Smoke Reactivated

by Cherry Laska

  Marshall said, “We do know a test of the meet location came up negative for chemicals, so it does not appear that chemicals passed hands at the plaza.”

  “I want to know everything we can about Moreau. Marshall, research and dig into this guy. I want you to get into his apartment as well.” Joe paused to read something on his iPad. He continued, “It will be more difficult to talk to Moreau face-to-face. Mark, we might have to send you in through the back door. In the meantime, reach out to some of the reporters and contacts you worked with on past assignments. See if anyone knows anything.”

  Marshall nodded, and Joe went on. “You and Mark will stay at a safe house. Mark, find one we can use. Make getting surveillance and electronics up as quickly as possible after we land a priority.” Joe turned to Alejandro. “Sorry, buddy, no luxury for you. I want you to walk in Zircone’s shoes. Stay in his building. You need to blend in as a devout, hardworking Muslim.”

  “Merci beaucoup,” Alejandro said, slightly sarcastic but without disrespect.

  “Jessica, you and I will be staying at the Hotel Plaza Athénée. We’ll work on the government and target the president and execs of C-FC. I’d like to have you take a look at the company’s facilities and maybe go to the mosque as well. Everything I laid out and the supporting details are in the files on your iPads. Do you have any questions?” No one did.

  “We leave at zero-five-hundred. We’ll go over everything and put the final details together on the plane.”

  As the team started clearing out to get to work, Joe said to Jessica, “Work here while I make a quick call. I’ll come get you and show you around.”

  Mark followed Joe into his office. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Joe put the phone down and waved his hand for Mark to take a seat. He closed the door before taking a chair. “Boss, are you sure this is a good idea?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Working with your ex-girlfriend.”

  “She’s not my ex. We were teammates and good friends.”

  “All right then, working with a girl you have feelings for.”

  “Mark, I don’t know why you’d think that. We were friends; so sure, I care a lot about Jessica, just like I care about you, Alejandro, and Marshall.” Joe’s jaw was set hard. Mark scrutinized Joe who was clearly a bit irritated by the whole thing. “Look, we’ve conducted a lot of operations together. That’s it.”

  After a beat, Mark let out a sigh. “No disrespect intended. I just have a sixth sense when it comes to matters like this, and I’m a tad worried for being in the shit with anyone who isn’t thinking with their head, but if you say I’m off base—”

  “You’re off base.”

  Mark held up his hands in surrender and bowed his head.

  Joe let out a breath. “Whitley will be an asset to our team. You saw her file. That only shows a fraction of our successful missions. You don’t have anything to be concerned about.”

  “I reckon that’s that then.”

  Joe went to find Jessica. “Ready?”

  She got to her feet. “Yes. This op is coming at lightning speed. I better get it together quick.”

  “You will. You’re doing great. You squeaked the landing, didn’t you?” They both laughed. It was a decent landing, but not one that was so good you heard the tires squeak and barely felt them contact with the ground, classifying it as a squeaker.

  “Anyway, I’d also like to know as much information as possible.” Leaning in closer so she wouldn’t be overheard, Jessica added, “That includes dossiers on the team. I’m assuming they all have mine.”

  “Yes, they do, and I just sent you theirs. We’re a team, and we’ll either succeed or fail together. We’re stronger if we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.” She nodded.

  After seeing the suite and a bit of the CIA building, Joe handed Jessica off to Mark who issued her a Browning Hi Power 9mm and took her to the range. He asked, “How comfortable are you with weapons? I mean I know you had training, but it’s been a while, hasn’t it.”

  “Well, it’s been a while for anything other than a 9mm. I do have my concealed carry permit, but only practice semi-regularly with my Walther CCP.”

  She thought of when Chase was turning eleven, and she had taken him and a group of his friends to play paintball. The other moms declined to play, but Chase had wanted Jessica to play on his team to make them even. Since she’d rather do that than just stand around talking, she’d agreed. She’d gotten really fired up meeting the challenge of making her way through obstacles, taking out the opposition by hitting them with paintballs.

  Her team had been laughing and having fun, and she must have let her guard down. Before she knew it, she had rolled, low-crawled, and strategized to advance into enemy territory, annihilating every member of the enemy team comprised of the eleven- and twelve-year-old party guests. After the last kill shot, Jessica saw the other mothers were staring at her with their mouths hanging open. She thought, If they only knew the whole story.

  “Ha,” Jessica actually laughed out loud. It wasn’t long after that evening that it seemed shooting incidents were on the news with more and more frequency. Jessica decided with her training she could protect herself and the people around her if she was ever where something bad happened. Anderson didn’t approve, but when it came to protecting her kids, nothing would stop her.

  “Okay. I’ll show you most of our team’s arsenal, but let’s concentrate on the Browning for today,” Mark said as he put on his ear protection.

  As they walked back to the team’s suite together, Mark said, “That was some nice work. Tight shot group. Did you shoot before the Army, or did they teach you?”

  “I learned from the Army.”

  “Well, you got some natural talent for sure.”

  She laughed. “Thanks. I had some good instructors.”

  “Mmhmm. Hey, I bet you have some great stories about Joe when y’all worked together. I’d like to hear them.”

  She was picking up on something in Mark’s tone and demeanor that went beyond friendly small talk. She didn’t blame her teammates for being skeptical about her. She remembered how everyone felt when Joe joined Grey Winds. She smiled. “When we have some time, I’ll buy you a drink and tell you whatever you want a know.”

  “Looking forward to it,” he said and gave her a friendly smile.

  Jessica spent the next few hours speaking in French with Alejandro, studying the op files and looking over her new colleagues’ dossiers. She did a quick check-in with her kids. They were on schedule going from school to practice, after which they would head home to do their homework. Their schedules were regulated and demanding. For teenagers, they were disciplined and hard working. She knew how lucky she was.

  Using the laptop Marshall had given her, Jessica went back to researching C-FC. The majority of chemicals the company manufactured were harmless. With such a wide variety of products, however, C-FC had the necessary base chemicals and the equipment to produce some not-so-harmless compounds. Ones that are very valuable on the black market. She found other irregularities, as well. C-FC employed an unusually large number of researchers compared to their industry counterparts. C-FC had completed a pricey expansion project two years earlier that included the capacity for storage of highly sensitive chemicals and a security system that was more high-tech than most chemical companies utilized.

  As Jessica pulled up Google Maps and entered C-FC’s street address, she speculated about the possibility that they had been contracted by the French government to secretly conduct experiments or perhaps stockpile chemical weapons. She was looking at a street-level view of their complex when Joe walked in.

  “I love that feature,” he said, taking a seat. “Nothing beats standing on the spot and having eyes on, but you can get a lot of information on the internet for what used to take a lot of legwork, time, and money.” He looked at his watch and saw it was six thirty. It was late enough for traffic to be manageable. He rubbed his h
and over his stomach. “When you’re done with that, let’s go get some dinner. I haven’t eaten all day. I was too scared to eat.”

  “Huh?”

  “When I was thinking of you at the controls of the Citation,” he teased.

  “Very funny.” She lightly punched him in the arm. “But now that you mention it, I’m starving.”

  Joe’s stomach growled so loudly they both heard it. “How does Italian sound?”

  “Perfect. Where are we going?”

  “My place,” Joe said with a flash of his dimples.

  19

  TEHRAN, IRAN

  GENERAL PAHLAVI SAT AT HIS desk anxiously waiting for the report from SAVAK agents he’d sent to Paris. Twice he’d yelled at his assistant for no reason. Pahlavi had also yelled at his wife when she telephoned to inquire when he’d be home. It was getting late, and he could feel his temper building. It had been five hours since the agents he’d sent to Paris had successfully abducted the MEK terrorist and the man’s wife. His agents should have been able to extract information out of their captives by now.

  Pahlavi’s assistant appeared at his door holding an envelope in shaky hands. When he asked permission to enter, Pahlavi yelled at him for a third time. It was annoying to see him rush across the room as quickly as his legs could carry him. He was a sick and meek man. Pahlavi almost yelled at him again, but kept his lips clenched shut, thinking he would find a new assistant as soon as this disaster was over. He snatched the report from the man’s hands and said, “Wait.”

  Pahlavi read the report. His agents had failed with the MEK terrorist and his wife. They were both dead. Pahlavi barked at his assistant, giving him instructions to be passed back to the agents in Paris. There could be no mistakes in covering their tracks. The bodies must not be connected to Iran. Pahlavi demanded more details on exactly what had happened. He expected answers and results. He dismissed his assistant, yelling at him to go home. Pahlavi moved to the window and stared outside. He began to worry about the consequences for him and his family if SAVAK failed to get justice for Iran.

  20

  POTOMAC, MARYLAND

  JOE DECLARED THEY WERE TAKING a break from work until after dinner. He put the satellite radio on the 90s station as he drove North on I-495 and crossed into Maryland. It was a pretty drive with the sun low in the sky. The traffic was still pretty heavy. He told her traffic was ridiculous at the wrong time of day, and you had to plan your commute accordingly or risk going insane. About twenty-five minutes later, they entered the town of Potomac. When Joe turned into a lavish neighborhood, Jessica gave him a sideways glance.

  “I didn’t know the government paid so well.”

  “Oh, it doesn’t. I inherited some money and made some good investments.” He pulled down a long, winding drive that was lined with lush evergreens, flowerbeds, and bushes that had been perfectly planned to complement each other while providing privacy. The driveway ended at a gorgeous Tudor Revival mansion. He had way understated his good fortune.

  “You’ve done more than make a few good investments,” she said, poking him in his side, almost hurting her finger in the process.

  “I’ve always hidden it, but my family has money,” Joe said, looking away. “I never wanted anyone to know. I didn’t want to be looked at as different—soft.”

  She could tell he was genuinely embarrassed. “I wouldn’t have cared, but the guys would have given you a hard time. You’re still the same great guy to me.” She teased him to put him at ease. “What else don’t I know?”

  “You’ll have to figure that out for yourself, Smoke.”

  He parked the black Audi A-7 in the spacious four-car garage. Jessica was excited by a sweet gunmetal gray Ram 1500 pick-up in the farthest stall, what looked to be a classic muscle car under a tarp in the next stall, and in the stall closest to them, a snowmobile, and a Harley. Growing up around racing and car dealerships, she had always appreciated beautiful cars and anything with a powerful engine. Her mother believed that environment was what had created Jessica’s need-for-speed thing, whereas her father believed she took after him and that environment had just fueled what she had been born with. The military doctor who had done an in-depth psychological profile before Jessica had been approved for Grey Winds agreed with her father.

  “Nice bike. You ride now, huh?”

  “A little,” Joe said. “I bought it to pick up women.”

  “Yeah, right,” she said with an eye roll. “Like you need any help with that.”

  “No, really. I was on a date a few years ago. We were walking into a restaurant, and just like you, I made the comment, ‘Nice bike.’ The guy said, ‘Nice girl.’ My date must have liked him and his bad-boy attitude, because by the time our table was ready, she had made up an excuse and gone out front to talk to the guy. That was the end of our date. I know it’s ridiculous, but I bought a Harley that week.”

  “Well, yeah, it’s a little ridiculous, because she was obviously an idiot, and you’re plenty bad-boy without the bike.” With a mischievous look of her own, Jessica added, “But I have to admit, bikes are seriously hot.”

  He gave her a look and they laughed. Joe popped the trunk and grabbed her bag. Entering the house, Jessica felt immediately comfortable. It had a “Joe” feel to it—masculine and warm. “I love it.”

  “Thanks. It’s nice to have you here. I don’t entertain much. Let me show you your room.” He chuckled. “I won’t pretend like on TV that there aren’t any spare bedrooms, so you have to either sleep on the couch or with me. Not that I don’t think that’s a brilliant strategy.”

  “Ha! Lazy writing. That always drives me crazy. I mean, come on.”

  She followed Joe up the stairs to the guest room. He put her bag down. “I’ll go get dinner ready while you get settled. Yell if you need anything.”

  She changed into her favorite comfortable jeans and called her kids. The conversations didn’t last long. They loved her, but they were busy with their own stuff. She was happy that she didn’t have to deal with talking to Anderson.

  She came downstairs and followed her nose to the kitchen. Joe’s back was to her. He was humming a tune and dancing as he put the meal together. She watched for a minute. “You’re too cute in here cooking.” He jumped and turned around. “Ooh, should I be worried about your spy skills?”

  “Very funny. I knew you were there.”

  “Yeah, right you did.” Joe held up his hands in defeat. “Anyway, it smells amazing.”

  “It’s all ready, but first, here you go,” he said, handing Jessica a glass of wine, then picking up his and holding it in the air. “To old friends and fun times.”

  “Love it. I’ll drink to that.”

  He smiled and clinked her glass. They brought the food over to the table where Joe had put out two place settings and lit some candles. The food was phenomenal and the wine was excellent. “Where did you learn to cook like this? Everything is delicious. I mean seriously, really out of this world good.”

  He gave her a devilish grin. “I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you.”

  After the meal, they worked together to clean the kitchen. It was a nice change for her not having to do it all alone. They were finishing up, and she eyed her friend suspiciously as he started the dishwasher.

  “What’s that look?”

  “I was just thinking of your Italian neighbor at Ft. Belvoir. You know, the one who always cooked for you. The one we never saw. She didn’t exist, did she? You made everything, didn’t you?”

  “Can I interest you in a limocello?”

  “Don’t change the subject. You’re busted, Romeo. Just admit it.” Jessica tossed the kitchen towel at him. He tried to give her an incredulous look, but failed and laughed.

  “Seriously, the guys harassed me enough. I wasn’t going to give them any more ammunition. Think about it though. I’m Italian. My mother, my four sisters, my aunts, my nonna are all incredible cooks, and the men … the men in my family cook with such pas
sion, they take it to another level. So, while a foodie like yourself might appreciate my cooking abilities, you can understand how those high-speed knuckle draggers, squids, and jarheads might have seen it. And while I have no problem telling them lovingly to go fuck themselves, I didn’t want to hear it.”

  “Yeah, we all were pretty brutal. I’m just mad I didn’t get to eat more of your cooking and learn some of your techniques! I hope you’ll teach me.”

  “I could be persuaded. Now how about that limocello?”

  They moved to the couch and enjoyed their digestivos that Joe confessed to making himself. He told Jessica the story of how his current team had been put together to handle some of the extreme situations that had come up as the War on Terror progressed. She wasn’t shocked to hear they had different operating rules than the majority of the CIA. She asked about the team’s legal standing and was a little concerned that his answer was purposely vague. He assured her they were covered but could be out of jobs and face some trouble if things went the wrong way with the wrong people. She let it go at that. They moved on to talking in detail about Mark, Alejandro, and Marshall. Their backgrounds were impressive. They seemed like guys she could trust and grow to like. Joe shared his thoughts on how he expected things to go down in Paris.

  The discussion turned to the past. The two found themselves laughing, reminiscing about some of the good times. Joe told Jessica what he knew about what some of the Grey Winds guys were doing, and they speculated where the rest of them were. Reconnecting and reliving the past was good, but Jessica was exhausted. She yawned.