by Cherry Laska
“Jessica, there you are. What’s with the grin?” She hadn’t heard Lacey come in behind her.
“Oh, I was just thinking how lucky I am to have such good friends.” It was an easy thing to say, because it was true.
With everyone’s glass topped off, they returned to the tables and resumed playing the dice game. Jessica asked, “So, what do you guys think about what’s going on in Tehran?”
“Have you seen the images of all the brave people trying to protest? What’s happening is terrible,” Donna McGregor said. Jessica had purposely brought up the topic of Iran, thinking she might get some insights from what her friends said, especially Donna. She was conversant with domestic politics, finance, and world events. Donna continued, “I think there are so many more people who’d like to demonstrate but are afraid to do so. Almost everyone believes the election was rigged, but they don’t have any proof. Those people are risking a lot to protest in public. You better believe at the very least, every one of the protesters has his or her name on a government watch list.”
“They’re saying that the footage getting out is very limited.” Jessica could never reveal that the “they” she was referencing was her CIA team. “The Iranians in power would never allow the people to wear green scarves and walk the streets saying negative things about President Mahmoud Amiri without repercussions.”
Bonnie Evans wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “I don’t get it. Why don’t the Iranian people just force the government to do the election over? I don’t understand why those women still wear those things around their heads and allow the men to control them.” Bonnie was not the most informed, but she was the most opinionated. Jessica could do without her, but she lived in the neighborhood, and it would be mean to exclude her.
“Bonnie, it isn’t that simple,” Donna explained patiently. “The government utilizes the corrupt police and military to control people who oppose them. They can imprison individuals for any made up reason. Have you ever heard of SAVAK? They’re the Iranian secret police that were initiated under the Shah with the help of the CIA and are used by the Iranian Supreme Leader and President to torture and execute anyone who opposes them.”
Even though Donna wasn’t talking down to her, Bonnie had her lips pursed. Donna truly wanted to help the woman understand. Donna took a sip of wine before adding, “Remember, the women have an inferior legal status. A few years ago, four women who led the Million Signatures Campaign to end legal discrimination were thrown in jail. Women are banned from over seventy fields of study. Female athletes, regardless of what sport they are playing, can only remove their hijab to play if there aren’t any men around, and they still have to keep their whole body covered.”
Jessica could see Bonnie was getting ready to argue, so she stepped in to offer Donna support. “Unfortunately, it’s true. Iranian women are discriminated against in marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody. A woman has to have her male guardian’s approval for marriage regardless of her age. An Iranian woman is forbidden to pass on her nationality to her foreign-born spouse or their children. Nor can a woman obtain a passport or travel outside the country without her husband’s written permission. If a woman violates any of these rules or behaves in any way men deem immoral, she’ll face brutal punishment.”
“I suppose that’s right,” Bonnie admitted. “It’s just unbelievable and frustrating. Let me get someone to sub-in. I need to freshen up.” She pushed her chair back and walked off in a bit of a huff.
Jessica heard Bonnie greet Anderson on her way to the powder room. He must have just come in the front door. He rounded the corner, and Jessica saw him try to mask his irritation. He slipped quickly into gracious mode, but she’d seen it.
“Well, hello. Who’s luckier than I am tonight to come home to so many lovely ladies?” He scanned the room and found Jessica. He motioned with his head for her to join him in the office, saying “May I steal my wonderful wife away for a moment?” He was keeping up appearances.
This caused blushing, flirtatious laughter, and murmured answers around the room. Jessica got up and followed Anderson. As soon as he closed the heavy, double doors to the office, he dropped his fake smile. He looked tired. Jessica felt sorry for him for a very brief moment. He started in on her.
“Why are you having this thing tonight? I haven’t slept, and I have a ton of work to do. How long do they have to stay?”
“I’m sorry you’re tired. Hosting Bunco has been on the calendar for months, and I left you a message about it yesterday. Anyway, they’ll probably be leaving soon. We usually don’t go late.”
“The sooner, the better if you can influence it. You need some rest too. You aren’t looking your best.” His voice grew more venomous. “You know you can’t neglect your duties around here to go off with your friends and then come home and throw parties. I got an email from the school that Chase got a very low C on his physics test. That cannot happen. You have got to make sure the kids are doing their work.” Anderson was really on a roll. “That’s part of the deal. And what about getting the guy in to fix the shower in the pool house?” Jessica stayed quiet and just let him keep going to get it out of his system. “Are my new suits picked up from the haberdashery? Have you even worked on the Miami Gala?” Okay. She was reaching her limit. She had a big enough dose of jerk for now, and she was also missing her wine that she’d left in the other room. Anderson was still going. “I mean really. It’s unacceptable. Have you— ”
Before he could pile on any more, Jessica held up her hand and said quietly through clenched teeth, “I guarantee you I’ll take care of everything, as I always do. However, I remind you we have a new deal in place. You invalidated all previous agreements with your infidelity and divorce papers.” She turned and reached for the door, “And don’t you ever talk to me in that condescending, demeaning way again. You don’t have any right to do that, and you never did.” Jessica put a smile on her face and left.
The ladies must have heard the muffled, angry voices. They had moved to the kitchen and were enjoying the chocolate mousse with fresh whipped crème Jessica had made. Dessert always signaled the end of the night. Everyone, even Bonnie, was polite enough not to mention anything about Anderson. Lacey winked at Jessica. Her cousin’s support, plus the thought of being done putting up with that man’s shit, was enough to pick up Jessica’s spirits.
With all the women working together to clean up, the job was taken care of quickly. Jessica thought of one of her other favorite sayings, “Many hands make light work.” After the goodbyes, she went on autopilot to finish putting the house back in order and mulled over all the changes happening in her life. She asked herself why she’d stayed with her husband for so long. She’d always told herself it was better for the kids to have both parents under one roof. She no longer thought that. She believed she, the kids, and even Anderson would be better off not being around what the marriage had become. Regardless, Jessica could no longer allow herself to be treated the way Anderson treated her nor would she live with her loneliness any longer. She just couldn’t.
She’d been numb to all of it, but she wasn’t anymore. Professionally, Jessica felt alive and challenged. Personally, Joe had awakened romantic feelings. That warm rush of electricity shot through her as soon as she thought about him. She found herself daydreaming about his lips, kissing him, and continuing what they had started on the Eiffel Tower. What are we doing? She wasn’t sure what to think. She hadn’t dated in almost twenty years. Her doubt crept in and threatened to take over. She shook her head and told herself, Don’t overthink it.
She moved through the house blowing out candles, turning off lights, and making sure the house was closed up. She went to her room, shut her door behind her, and locked it. She was happy to never share a bed with Anderson again. He could sleep in the guest room, the pool house, or in the streets for all she cared. She pulled on her most comfy pajamas, completed the cleaning, brushing, and lotion routine, and climbed into bed. It had been a lo
ng day. Her phone buzzed. She looked to see a text from Lacey.
Another unbelievable party by Jessica. It was amazing. Individual Beef Wellingtons in the shape of a dice—only you. Hopefully Anderson isn’t giving you any problems. Let’s talk tomorrow. Love you.
Lacey was such a good friend. Jessica would tell her everything soon. Well, not the CIA everything, just the Anderson is a cheating, lying jerk, and we’re getting a divorce everything. She knew Lacey would be fully supportive.
She scanned her new emails and opened the few that interested her. Donna had blind copied her on a polite note to Bonnie saying that she’d enjoyed their conversation and thought Bonnie would be interested in the attached articles on Iran that would give her a more in depth understanding about the dangerous challenges and consequences both reformers and women faced. Donna sent a second email directly to Jessica thanking her for a lovely evening and wanted to know if she’d like to go with her to Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Show next week.
Jessica was thankful for her group of good friends who understood and appreciated her. She was in the middle of typing a reply email accepting Donna’s invitation when a text came through from Joe.
Just wanted to say hi and good night. I’m beat. Sorry I was tied up all day and we didn’t get a chance to talk. Hope your dice party went well.
Bunco, aka dice party, was nice. Thanks. Sorry your Saturday was spent working, or did you mean you were literally tied up? In which case, whichever applies: 1) Glad you escaped 2) Didn’t know you were that kind of guy. P.S. Thanks for the wine! How’d you get it in my wine room?
Oh, my darling Smoke, you’re so clever. I meant it figuratively. But corresponding responses: 1) Thanks 2) I can play any part, but prefer being the traditional, romantic type. P.S.You’re welcome & I’ll never tell. A guy’s got to have his secrets too. ;-) P.P.S. Marshall found a print on the inside of the gas tank. P.P.P.S. Sleep well, mon chéri Fumée.
Jessica smiled at Joe’s text and his my darling Smoke in English and French.
Vous êtes si douce,Requin.
Joe closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The translation, You’re so sweet, Shark. He thought, Jessica, man oh man. She’s feeling this just like I am. Remembering his conversation with Mark, his smile faded. More importantly, Jessica was in a vulnerable position right now. Shit.
48
“I’M SO GLAD THESE BRACES are finally coming off,” Bridgette said, walking into the orthodontist’s office.
“Me too,” Jessica sympathized. She’d had braces when she was young. “I know they’re awful to wear. They’re so worth it though. You’re going to look even more beautiful.”
They took a seat in the stiff, uncomfortable chairs, and Jessica opened her iPad to Facebook. She hadn’t been on in a long while and wanted to catch up with friends and family who lived far away, but what she was really eager for was for her daughter to be called to the back for her appointment. Jessica wanted to sit alone in the waiting room to look over an update that had just come through. When they were finally ready for Bridgette, Jessica wished her good luck, waited for her to walk away, and clicked over to the encrypted drive.
TOP SECRET
OPERATION BLACK DIAMOND — UPDATE 147-29987
• Iranian subject Zircone was tracked to Orly International Airport and presumed to have left France. No agencies report Zircone entering any country. Passengers from all flights leaving Orly within a 24-hour period after Zircone and Moreau’s meet are being screened. So far all passengers have been cleared.
• Print obtained from motorcycle has not been matched on any available databases.
• Pictures and updated sketch of Iranian subject – see Appendix A
• Requested autopsy results from Paul-Henri Moreau are expected by end of day Tuesday, 29 April.
• Files from Jacque Lefèvre’s computer show proof of classified contracts with French government. Information on the sensitive chemicals C-FC is producing for them will be passed to the appropriate CIA department. No evidence of knowledge of the sale of illegal or legal chemicals on the black market. No evidence of any contact with Zircone or any Iranians. It is believed Chevalier-Fort Chemicals is secretly manufacturing illegal chemicals and will be investigated by the local station.
• Security tapes have positively identified subjects who pursued Officers Whitley and Romeo as Iranian SAVAK. It is believed two of the agents broke into Whitley and Romeo’s room at Hotel Plaza Athénée. Location of SAVAK agents is unknown.
• Names obtained from Officer Dalton’s reporter contact continue to be investigated but indicate the motivation to keep the incident secret is protecting the reputations of the French government and C-FC.
• The Paris station CIA officer known as Muhammad maintains his cover. His cousin’s disappearance was explained by an accidental death. False identification was planted on the body of a deceased unidentifiable homeless person matching Officer Kerschen’s approximate height and weight.
• Officer Dalton, under the cover of James Hamlin, is maintaining contact with Chevalier-Fort Chemicals. Professional emails have been exchanged with Marcella Tabor.
Jessica had just finished reading the file when her phone rang. It was Alex Gallagher, the boys’ wrestling coach. Somewhat sheepishly, he explained that the trip to their wrestling tournament in Las Vegas that was in a couple of weeks still needed to be planned. Travel along with lodging for thirty-five kids, five coaches, plus a block of rooms for the families needed to be booked. Thankfully this tournament wasn’t in a small town where all the rooms were already taken by other teams. Vegas was more than equipped to handle the huge influxes of people that came with large events of all kinds. Jessica hung up with the promise that she was on it as long as he sent her names as soon as they hung up. She kept a file with all the detailed information she needed.
She did a quick search of flights and got lucky with a good deal on a non-stop flight at the desired time. She called the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, conveniently attached to the Las Vegas Convention Center, and secured the rooms at the discounted rate for the tournament. She sent a text to Anderson confirming he would be going to the tournament as he’d promised the boys. She knew he was looking forward to playing blackjack and golfing. She was also sure he would be tying in some business and entertaining clients, but as long as he was there for the boys, she was fine with it. His text came back:
Book Wednesday through Tuesday at the Encore or the Venetian.
He didn’t like staying with the team and refused to stay anywhere that wasn’t luxurious. A second later Jessica received a second text.
Separate rooms. I have to go to Germany. Leaving today. Tell the kids I’ll call. Tell Bridgette to send me a picture of her smile.
Jessica was amazed and glad he remembered about Bridgette’s braces coming off.
I sure will. She’s very excited. Do you know when you’ll be back?
Jessica waited, but didn’t get a return text. It was rude of him, but it just didn’t matter to her anymore. She finished making all the arrangements, calculated costs, and sent an email to the team. With the whole thing done in forty-two minutes, she went to peek in the back room. The orthodontist and his assistant were sitting over Bridgette with their hands in her mouth busily working. Jessica wanted to check in with Joe. She tiptoed back out and told the woman behind the counter she was stepping outside to make a call.
As she was making the call, Jessica’s heart rate quickened and her stomach fluttered. It was middle school silly. She looked around. There was no one around. She said, “Get a grip, woman.”
Joe answered on the first ring. “Hello. I’m glad you called. I wanted to talk to you, but I know you’ve got a lot going on, and I wasn’t sure …” He let his sentence stop there, leaving her a little confused. “How are you?”
“Don’t ask. I just wanted to see if there was anything new.”
“Why don’t ask?”
“I don’t like to whine.�
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“Talk to me. I’m a good listener.” There was no irritation or judgment in his tone.
She smiled. She wasn’t used to having someone she could share her feelings with. “Sorry. It’s several things, past, present, and future. I’ll tell you if you really want to know, but really, I’m okay. It’s just my mind running.”
“I get that and yes, I really want to know. Please, tell me.”
She was hesitant but threw caution to the wind. “I’m still blown away by your suspicions about being set up on our mission in Argentina, but it fits. I can’t figure out where Zircone is and what he’s planning. Anderson is being nastier than ever. I keep telling myself that the end of the school year is coming fast and things will get so much better when we’re able to tell the kids, and we can all move forward.”
“I’m sorry.” Joe knew from having a strong mother and sisters that Jessica didn’t want him to solve her problems for her but wanted him to just be there and listen to her talk it out. “I know it’s all a lot to deal with. Hang in there with the family situation. If they’re anything like you, they’re tough as hell. Plus, they have you to love them. There couldn’t be anything better and uh, I know everything is, well, complicated, and I’ve added to that, but we’ll figure it all out. Once we take care of Zircone, and we will soon, we’ll talk about Argentina. I promise.There are also some personal things—all good—I want to talk about. I hope that’s okay. But for now, let’s concentrate getting you through until graduation and on stopping this guy. ”
He knows all the right things to say. And not say, Jessica thought. She smiled and waited for a guy on a mower to pass by. “Sorry and thanks for listening.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m here for you. Did you talk to the lawyer I recommended?”
“Yes. We met yesterday morning and started the process. Again, I appreciate it. I just read the update. I’m reviewing my files and researching the internet and FBI database. I’ve got a spreadsheet going showing possible chemical weapons that are viable based on the parameters we know with corresponding delivery methods, symptoms, and casualty estimates as well as the disarmament methods and vaccinations. I’ll identify what types of facilities would make good targets. I’ll send it to you when I’m finished.”