do it,” cried Stuka.
“You bought a Rambaldi manuscript from Karpachev!”
“I don’t have it anymore.” He answered, sweating now.
“Where is it,” I asked, pressing the knife even more closely to his throat.
“In Hong Kong! I traded it for opium rights!” There was fear in his eyes. It was as if he knew what was going to happen to him.
“To who?”
“To Chang!”
I drew the knife hard across his throat and then with it in my hand, stabbed the bodyguard in the chest. I withdrew it as he staggered back and threw it at the bouncer at the door. As it pierced his chest, I walked quickly by him out into the main room of the club where Jack was waiting.
Jack drew his gun and fired. I glanced back and saw another guard ready to shoot me. The people in the club screamed and I ran out of the club. Jack was close behind me. We jumped into the car and left the scene.
“He traded the manuscript.”
“To whom?” asked Jack?
“To Chang, a drug dealer in Hong Kong. If we want it, we’ll have to go there.”
We took off almost as soon as we boarded our plane. It would be a couple of hours before we landed. Jack sat in front of me. The Marshals were in the rear of the plane.
“Once we get the manuscript, how do you intend to let Sloane know it was you?”
“Word will get back to him that I was in Bangkok. He’ll know it was me.” I said. I felt a feeling of fear wash over me and I was feeling tears come to my eyes. “I did not see that fourth man. If you hadn’t fired...” I didn’t finish the statement. He knew I knew I could be dead instead of on the plane.
I decided to change the subject before I fell into a maudlin moment. “I remember the first time you introduced me to Sloane. You were both working at the CIA and he came to the house for dinner. You were true friends.”
“Yes,” he answered, “we shared a similar unsentimental patriotism...and a devotion to our wives.” He said reminiscing. “But Sloane changed and...It was Rambaldi that did it. I’m not sure what it is—he never told me—but Sloane believed he had a personal connection to Rambaldi.”
I nodded remembering, “I lived for years with the same obsession even after...I wanted to find a higher meaning in Rambaldi’s work. I never understood how you managed to avoid getting caught up in it.” The answer was simple, but I knew he’d say it.
“I had something neither of you had,” he answered.
I nodded, knowing full well...”Sydney,” I answered.
Jack stood and began walking back, but I grabbed his hand. “I haven’t thanked you for everything that...for raising our daughter.” I meant this so much. I hoped he felt my sincerity.
He pulled away. “We land in two hours. Get some rest.”
I turned to look out the window a few feet away, knowing that I was going to leave them again. Betrayal again, but Sydney was old enough to understand...and to hate me. It was the one thing I wished I didn’t have to face. I would get over it, but it would take me time to do so.
By the time we landed and taxied to the unobtrusive hanger on the freight end of the airport, it was midnight. Jack decided we better stay on board and go over what we planned to do when we found Chang. We’d learned that he was in charge of the local Chinese police force and subject to the U.N.’s inspection teams if they should so decide to pay him a visit.
They did. Jack and I were pretending to be the advance of an U.N. inspection team that was coming to Hong Kong. We were tasked, by the U.N., to gather information from Chang. We changed into khaki uniforms and placed UN armbands on our left upper arms. I was given the document to allow us to speak to Chang.
“You must allow us entry immediately. Our mandate to search this location has been approved by Beijing. Any non-compliance is a breach of your agreements.” I said.
The guard inspected our document, handed it back, and pulled back the gate, allowing us to enter. We were led to an office where Jack set up a video camera while I spoke for both of us.
Chang said, talking on the phone to someone. “I’m sorry for the delay. Only this morning did we learn that an inspection team was coming to the palace.” He looked at me as he hung up.
“We’re investigating reports that precursor chemicals have been stored in several official buildings.”
“If you are suggesting that we are hiding chemicals...”
“That will be for the inspectors to decide. We are only here to conduct the interview. I’m sorry.” I said, attaching a ‘mic’ to his lapel and nodded at Jack.
Jack pushed a button on the video camera. The mic sprayed some CIA knockout liquid on Chang’s face which made him unconscious. I reached into an inside jacket pocket and removed the key card which I showed Jack.
We walked down a hall and came to a gated door. I used the key card and then moved inside to a glass box which held the manuscript inside a leather satchel. Jack took out a ‘pen’ which sliced a hole in the glass. As soon as it was removed, I reached inside and took out the satchel looking at it adoringly and gripped it tightly between my hands. I had obtained my objective—the manuscript of the heart. I could hardly wait to read it.
I didn’t notice how Jack looked at me, but I heard him say, “Let’s go.”
We left immediately with the manuscript. Arriving at the airport, we boarded the plane. Inside we changed our clothes and I was seated in the same chair. Jack took the manuscript from me in the car and was now looking it over carefully. How I longed to be studying it also, but I knew I could read it if given half the chance. Viktoria, my lieutenant in Rome, had taught me a few years ago. I could do a passable translation, I know. I just had to have it in my hands.
It took us about thirteen hours to return to L.A. with one stop in Hawaii to refuel. The Marshals marched me back to my cell. Jack disappeared with the manuscript. I was aching to get my hands on it. However, I would have to be patient. I was fairly sure I would have it soon. There was no one in the building who could translate it, but me. I slept well.
Jack came to see me the next afternoon. He had the manuscript with him. “I understand you can translate this?”
I nodded slowly. “Yes, I was taught by a professor,” which was a lie, “from Italy a few years back. There is no one here who can...?”
“No,” he shook his head. “Kendall wants to know what it contains.”
“Give me some paper and pencil and I’ll do my best.”
I watched him put the manuscript in its leather case into the box along with some pads of paper and a pen.
“By the way, we’ve received word on one of your email accounts from Sark. He wants to set up a meet to discuss selling the manuscript.”
“Where?” I asked, pulling out the manuscript.
“Panama. We’re going to fly there in the morning. We’ll probably have to stay overnight as I don’t think they’ll be ready until then. We’ll be using Delta Force to be sure you’re safe.”
I wanted to grin and say ‘hooray’ but I didn’t think Jack would be appreciative of my joy and perhaps would wonder. That was something I could not allow.
“Have you made contact—to set up the meeting?”
“Yes. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you safe.”
“I’m sure,” I said. “Jack, would you ask Sydney to come see me. I’d like to see her since there is some risk.”
“Of course.” He smiled and left.
I took the manuscript over to the desk and opened it, almost reverently. I first looked at the drawings as they were placed in the manuscript. Then slowly I began to read what was written, making notes.
I’d been translating and writing for about two hours when I heard the buzzer go off and the gates rise. I finished writing; then turned to see Sydney standing there watching me. I stood and walked over.
“Dad says you’re going to Panama,” she said.
I nodded.
“Do you think there’s a chance you’ll get Sloane?”
“I wanted to see you because...it’s going to be dangerous, setting this trap. I hope it goes well, but there’s no guarantee. So whatever happens, there’s something I need you to know, Sydney.” I paused looking at her with what I hoped was love. “I love you.”
“Mom...”
“You don’t have to say anything. I’m pretty sure I haven’t earned very much...and that’s okay. This was something I needed to say.”
“Mom, you’re coming back.”
“I hope so.” I knew I wasn’t. I placed my hand against the glass. Sydney placed her hand against mine. We both smiled. Then I dropped my hand.
There was so much more I wanted to say, much more, but I didn’t dare. Sydney was smart and she would know I wasn’t coming back. I had to be careful. My freedom was more precious at this point. I didn’t know what the future would bring or if I would ever see her again, but I did want her to know I loved her.
She smiled again and turned, walking back the hallway with the gates slamming shut. I watched her go as far as I could. I turned slowly and walked back to the desk and a minute later I’d immersed myself in Rambaldi’s incredible dissertation on the human heart. I had to work fast.
Early the next morning two Marshals took me to the airport. When I realized they were not going with me this time, I didn’t say anything to them. I wouldn’t see them again ever. Thank goodness. Jack met us in the hanger and took me up into the CIA plane.
“Ready?” He asked.
I nodded. He sat me into a seat between two rather husky men.
“These are two Delta Force men. They will be going with you tomorrow to meet Sloane. He would expect you to have bodyguards.”
I wondered why I needed them on the plane, but said nothing. I didn’t think I needed to be babysat—at least not at this juncture of our relationship. I thought he and I had got along somewhat. I knew Jack had never approved of my being close to Sydney, but as the weeks progressed and after Kashmir, I was sure he was friendlier. Now...I wondered if I hadn’t been too optimistic.
Jack continued, “The one on your left is Ted and the other is Stan. You don’t need to know their last names.”
“Which one do I ask if I want to go to the bathroom?” I stared up at him with no expression.
Jack stared back. “Stan!” He suddenly grinned and went to the back of the plane where another man sat waiting.
Well, at least I wasn’t handcuffed and shackled. I remembered I wasn’t either our trip to Bangkok and Hong Kong. I sighed and closed my eyes, leaning back in the seat. I could meditate.
We landed in Panama City at the U.S. army base there. We were ordered to the hanger reserved for CIA and disembarked without being seen by anyone outside. A limousine took the two of us to El Panama Hotel which was ten miles from Tocumen International Airport. The two Delta Force men were going to stay on base and would join us in the morning for a final briefing before we left.
Jack said that Sark had set up a meeting out at the industrial area around the wharf. He was going to leave me at a designated spot underneath a bridge along with Ted and Stan, who would be armed in case there was any trouble.
We had finished a late dinner. Jack ordered a bottle of wine which we shared. “Based on our agreement, tomorrow morning, you and the two Delta Force guards will be dropped off here.” He showed me the spot on the map. “If Sloane follows the plan, he’ll drive north to meet you.
“Won’t he be suspicious if I don’t have the Rambaldi manuscript?”
“Sloane is smart enough to know that you would never bring it with you at first contact. He’ll expect that you have it close by. The CIA will be tracking you on satellite back in Los Angeles and will be in contact with me. A chopper will be waiting ten blocks away. When the call is made, the team will surround the vehicle and ambush Sloane.”
“Pretty straightforward,” I said and it was unless they had no satellite and they wouldn’t if Sark’s asset did her job. Jack took a drink from his glass that had the last of the red wine.
“I think we’ve got a shot at success.” He said.
“There’s one thing,” I said. “The tracker you put into my shoulder.”
“You want it removed,” he said, nodding.
I continued, “If they discover I’ve been tagged, it’s over—for me and the mission. We both know that.”
“I agree,” he said standing. “I can take care of that.”
I watched him walk to his suitcase and remove a small kit from it. He turned. :”You want to take off the shirt?” He watched me pull it off. He brought his chair over, sat down, and opened the kit. He took out a small scalpel, used an alcohol wipe to clean the area, and, using his fingers to probe the area in my shoulder, located the tracker. He drew the scalpel down over the area.
“Kendall could have me court-martialed for this.” He probed the wound. “Got it.” He placed a bandage on the area of the cut. I winced a bit.
“He certainly smart enough to know Sloane would scan me to be sure.”
He glanced at me. “You okay?”
“This is nothing,” I said my eyes locking on his. My heart skipped a beat. Would I dare? I pulled on my tee.
“We need to be up early,” he said softly.
I smiled softly, “We should go to bed.”
“Yeah, guess we should,” he said, smiling at me in a way that I remembered from the days we were married.
Moy bog, he was making a pass at me. I leaned forward, watching his face, feeling the heat in my body rise. Our lips touched and held. His arms came around me and it no longer became just a touch, it was all out passion. He pushed me back as my hands went around his neck.
We were on the bed and time stood still.
He kissed me hard as his need surged over caution and I returned the kiss with equal passion. I didn’t care either. I wanted him as I had not wanted any man since I was extracted. We kissed hungrily, as though it had been an eternity since the last time. I looked up at him in the soft light. It was as though the years between had never happened. It was yesterday: I was young, a mother, and a wife he adored. We were in bed together and it was pure unadulterated joyous and desirable sex that we wanted from each other.
He reached down again, seeking my lips, pinning my head down. I could feel our hearts beating. I could hear thunder in my ears. This was crazy. I needed him as much if not more than his need for me. My hands were on his head, running my long fingers through his hair. We kissed like lovers discovering each other again.
“Jack,” I said softly, “take off my clothes.”
It was like déjà vu, I thought. My God, how many times had I said that to him while they were husband and wife? It had been a ritual with us when we made love. I liked the feel of his hands on my body as he undressed me. He pulled me up to stand next to him. He kept kissing me as he pulled off the tee. He reached around my body unsnapping my bra and removed it. I felt my breasts against his chest. He bent his head kissing each nipple.
I closed my eyes as he leaned me back onto the bed. Gently and slowly, he pulled the jeans off. I was wearing red bikini panties. I’d take them from the CIA wardrobe. Jack stared at me as though wondering if I’d had known this would happen. I did know. It had been coming for sometime. Our interaction had been so filled with sexual tension that sometimes it was hard for him to even look at me when we were debriefing, especially after Hong Kong.
He put both hands on the bikini and gently pulled it off. I was naked, but not cold. He leaned forward, kissing me again. I reached down and unbuckled his pants. I moved one of my legs between his and knew he was hard. I smiled and flipped him over. Straddling him, I leaned forward, my breasts dangling in front of him. My eyes never left his as I moved back and pulled his pants off. He still wore boxer shorts and they were straining as his rock hard cock pushed against the cloth. I released it, tossing the boxers to the floor.
I moved to his side, lying beside him. Jack settled down between my legs. Leaning on his elbows on either side of me, he began to kiss me under the chin and neck. It was a technique he had used so many times before to get me ready for him. It was one of my most erotic zones. He had not forgotten.
“Jack, sweetheart,” I whispered urgently, calling him by the endearment we both used for each other. “Please.” I could feel myself oozing
“No, my dear, I don’t think you’re quite ready yet.” He kept kissing my breasts, the small mole on the side of the left one, the nipples again and sucking them one at a time. Then, he moved slowly down my flat lean stomach, scorching every inch with his tongue. I was squirming. He knew every one of my nerve endings was making me ache with inflamed desire.
Then he was at the mound of dark hair between my legs. His mouth began working, his tongue flicking and licking the inside of my thighs. He smiled at me when he heard me moan. I doubted I would forget this night. He looked up toward my head, which was writhing on the pillow. He bent down between my legs licking the labia with long slow strokes.
“You son of a bitch,” I cried. “frack me!”
Suddenly, he got to his knees and spread my legs. I was ready and so was he. He took me then, plunging himself deep inside, thrusting repeatedly. My head was roaring. I felt my legs wrap themselves around his thighs, pulling him in as far in as he could go. He began to pump his penis in and out. I went with him...in and out...five, six, seven times until I was ready to explode.
...and did!
I gasped; then cried out, as my hips bucked seeking every inch of him inside me, “frack the devil....” Then the orgasm shattered. I cried out again.
It was the same for him. He gasped out loud and shuddered as he deposited his fluid inside me just as I remembered he did when we were living as man and wife. My eyes glazed over, sweat covered it and my body as he thrust repeatedly, his eyes never leaving my face. My heart was racing. I shuddered.
I gave another cry, “frack!” as a second lesser orgasm happened.
I rolled to the right, gasping, and my hands reached for him. He leaned forward and thrust again. I moved back a little, my legs gripping his buttocks. I wanted him to stay inside. He grabbed at my left shoulder and the bandage was pulled off.
“Ouch,” I cried gasping.
“Sorry, sweetheart, I must have rubbed the bandage the wrong way,” he said. “I’ll put another on.” He started to withdraw from between my legs.
“No, wait!” I gasped as though needing to fill my lungs completely.
I reached out for him again. “Stay where you are.” I dropped back on the pillow, my eyes searching his face. Then I looked away, not letting him see the tears filling my eyes.
“Perhaps we need to sleep. We need to get up early.”
He withdrew and rolled over to lie beside me. “You were fantastic.”
“Oh Jack,” I said quietly, “So were you.”
I nodded, smiling, “I must say you certainly have not lost your ability to please. If anything, I’d say you were even better than the last time we...” Then I remembered the last time. I felt ashamed, because I saw the hurt on his face as he too remembered. “Are you up to some more?” I was hungry for him. He made me feel like a real woman and not an object to be used and discarded.
“I’m not as young as I was then. You know that.” He sighed.
“Yes,” I whispered. I held his face gently between my hands and kissed him. “I do love you, Jack. I told you once that I never forgot you.”
“If you loved me, Irina, why couldn’t you...” He began.
I put my hand over his mouth. “Hush...nothing about the past or the future. Let’s enjoy each other tonight. We may be older, but we can pleasure each other.” I leaned over and kissed him staring into his eyes. I was promising him as much as I could give; knowing what was going to happen tomorrow.
“Yes, alright,” he said, agreeing. “We have the ‘now’ and we’ll deal with the other later.”
“Just give me a few minutes to, to catch my breath.”
Jack cradled me against him. I closed my eyes. I began thinking only about sex with him drowning out everything else. I opened them; glancing at the clock and seeing that it had been an hour. I moved slowly from his grasp. I kneeled beside his body, looking at it with desire.
He was older and there were many silver hairs on his chest and in the hair around his genitals. I had no idea what had happened during these past twenty years to him sexually, but he had to have had some encounters...relationships. He was a man, wasn’t he, with needs?
I leaned down and ran my tongue along the head of his penis. One of my hands reached in and stroked his balls. I began squeezing them as I sucked on the head. He stirred. The penis began to harden and grow little by little. I took it all into my mouth, sucking and stroking it with my tongue. He groaned awakening as sexual desire grew.
Moving over him I slowly descended until his organ was inside me. I pushed down taking every inch of him including his balls. His eyes were open and he grinned. “Go, sweetheart, ride the horse.”
And I rode him as well as any other time in our lives. I was strong and healthy for my age and I didn’t hesitate, pumping up and down his shaft. I stopped. He laughed. I started again, but slower this time. I could feel my orgasm build, but I was in control. It would happen when I wanted it to happen.
Jack growled. He wanted me to go faster, but I wasn’t about to...and he knew it. We’d played the game so many times. I wanted make him wait, so I stopped again. Leaning down I licked his nipples, grasping them between my teeth with tiny bit of pressure. He moaned again. I sat back until all of him was once again inside.
“How do you feel, sweetheart,” I said softly.
“Ready,” he responded.
“Then let’s go...” I pulled up and down his tight hard shaft as my orgasm presented itself at the very top. “frack,” I screamed as I topped and felt him come at the same time. Christ, we had not forgotten! Twenty years had gone by and we had not forgotten how to come off together.
I don’t know how many times I had orgasms then, but he finally shriveled inside me exhausted himself. I pulled off him, tumbling to his side. We lay together, staring up at the ceiling. I don’t know what Jack was thinking, but I thought we’d pretty much fucked ourselves into exhaustion.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He turned slightly and put his right hand on my left breast, squeezing it. “You’re welcome. You always were a good frack.”
“Was that all I was?” I laughed.
He shook his head and moved his hand over my cheek, caressing my jaw. “No, sweetheart, you were much more than that. You were my soul mate. I truly believed that we would spend the rest of our lives together.”
“felgercarb,” I thought. I bit my lip to keep myself from getting too emotional. “We still have to get up. I think I’ll go to sleep.”
His left hand reached up and caressed my cheek again. “Good idea. Sleep well.”
I did almost immediately.
I awakened first. Jack held me to him and my head was on his shoulder. I stared up at the ceiling. This was the day—the day I would leave the tender care of the CIA. I wasn’t sorry. Sydney and Jack—they would once more know betrayal. I wanted to tell Sydney more. Jack, I knew, would not forgive me. I silently sighed and rolled over to the side of the bed. I glanced back. Jack was still sleeping.
Moments later, I turned on the shower. It didn’t take me long. I was eager to go. I opened the door to find Jack standing watching. He gave me a brief smile.
“I ordered breakfast. They said a half hour. Better be dressed by then.” He looked at me from head to toe. I knew he liked what he saw, but what he thought was another matter. I didn’t care though...not now. “I want to change the bandage.”
“Yes, of course.” I stepped to one side and walked to the sink. The hotel provided a hair dryer which I put to instant use.
Finished, I went to the closet and put on the clothes I intended to use for the day. I reached down into my bag, lifted the flap that stabilized the bottom and pulled out the Rambaldi manuscript. I stuck it in my pants and then tucked my shirt over it. I’d just finished when Jack came out of the bathroom. He dressed quickly and packed his small bag.
There was a knock at the door. Breakfast arrived.
Our meeting time had been set up for ten this morning. I finished my eggs and toast and was sipping the last of my tea—Jack remembered—when there was a knock at the door. Jack opened it. Stan was there.
“Nine-thirty, sir. Ready to go?”
I stood walking to my suitcase and closed it. My jacket was on the bed and I pulled it on. Jack took both our suitcases and waited at the door for me. We walked to the elevator. Jack checked us out and we went outside where the big black SUV waited. Jack entered first and I followed him. Ted was seated already and Stan joined him.
It took us almost thirty minutes to reach the spot Sloane was supposed to meet us. We had not said anything during the ride. I was nervous. When the SUV stopped, Ted and Stan exited first. I followed and turned to look at my husband, at least I thought he was still that—he’d not told me any different. I smiled softly almost tentatively, knowing full well our relationship, tenuous that it had been these last few months, would be shattered forever.
I shut the door. The SUV drove away leaving the three of us alone. The two Delta Force guards stood slightly behind me, their guns held at the ready, waiting for Sloane. It was about five minutes later that we saw a long black limousine drive up the incline. It stopped about ten yards away. I walked down followed by the two men.
Sark stepped out of the driver’s seat and held open the door. I looked inside. Sloane wasn’t there. “Where’s Sloane?”
“Close. I assure you,” replied Sark.
“Then bring him to me.”
“That’s not an option.”
I stepped back, “then our deal’s off.”
“So be it,” he answered, closing the door, and walking back toward the driver’s side.
“It’s a big car.” I said. “I believe there’s room for all of us.”
The two guards opened the door. Ted got in first and I followed, with Stan taking the seat next to me. Before I stepped inside I glanced up into the sky. I knew I was being watched by the satellite.
“Here goes,” I thought.
Sark climbed behind wheel and drove off. I knew the satellite would go down within minutes. Jack would call in the Delta Force helicopter to follow us. I didn’t know exactly what Sark and Sloane planned, but I knew they had a contingency arranged. Moments later, I heard the helicopter. It was tracking us. Sark was watching me in the rear view mirror. I stared back.
He drove under an overpass. Then made a left turn. I caught a glimpse of another limo driving off to the right. The overpass had one entrance and two exits. Jack and the CIA would see the other limo before they thought of looking elsewhere. Sark drove to another area of the warehouse district. He stopped and turning slightly, he pulled out a Glock Nine and shot both Delta Force men.
I stepped out and watched as a van marked Policia drove up. I walked down to it. The door opened to reveal Sloane seated in the rear seat behind the driver.
“It’s good to see you again, Irina.”
“Thank you for extracting me,” I said, pulling out the Rambaldi manuscript from my back and handing to him. He examined it briefly, his face lighting up. He extended his hand to me and, taking it, I entered the van. Sark followed, closing the door behind him. Sloane gave a signal and the driver drove off.
My fate was sealed. There would be no more Jack—and no more Sydney in my life. There would be only Rambaldi.
I left something for Sydney, though. The earrings my mother gave me. They would be the link to Sydney.
VAUGHN AND SYDNEY
Sydney finished reading the section of the Journals that she’d waited for...it answered the question of how! She grinned, thinking about how her father had tricked her mother. Still she knew that he’d had real feelings for Irina then as did she for him. She realized she was breathing heavy and that her heart was racing. She realized she’d not been as squeamish as she had before, reading about her parents having sex.
She was sitting up in bed waiting for Vaughn to come home from his poker night and reading. Now, she wanted sex and wanted it bad. She closed her eyes thinking about them...together...and together for the first time in twenty years. It was obvious from what her mother wrote that the two of them still loved each other on some plane. What was it her mother said ‘nothing about the past or the future.’
Sydney heard the front door close. Vaughn was home. It wouldn’t be long before she had her desires fulfilled. She put the journal on the nightstand as Vaughn entered their bedroom.
“Hey,” he said grinning. “Guess who the big winner was tonight?”
“You!” She said softly. “Come to bed and I’ll make you an even bigger winner.”
tbc
Jack was here this morning with the news I’d been expecting. Things were beginning to get in line with my plans. Sark had completed the first of assignments that would lead to my extraction.
“After you surrendered yourself to the CIA, you listed Luri Karpachev as one of your contacts.”
I nodded.
“He was murdered yesterday. We believe by Sloane. Karpachev’s body was found without his wallet. Presumably Sloane was more insidious ways to pass the time than picking someone’s pocket. What might he be looking for?”
I stared at him for a moment. “Why haven’t you tried to convince Sydney to leave the CIA?” I had a chance to press my point again and to do so before I answered his question.
Jack’s arms dropped from the glass. I think he was a bit exasperated.
“You and I know better than anyone—she should leave this life while she has the chance.” I continued.
“Sydney can be stubborn. Where she got that from is anyone’s guess.” He stared at me as though he really thought she got it from me. Well, yes, I can be stubborn. I’m not one to give up. “But she refuses to resign as long as Sloane is still free. Which brings me back to my question—what was in Karpachev’s wallet?”
“A key card to his home safe. In ’93 Karpachev came into possession of a Rambaldi manuscript. Sloane must believe he kept it in his safe, but he’s incorrect. Karpachev sold it.”
“To whom,” asked Jack, somewhat surprised?
“Ilya Stuka, a former contact of mine, living now in Bangkok.”
“What is this manuscript?” Jack continued.
“Rambaldi’s study of the human heart. As you know, immortality was one of Rambaldi’s obsessions.”
“Where does Stuka keep it?
Now my next words would work or not. “I don’t know, but I could find out if I were allowed to meet with him.” I waited while he thought about it.
“Kendall won’t risk letting you out again, despite your cooperation in India.”
Damn it, I thought, then said, “What if the price were worth it?”
“Sloane doesn’t know you’re in CIA custody?”
I answered quickly, “He thinks I’m in hiding as he is.”
“If Sloane believes you’ve surfaced, obtained the manuscript he’s after, he’ll want to meet with you. Negotiate a purchase.”
“Which I’d be happy to do.” I answered quickly.
“And we could grab him,” said Jack.
“And give Sydney her reason to get out.”
Jack stared at me some more. I met his gaze as guilessly as I could, but said no more. He would have to make the decision.
“I’ll see what I can do.” He turned and left, presumably to talk to Kendall.
If I knew Jack, he’d have the operation mapped out first before talking to his boss. I sat down on the bunk, shaking slightly in relief and a bit in excitement over the fact that it might work. It had too!
Jack was back the next day. He came into the cell. It had worked.
“Where is Stuka now, do you think?”
“Stuka works out of a nightclub in Bangkok. Why? Did Kendall approve the op?”
“Yes. We have a jet standing by.”
I smiled and then there was a knock on the glass. I looked past Jack to see a smaller man standing in front of the glass, holding a box.
Jack looked and then back at me. “Oh this is Marshall Flinkman. He worked with us at SD-6.”
“Hey! How you doin’? You’re Sydney’s Mom—that’s really cool! ‘Cause, uh, your daughter? Awesome by the way.”
I wanted to laugh, because he was excited and it was obvious he had a serious crush on Sydney.
Jack said, “Kendall insists that you be injected with a sub-dermal tracking device. I’ll have a receiver that will allow me to follow your movements on-site.” He motioned Marshall into the cell.
I thought he was kind of cute for the genius Sydney insisted he was.
“Yeah, you won’t even really know it’s there unless, you know, we put it under your thigh or somewhere else where you might sit on it and then you’ll have, like, a “Princess and the Pea” moment where you feel it, but you don’t. Do you know that “Princess and the Pea’? My mother...”
“Put it behind her shoulder,” instructed Jack.
“Um okay. The thing is, it might hurt a bit, ‘cause it’s small, but not really that small.”
I turned slightly and moved my hair out of the way; then I pulled the strap of my sleeveless tee down, baring my shoulder.
Marshall glanced at Jack who nodded, allowing him to go ahead. Marshall took a step forward closer to me and injected me with the tracking device. I was determined not to flinch. I turned and saw that his face had a fine sheen of sweat on it.
“Wow...you’re tough.” He said; then turned and left the cell.
“We’re going to wardrobe to pick out some clothes for you.” He took me by the arm and led me out of the cell. Two Marshals were waiting at the end of the corridor.
“You need them?” I asked, nodding toward the two.
“Its protocol,” he answered.
We flew into Bangkok the next afternoon. I dressed and used the right amount of make-up for my entrance to the nightclub. Jack said he would be going in first as a customer. I was to follow him five minutes later. The two guards, not in uniform, sat in the rental car. I knew I wouldn’t be going anywhere but inside.
When I entered, it was crowded and there was techno music blasting out over the crowd. I saw Jack sitting at the bar with a drink and he was watching me. I sauntered through the crowd and made it back to one of Stuka’s guards at the back of the room where Stuka was. I gave him my spiel in Thai. He waved a wand over me and found nothing. He waved me in.
I paused watching Stuka playing his knife game with a terrified young Eurasian girl who sat across from him. Her hand was on the table and he was jabbing his knife into the tabletop, between her fingers, going fast. The girl whimpered with fear.
“Stuka, I see you’re still playing with children.”
He looked up, stopping his knife trick and his eyes widened. “This is amazing. I heard you were dead...we all did.”
“Let her go,” I demanded nicely, “Play with me instead.”
Stuka grinned and gestured to the terrified girl. She hurried out past me. I sat down and put both hands on the table, spreading my fingers.
“Seriously, Irina,” he said.
“Why not? You know me.” I smiled. “I love games.”
I withdrew my left hand, leaving the right on the table. One of his bodyguards sipped his drink, staring fascinated at us. Stuka dug his knife into the table in between my fingers. I gasped slightly and blinked. He began going faster. I didn’t move, but stared at him with a smile on my face as he went even faster.
He stopped. I grabbed the knife and stabbed his hand. He yelled I lifted the knife from his hand to his throat. I saw the bodyguard take out his gun.
“Drop the gun,” I yelled at him.
“Do it,” cried Stuka.
“You bought a Rambaldi manuscript from Karpachev!”
“I don’t have it anymore.” He answered, sweating now.
“Where is it,” I asked, pressing the knife even more closely to his throat.
“In Hong Kong! I traded it for opium rights!” There was fear in his eyes. It was as if he knew what was going to happen to him.
“To who?”
“To Chang!”
I drew the knife hard across his throat and then with it in my hand, stabbed the bodyguard in the chest. I withdrew it as he staggered back and threw it at the bouncer at the door. As it pierced his chest, I walked quickly by him out into the main room of the club where Jack was waiting.
Jack drew his gun and fired. I glanced back and saw another guard ready to shoot me. The people in the club screamed and I ran out of the club. Jack was close behind me. We jumped into the car and left the scene.
“He traded the manuscript.”
“To whom?” asked Jack?
“To Chang, a drug dealer in Hong Kong. If we want it, we’ll have to go there.”
We took off almost as soon as we boarded our plane. It would be a couple of hours before we landed. Jack sat in front of me. The Marshals were in the rear of the plane.
“Once we get the manuscript, how do you intend to let Sloane know it was you?”
“Word will get back to him that I was in Bangkok. He’ll know it was me.” I said. I felt a feeling of fear wash over me and I was feeling tears come to my eyes. “I did not see that fourth man. If you hadn’t fired...” I didn’t finish the statement. He knew I knew I could be dead instead of on the plane.
I decided to change the subject before I fell into a maudlin moment. “I remember the first time you introduced me to Sloane. You were both working at the CIA and he came to the house for dinner. You were true friends.”
“Yes,” he answered, “we shared a similar unsentimental patriotism...and a devotion to our wives.” He said reminiscing. “But Sloane changed and...It was Rambaldi that did it. I’m not sure what it is—he never told me—but Sloane believed he had a personal connection to Rambaldi.”
I nodded remembering, “I lived for years with the same obsession even after...I wanted to find a higher meaning in Rambaldi’s work. I never understood how you managed to avoid getting caught up in it.” The answer was simple, but I knew he’d say it.
“I had something neither of you had,” he answered.
I nodded, knowing full well...”Sydney,” I answered.
Jack stood and began walking back, but I grabbed his hand. “I haven’t thanked you for everything that...for raising our daughter.” I meant this so much. I hoped he felt my sincerity.
He pulled away. “We land in two hours. Get some rest.”
I turned to look out the window a few feet away, knowing that I was going to leave them again. Betrayal again, but Sydney was old enough to understand...and to hate me. It was the one thing I wished I didn’t have to face. I would get over it, but it would take me time to do so.
By the time we landed and taxied to the unobtrusive hanger on the freight end of the airport, it was midnight. Jack decided we better stay on board and go over what we planned to do when we found Chang. We’d learned that he was in charge of the local Chinese police force and subject to the U.N.’s inspection teams if they should so decide to pay him a visit.
They did. Jack and I were pretending to be the advance of an U.N. inspection team that was coming to Hong Kong. We were tasked, by the U.N., to gather information from Chang. We changed into khaki uniforms and placed UN armbands on our left upper arms. I was given the document to allow us to speak to Chang.
“You must allow us entry immediately. Our mandate to search this location has been approved by Beijing. Any non-compliance is a breach of your agreements.” I said.
The guard inspected our document, handed it back, and pulled back the gate, allowing us to enter. We were led to an office where Jack set up a video camera while I spoke for both of us.
Chang said, talking on the phone to someone. “I’m sorry for the delay. Only this morning did we learn that an inspection team was coming to the palace.” He looked at me as he hung up.
“We’re investigating reports that precursor chemicals have been stored in several official buildings.”
“If you are suggesting that we are hiding chemicals...”
“That will be for the inspectors to decide. We are only here to conduct the interview. I’m sorry.” I said, attaching a ‘mic’ to his lapel and nodded at Jack.
Jack pushed a button on the video camera. The mic sprayed some CIA knockout liquid on Chang’s face which made him unconscious. I reached into an inside jacket pocket and removed the key card which I showed Jack.
We walked down a hall and came to a gated door. I used the key card and then moved inside to a glass box which held the manuscript inside a leather satchel. Jack took out a ‘pen’ which sliced a hole in the glass. As soon as it was removed, I reached inside and took out the satchel looking at it adoringly and gripped it tightly between my hands. I had obtained my objective—the manuscript of the heart. I could hardly wait to read it.
I didn’t notice how Jack looked at me, but I heard him say, “Let’s go.”
We left immediately with the manuscript. Arriving at the airport, we boarded the plane. Inside we changed our clothes and I was seated in the same chair. Jack took the manuscript from me in the car and was now looking it over carefully. How I longed to be studying it also, but I knew I could read it if given half the chance. Viktoria, my lieutenant in Rome, had taught me a few years ago. I could do a passable translation, I know. I just had to have it in my hands.
It took us about thirteen hours to return to L.A. with one stop in Hawaii to refuel. The Marshals marched me back to my cell. Jack disappeared with the manuscript. I was aching to get my hands on it. However, I would have to be patient. I was fairly sure I would have it soon. There was no one in the building who could translate it, but me. I slept well.
Jack came to see me the next afternoon. He had the manuscript with him. “I understand you can translate this?”
I nodded slowly. “Yes, I was taught by a professor,” which was a lie, “from Italy a few years back. There is no one here who can...?”
“No,” he shook his head. “Kendall wants to know what it contains.”
“Give me some paper and pencil and I’ll do my best.”
I watched him put the manuscript in its leather case into the box along with some pads of paper and a pen.
“By the way, we’ve received word on one of your email accounts from Sark. He wants to set up a meet to discuss selling the manuscript.”
“Where?” I asked, pulling out the manuscript.
“Panama. We’re going to fly there in the morning. We’ll probably have to stay overnight as I don’t think they’ll be ready until then. We’ll be using Delta Force to be sure you’re safe.”
I wanted to grin and say ‘hooray’ but I didn’t think Jack would be appreciative of my joy and perhaps would wonder. That was something I could not allow.
“Have you made contact—to set up the meeting?”
“Yes. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you safe.”
“I’m sure,” I said. “Jack, would you ask Sydney to come see me. I’d like to see her since there is some risk.”
“Of course.” He smiled and left.
I took the manuscript over to the desk and opened it, almost reverently. I first looked at the drawings as they were placed in the manuscript. Then slowly I began to read what was written, making notes.
I’d been translating and writing for about two hours when I heard the buzzer go off and the gates rise. I finished writing; then turned to see Sydney standing there watching me. I stood and walked over.
“Dad says you’re going to Panama,” she said.
I nodded.
“Do you think there’s a chance you’ll get Sloane?”
“I wanted to see you because...it’s going to be dangerous, setting this trap. I hope it goes well, but there’s no guarantee. So whatever happens, there’s something I need you to know, Sydney.” I paused looking at her with what I hoped was love. “I love you.”
“Mom...”
“You don’t have to say anything. I’m pretty sure I haven’t earned very much...and that’s okay. This was something I needed to say.”
“Mom, you’re coming back.”
“I hope so.” I knew I wasn’t. I placed my hand against the glass. Sydney placed her hand against mine. We both smiled. Then I dropped my hand.
There was so much more I wanted to say, much more, but I didn’t dare. Sydney was smart and she would know I wasn’t coming back. I had to be careful. My freedom was more precious at this point. I didn’t know what the future would bring or if I would ever see her again, but I did want her to know I loved her.
She smiled again and turned, walking back the hallway with the gates slamming shut. I watched her go as far as I could. I turned slowly and walked back to the desk and a minute later I’d immersed myself in Rambaldi’s incredible dissertation on the human heart. I had to work fast.
Early the next morning two Marshals took me to the airport. When I realized they were not going with me this time, I didn’t say anything to them. I wouldn’t see them again ever. Thank goodness. Jack met us in the hanger and took me up into the CIA plane.
“Ready?” He asked.
I nodded. He sat me into a seat between two rather husky men.
“These are two Delta Force men. They will be going with you tomorrow to meet Sloane. He would expect you to have bodyguards.”
I wondered why I needed them on the plane, but said nothing. I didn’t think I needed to be babysat—at least not at this juncture of our relationship. I thought he and I had got along somewhat. I knew Jack had never approved of my being close to Sydney, but as the weeks progressed and after Kashmir, I was sure he was friendlier. Now...I wondered if I hadn’t been too optimistic.
Jack continued, “The one on your left is Ted and the other is Stan. You don’t need to know their last names.”
“Which one do I ask if I want to go to the bathroom?” I stared up at him with no expression.
Jack stared back. “Stan!” He suddenly grinned and went to the back of the plane where another man sat waiting.
Well, at least I wasn’t handcuffed and shackled. I remembered I wasn’t either our trip to Bangkok and Hong Kong. I sighed and closed my eyes, leaning back in the seat. I could meditate.
We landed in Panama City at the U.S. army base there. We were ordered to the hanger reserved for CIA and disembarked without being seen by anyone outside. A limousine took the two of us to El Panama Hotel which was ten miles from Tocumen International Airport. The two Delta Force men were going to stay on base and would join us in the morning for a final briefing before we left.
Jack said that Sark had set up a meeting out at the industrial area around the wharf. He was going to leave me at a designated spot underneath a bridge along with Ted and Stan, who would be armed in case there was any trouble.
We had finished a late dinner. Jack ordered a bottle of wine which we shared. “Based on our agreement, tomorrow morning, you and the two Delta Force guards will be dropped off here.” He showed me the spot on the map. “If Sloane follows the plan, he’ll drive north to meet you.
“Won’t he be suspicious if I don’t have the Rambaldi manuscript?”
“Sloane is smart enough to know that you would never bring it with you at first contact. He’ll expect that you have it close by. The CIA will be tracking you on satellite back in Los Angeles and will be in contact with me. A chopper will be waiting ten blocks away. When the call is made, the team will surround the vehicle and ambush Sloane.”
“Pretty straightforward,” I said and it was unless they had no satellite and they wouldn’t if Sark’s asset did her job. Jack took a drink from his glass that had the last of the red wine.
“I think we’ve got a shot at success.” He said.
“There’s one thing,” I said. “The tracker you put into my shoulder.”
“You want it removed,” he said, nodding.
I continued, “If they discover I’ve been tagged, it’s over—for me and the mission. We both know that.”
“I agree,” he said standing. “I can take care of that.”
I watched him walk to his suitcase and remove a small kit from it. He turned. :”You want to take off the shirt?” He watched me pull it off. He brought his chair over, sat down, and opened the kit. He took out a small scalpel, used an alcohol wipe to clean the area, and, using his fingers to probe the area in my shoulder, located the tracker. He drew the scalpel down over the area.
“Kendall could have me court-martialed for this.” He probed the wound. “Got it.” He placed a bandage on the area of the cut. I winced a bit.
“He certainly smart enough to know Sloane would scan me to be sure.”
He glanced at me. “You okay?”
“This is nothing,” I said my eyes locking on his. My heart skipped a beat. Would I dare? I pulled on my tee.
“We need to be up early,” he said softly.
I smiled softly, “We should go to bed.”
“Yeah, guess we should,” he said, smiling at me in a way that I remembered from the days we were married.
Moy bog, he was making a pass at me. I leaned forward, watching his face, feeling the heat in my body rise. Our lips touched and held. His arms came around me and it no longer became just a touch, it was all out passion. He pushed me back as my hands went around his neck.
We were on the bed and time stood still.
He kissed me hard as his need surged over caution and I returned the kiss with equal passion. I didn’t care either. I wanted him as I had not wanted any man since I was extracted. We kissed hungrily, as though it had been an eternity since the last time. I looked up at him in the soft light. It was as though the years between had never happened. It was yesterday: I was young, a mother, and a wife he adored. We were in bed together and it was pure unadulterated joyous and desirable sex that we wanted from each other.
He reached down again, seeking my lips, pinning my head down. I could feel our hearts beating. I could hear thunder in my ears. This was crazy. I needed him as much if not more than his need for me. My hands were on his head, running my long fingers through his hair. We kissed like lovers discovering each other again.
“Jack,” I said softly, “take off my clothes.”
It was like déjà vu, I thought. My God, how many times had I said that to him while they were husband and wife? It had been a ritual with us when we made love. I liked the feel of his hands on my body as he undressed me. He pulled me up to stand next to him. He kept kissing me as he pulled off the tee. He reached around my body unsnapping my bra and removed it. I felt my breasts against his chest. He bent his head kissing each nipple.
I closed my eyes as he leaned me back onto the bed. Gently and slowly, he pulled the jeans off. I was wearing red bikini panties. I’d take them from the CIA wardrobe. Jack stared at me as though wondering if I’d had known this would happen. I did know. It had been coming for sometime. Our interaction had been so filled with sexual tension that sometimes it was hard for him to even look at me when we were debriefing, especially after Hong Kong.
He put both hands on the bikini and gently pulled it off. I was naked, but not cold. He leaned forward, kissing me again. I reached down and unbuckled his pants. I moved one of my legs between his and knew he was hard. I smiled and flipped him over. Straddling him, I leaned forward, my breasts dangling in front of him. My eyes never left his as I moved back and pulled his pants off. He still wore boxer shorts and they were straining as his rock hard cock pushed against the cloth. I released it, tossing the boxers to the floor.
I moved to his side, lying beside him. Jack settled down between my legs. Leaning on his elbows on either side of me, he began to kiss me under the chin and neck. It was a technique he had used so many times before to get me ready for him. It was one of my most erotic zones. He had not forgotten.
“Jack, sweetheart,” I whispered urgently, calling him by the endearment we both used for each other. “Please.” I could feel myself oozing
“No, my dear, I don’t think you’re quite ready yet.” He kept kissing my breasts, the small mole on the side of the left one, the nipples again and sucking them one at a time. Then, he moved slowly down my flat lean stomach, scorching every inch with his tongue. I was squirming. He knew every one of my nerve endings was making me ache with inflamed desire.
Then he was at the mound of dark hair between my legs. His mouth began working, his tongue flicking and licking the inside of my thighs. He smiled at me when he heard me moan. I doubted I would forget this night. He looked up toward my head, which was writhing on the pillow. He bent down between my legs licking the labia with long slow strokes.
“You son of a bitch,” I cried. “frack me!”
Suddenly, he got to his knees and spread my legs. I was ready and so was he. He took me then, plunging himself deep inside, thrusting repeatedly. My head was roaring. I felt my legs wrap themselves around his thighs, pulling him in as far in as he could go. He began to pump his penis in and out. I went with him...in and out...five, six, seven times until I was ready to explode.
...and did!
I gasped; then cried out, as my hips bucked seeking every inch of him inside me, “frack the devil....” Then the orgasm shattered. I cried out again.
It was the same for him. He gasped out loud and shuddered as he deposited his fluid inside me just as I remembered he did when we were living as man and wife. My eyes glazed over, sweat covered it and my body as he thrust repeatedly, his eyes never leaving my face. My heart was racing. I shuddered.
I gave another cry, “frack!” as a second lesser orgasm happened.
I rolled to the right, gasping, and my hands reached for him. He leaned forward and thrust again. I moved back a little, my legs gripping his buttocks. I wanted him to stay inside. He grabbed at my left shoulder and the bandage was pulled off.
“Ouch,” I cried gasping.
“Sorry, sweetheart, I must have rubbed the bandage the wrong way,” he said. “I’ll put another on.” He started to withdraw from between my legs.
“No, wait!” I gasped as though needing to fill my lungs completely.
I reached out for him again. “Stay where you are.” I dropped back on the pillow, my eyes searching his face. Then I looked away, not letting him see the tears filling my eyes.
“Perhaps we need to sleep. We need to get up early.”
He withdrew and rolled over to lie beside me. “You were fantastic.”
“Oh Jack,” I said quietly, “So were you.”
I nodded, smiling, “I must say you certainly have not lost your ability to please. If anything, I’d say you were even better than the last time we...” Then I remembered the last time. I felt ashamed, because I saw the hurt on his face as he too remembered. “Are you up to some more?” I was hungry for him. He made me feel like a real woman and not an object to be used and discarded.
“I’m not as young as I was then. You know that.” He sighed.
“Yes,” I whispered. I held his face gently between my hands and kissed him. “I do love you, Jack. I told you once that I never forgot you.”
“If you loved me, Irina, why couldn’t you...” He began.
I put my hand over his mouth. “Hush...nothing about the past or the future. Let’s enjoy each other tonight. We may be older, but we can pleasure each other.” I leaned over and kissed him staring into his eyes. I was promising him as much as I could give; knowing what was going to happen tomorrow.
“Yes, alright,” he said, agreeing. “We have the ‘now’ and we’ll deal with the other later.”
“Just give me a few minutes to, to catch my breath.”
Jack cradled me against him. I closed my eyes. I began thinking only about sex with him drowning out everything else. I opened them; glancing at the clock and seeing that it had been an hour. I moved slowly from his grasp. I kneeled beside his body, looking at it with desire.
He was older and there were many silver hairs on his chest and in the hair around his genitals. I had no idea what had happened during these past twenty years to him sexually, but he had to have had some encounters...relationships. He was a man, wasn’t he, with needs?
I leaned down and ran my tongue along the head of his penis. One of my hands reached in and stroked his balls. I began squeezing them as I sucked on the head. He stirred. The penis began to harden and grow little by little. I took it all into my mouth, sucking and stroking it with my tongue. He groaned awakening as sexual desire grew.
Moving over him I slowly descended until his organ was inside me. I pushed down taking every inch of him including his balls. His eyes were open and he grinned. “Go, sweetheart, ride the horse.”
And I rode him as well as any other time in our lives. I was strong and healthy for my age and I didn’t hesitate, pumping up and down his shaft. I stopped. He laughed. I started again, but slower this time. I could feel my orgasm build, but I was in control. It would happen when I wanted it to happen.
Jack growled. He wanted me to go faster, but I wasn’t about to...and he knew it. We’d played the game so many times. I wanted make him wait, so I stopped again. Leaning down I licked his nipples, grasping them between my teeth with tiny bit of pressure. He moaned again. I sat back until all of him was once again inside.
“How do you feel, sweetheart,” I said softly.
“Ready,” he responded.
“Then let’s go...” I pulled up and down his tight hard shaft as my orgasm presented itself at the very top. “frack,” I screamed as I topped and felt him come at the same time. Christ, we had not forgotten! Twenty years had gone by and we had not forgotten how to come off together.
I don’t know how many times I had orgasms then, but he finally shriveled inside me exhausted himself. I pulled off him, tumbling to his side. We lay together, staring up at the ceiling. I don’t know what Jack was thinking, but I thought we’d pretty much fucked ourselves into exhaustion.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He turned slightly and put his right hand on my left breast, squeezing it. “You’re welcome. You always were a good frack.”
“Was that all I was?” I laughed.
He shook his head and moved his hand over my cheek, caressing my jaw. “No, sweetheart, you were much more than that. You were my soul mate. I truly believed that we would spend the rest of our lives together.”
“felgercarb,” I thought. I bit my lip to keep myself from getting too emotional. “We still have to get up. I think I’ll go to sleep.”
His left hand reached up and caressed my cheek again. “Good idea. Sleep well.”
I did almost immediately.
I awakened first. Jack held me to him and my head was on his shoulder. I stared up at the ceiling. This was the day—the day I would leave the tender care of the CIA. I wasn’t sorry. Sydney and Jack—they would once more know betrayal. I wanted to tell Sydney more. Jack, I knew, would not forgive me. I silently sighed and rolled over to the side of the bed. I glanced back. Jack was still sleeping.
Moments later, I turned on the shower. It didn’t take me long. I was eager to go. I opened the door to find Jack standing watching. He gave me a brief smile.
“I ordered breakfast. They said a half hour. Better be dressed by then.” He looked at me from head to toe. I knew he liked what he saw, but what he thought was another matter. I didn’t care though...not now. “I want to change the bandage.”
“Yes, of course.” I stepped to one side and walked to the sink. The hotel provided a hair dryer which I put to instant use.
Finished, I went to the closet and put on the clothes I intended to use for the day. I reached down into my bag, lifted the flap that stabilized the bottom and pulled out the Rambaldi manuscript. I stuck it in my pants and then tucked my shirt over it. I’d just finished when Jack came out of the bathroom. He dressed quickly and packed his small bag.
There was a knock at the door. Breakfast arrived.
Our meeting time had been set up for ten this morning. I finished my eggs and toast and was sipping the last of my tea—Jack remembered—when there was a knock at the door. Jack opened it. Stan was there.
“Nine-thirty, sir. Ready to go?”
I stood walking to my suitcase and closed it. My jacket was on the bed and I pulled it on. Jack took both our suitcases and waited at the door for me. We walked to the elevator. Jack checked us out and we went outside where the big black SUV waited. Jack entered first and I followed him. Ted was seated already and Stan joined him.
It took us almost thirty minutes to reach the spot Sloane was supposed to meet us. We had not said anything during the ride. I was nervous. When the SUV stopped, Ted and Stan exited first. I followed and turned to look at my husband, at least I thought he was still that—he’d not told me any different. I smiled softly almost tentatively, knowing full well our relationship, tenuous that it had been these last few months, would be shattered forever.
I shut the door. The SUV drove away leaving the three of us alone. The two Delta Force guards stood slightly behind me, their guns held at the ready, waiting for Sloane. It was about five minutes later that we saw a long black limousine drive up the incline. It stopped about ten yards away. I walked down followed by the two men.
Sark stepped out of the driver’s seat and held open the door. I looked inside. Sloane wasn’t there. “Where’s Sloane?”
“Close. I assure you,” replied Sark.
“Then bring him to me.”
“That’s not an option.”
I stepped back, “then our deal’s off.”
“So be it,” he answered, closing the door, and walking back toward the driver’s side.
“It’s a big car.” I said. “I believe there’s room for all of us.”
The two guards opened the door. Ted got in first and I followed, with Stan taking the seat next to me. Before I stepped inside I glanced up into the sky. I knew I was being watched by the satellite.
“Here goes,” I thought.
Sark climbed behind wheel and drove off. I knew the satellite would go down within minutes. Jack would call in the Delta Force helicopter to follow us. I didn’t know exactly what Sark and Sloane planned, but I knew they had a contingency arranged. Moments later, I heard the helicopter. It was tracking us. Sark was watching me in the rear view mirror. I stared back.
He drove under an overpass. Then made a left turn. I caught a glimpse of another limo driving off to the right. The overpass had one entrance and two exits. Jack and the CIA would see the other limo before they thought of looking elsewhere. Sark drove to another area of the warehouse district. He stopped and turning slightly, he pulled out a Glock Nine and shot both Delta Force men.
I stepped out and watched as a van marked Policia drove up. I walked down to it. The door opened to reveal Sloane seated in the rear seat behind the driver.
“It’s good to see you again, Irina.”
“Thank you for extracting me,” I said, pulling out the Rambaldi manuscript from my back and handing to him. He examined it briefly, his face lighting up. He extended his hand to me and, taking it, I entered the van. Sark followed, closing the door behind him. Sloane gave a signal and the driver drove off.
My fate was sealed. There would be no more Jack—and no more Sydney in my life. There would be only Rambaldi.
I left something for Sydney, though. The earrings my mother gave me. They would be the link to Sydney.
VAUGHN AND SYDNEY
Sydney finished reading the section of the Journals that she’d waited for...it answered the question of how! She grinned, thinking about how her father had tricked her mother. Still she knew that he’d had real feelings for Irina then as did she for him. She realized she was breathing heavy and that her heart was racing. She realized she’d not been as squeamish as she had before, reading about her parents having sex.
She was sitting up in bed waiting for Vaughn to come home from his poker night and reading. Now, she wanted sex and wanted it bad. She closed her eyes thinking about them...together...and together for the first time in twenty years. It was obvious from what her mother wrote that the two of them still loved each other on some plane. What was it her mother said ‘nothing about the past or the future.’
Sydney heard the front door close. Vaughn was home. It wouldn’t be long before she had her desires fulfilled. She put the journal on the nightstand as Vaughn entered their bedroom.
“Hey,” he said grinning. “Guess who the big winner was tonight?”
“You!” She said softly. “Come to bed and I’ll make you an even bigger winner.”
tbc
texasalias2004
Cadet
Great update. I love reading these files.
texasalias
texasalias
irishwatson
Cadet
great update can't wait to read more