The-Forgetful-Spy-Santiago

by The Forgetful Spy (lit)

  “My best guess is that she’ll flip back and forth from one personality to another indefinitely. Her mental health will suffer. Plus, the pregnancy and all the accompanying hormones in her system will further her unpredictability.”

  “Will she remember anything from her spy training once the Protocol implants are gone?”

  “It’s possible residual memories may surface from time to time. It’s best to tell her they are just dreams.”

  “Can I say good bye to her?” Colin asked.

  Dr. Denton shrugged. “Hurry up.”

  * * * *

  Rachel woke when Colin sat down on her hospital bed. He had an odd look on his face.

  “What’s up?”

  “The doctors out there are plotting some minor surgery for you so your head won’t hurt so bad.”

  She smiled and wished they could get some time alone. “I have a home cure for what ails me. Maybe if we have sex repeatedly my headache will go away.”

  Colin laughed and glanced around the room. “Too bad all the walls are clear glass or I’d take you up on that, darlin’. There’s something I need to tell you. Something you need to know.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I want to marry you. I don’t have a ring yet, but I want you to know how I feel. I love you. I don’t care about anything else. They won’t be able to keep us apart if you’re my wife.” He kissed her gently on the mouth as she digested his words.

  “Am I dying or something?”

  He coughed in one hand. “No. Why would you say that?”

  “You’re all sentimental and you just proposed to me. Plus Paul looked like he lost his best friend a few minutes ago. It makes sense.”

  Colin ran his fingers through his hair. “You’re not dying.” He squinted. “Or is this your polite way of changing the subject because your answer to my proposal is no?”

  Rachel laughed. “My answer is yes. I’ll marry you. But you get to be the one to tell Paul.”

  “Okay.” His relieved smile comforted her. “How would you feel about flying to Las Vegas to tie the knot?”

  She grinned. “I have some very fond sexy memories from there. But if you don’t mind, let’s stay at a different hotel.”

  “Perfect. I’ll be here waiting when you wake up, darlin’. Sweet dreams. And if the surgery doesn’t work, I’m willing to try your suggestion and have sex with you until your headache’s gone.”

  “My hero.”

  Colin slid off the bed and gently kissed her hand. “Don’t ever forget that I love you.”

  “I won’t.”

  * * * *

  Colin waited impatiently for Rachel to get out of surgery. Paul disappeared behind the double doors of the secret Protocol medical center wing hours ago leaving him here to worry alone. He hadn’t been allowed past this portal and he’d paced a hole in the floor waiting for news on Rachel, or actually it would be Laurie who would wake up if all went according to plan.

  One side of the double door wobbled slightly signaling that someone approached. Colin strode over as Paul emerged through the space with a relieved look etched on his face. Colin took his first easy breath in several hours.

  “The surgery went well?” he asked.

  Paul heaved a deep sigh as if in relief. “Yes. The surgery went as expected. She’s not awake yet, however. We’ll know more once she’s conscious. Unfortunately, we’ll have to move her to Alabama before she can be allowed to wake up.”

  Colin pressed his lips together. “And is the baby okay?”

  Paul sighed again even more deeply. “As far as we know, yes, the baby is fine. She’s not very far along in the pregnancy, only a couple of weeks.”

  Colin nodded. “I didn’t know, about the baby, I mean.”

  He shrugged. “It’s likely she doesn’t even know. Like I said, she’s only weeks along. So what are you planning on doing with regard to being a husband and your pending fatherhood?”

  Colin crossed his arms and went back to pacing the floor. “What are my options? I mean if she’s removed from the Protocol program, what will happen to her?”

  “Technically, she’ll be retired from duty. If you continue your relationship—”

  “And I plan to,” Colin inserted firmly.

  “—then I would imagine she’ll remain in Alabama. The house title is in her name. It’s the one her parents owned. She can stay in her alternate life and work at the library full time since we won’t be yanking her for operations.” Paul drifted to a sofa and sat down heavily.

  “What about her fake Aunt Fiona?”

  Paul rubbed a hand down his face. “Fiona is still a part of the Protocol program. She’ll have to be moved. As such she’ll be assigned another candidate to watch over elsewhere.”

  Colin stopped pacing and sat on the sofa next to Paul. “Laurie will have to be told something about the woman who’s taken care of her all this time.”

  “True. You and I will have to come up with an acceptable scenario to remove Fiona and insert you.”

  Colin cleared his throat as it occurred to him that he’d have to transfer to Alabama. He hadn’t discussed anything with his boss yet. “I’ll have to talk to Ken about re-assignment. I usually leave out of the DC area.”

  “I’ve spoken to him already. He’s agreed to it on a provisional basis. You may have to move later. I’m not in any position to tell him how to run his operatives, but he seems willing to accommodate you in this unusual manner, at least for the time being.”

  Colin nodded. “Can I see her?”

  Paul shook his head. “We need to transport her back to Alabama for your reunion.”

  “Why?”

  “She’s going to be bed-ridden in the hospital for several days and we don’t want her waking up here. It’s not your usual hospital, after all. We want her to take it easy in a familiar place. We’ll incorporate her return story with you. My best idea is an automobile accident. We don’t know how much she’ll remember from the cabin in the woods with Montoya and Serena in Georgia. Hopefully, nothing.

  “Oh, and I read your field report, by the way. Did Laurie really have your business card on her person?

  Colin closed his eyes. “Yes.”

  Paul expelled another deep sigh.

  “Are you about to ask me my intentions again?”

  “Yes.”

  Colin rubbed his hands together as if he were cold, but he wasn’t. “I asked Rachel to marry me. She said yes. I’m hoping when I ask Laurie she’ll say yes too. Will Laurie know she’s pregnant?”

  “No. We think it would be better if you’re already married before she finds out. Maybe you should elope instead of having a long drawn out engagement and formal wedding.” Paul grinned.

  Colin grinned back. “I’ll pick up tickets for Las Vegas as soon as she’s well enough to travel.”

  Paul stood and extended his hand. “I guess she could have done worse.”

  Grasping his hand firmly, Colin also stood. “High praise coming from you. Thanks. Any advice?”

  “Yeah. Make her happy, or else I’ll hurt you.”

  Colin laughed, but knew instinctively that Paul was very serious.

  * * * *

  Colin, cruising in his standard issue sedan rental, drove into Montgomery with the seven o’clock rush hour morning crowd and crept towards the address he’d followed Laurie to a while back. Paul had assured him that Laurie’s Aunt Fiona would be waiting for him and understood the scenario they were about to playact for Laurie’s benefit.

  Stopping at a traffic light, Colin glanced in his rearview mirror and noticed that he was being followed. It was a car he’d noticed shortly after leaving the airport. A single driver, in what was probably an unmarked police car, tailed him at a discreet distance.

  Colin made his way toward the library where Laurie worked and the other car followed along with him.

  Snagging the cellular phone from his front pocket, he called Paul Kelly.

  “What do you want?” was Paul’
s surly greeting.

  “I just got to Montgomery and I’ve picked up a tail. Are you having me followed?”

  “No. Want me to check a plate number for you?”

  Colin watched as the car moved closer and recognition of the driver registered. “Never mind. I think I know who it is. Does the Protocol Agency have any local law enforcement on tap for protection down here?”

  A long suffering sigh erupted. “No. Just Fiona. That’s how we keep things so secret. We don’t tell everyone what we’re up to.” Paul’s form of sarcasm was like a physical presence. Colin was occasionally amused. Today, however, it annoyed the hell out of him.

  “Thanks for the lesson. I made notes for future reference.”

  Paul coughed as if covering a laugh. “I’ll expect to hear good news in the form of an announcement before the end of the day. Everything is set with Fiona. Don’t disappoint me.”

  It was Colin’s turn to sigh. “Right. Talk to you soon, Uncle Paul.” He disconnected with a smile and pocketed his cell phone before he heard a reply to the new endearment.

  Glancing at the car following him again, Colin couldn’t be a hundred percent certain, but thought his shadow might be Royce, the besotted police deputy. He entered the Montgomery Public Library parking lot and promptly exited the lot without slowing. He knew Laurie was already at her house. His shadow followed him through the parking lot and out again. He checked his mirror as the car moved close enough for the driver to be identified. It was Royce after all.

  Now that Colin knew the identity of his tail he headed to Laurie’s house. He wheeled his vehicle down Laurie’s street. The car following suddenly got closer. Parking on the street in front of Laurie’s house, he got out as Royce slid his vehicle in behind the rental with a squeal of brakes.

  Royce leapt from his car and called out, “What are you doing here?”

  Colin ignored him at first and walked to the porch by way of the side walk splitting the front yard equally in two. On either side of the walkway and in front of the split rail porch, were two flower beds filled with a wild assortment of colorful blossoms.

  Pretending to admire the foliage, Colin responded with a curt, “None of your fucking business.” He moved to the base of the stairs leading to the porch.

  “Laurie won’t like you being here.” Royce marched toward the stairs.

  “I disagree. She’ll be very happy to see me. You on the other hand should take a hike.”

  “No. I’m going in with you.”

  “Piss off.”

  They raced each other up the porch steps toward the front door. Royce elbowed his way in front of Colin and blocked the entrance to the house before Colin could knock.

  Royce leaned his face within inches of Colin’s. “I’m a better choice for her.”

  “Again, I disagree. Get out of my way.” Colin stepped to one side, but Royce followed blocking him again.

  “No. I want you out of here or I’ll tell Fiona about finding you with Laurie in a motel together.”

  Colin laughed. “No you won’t. Laurie would kick your ass for that. Besides, she doesn’t love you. She told me that she thinks of you as a brother. I think it’s time you realized that she doesn’t return your more ardent feelings.”

  Royce’s shoulders slumped a little and he took a half-step away. “How did you know where she lived?”

  “I followed you the night you convinced her to leave my motel room. And by the way, you still owe me a hundred and forty seven dollars for the door you busted.”

  Royce’s lips pressed flat and he slammed his eyes shut as if to keep his temper in place. “I care about her. You’re only going to break her heart.”

  “You don’t know me. Get outta my way before I kick your ass.”

  He held his ground. “I know what kind of man you are by the kind of career you have. You’re always flitting off on assignments leaving her behind. I’m more stable and steady. I’m better for her.” He repeated his plea as if it made a difference. It didn’t.

  Colin stopped trying to knock on the door hindered by Royce and his quick, dodging body. “Doesn’t matter. I’m here to ask her to marry me. You haven’t even managed to get her to go out with you. Wake up. Laurie and I love each other. You need to move on.”

  Royce snorted at his confession, but didn’t leave. He smirked and said, “I shouldn’t worry. I’m confident that Fiona won’t even let you inside the house.”

  “Don’t bet on it.” Colin hoped Fiona wouldn’t change the scenario and screw him over in favor of Royce.

  Crossing his arms over his chest, Royce remained very close as Colin knocked loudly on the screen door. After several moments the door opened and a middle-aged woman with shoulder length salt and pepper colored hair stood framed by the screen door.

  Aunt Fiona was not at all what he’d expected. Colin smiled and introduced himself. “Hi. I’m Colin. I’m here to see Laurie, please.”

  She gave Colin a penetrating once-over stare without smiling or speaking for several more seconds before expelling a deep breath as if only barely resigned to his participation in Laurie’s future.

  “Hello, Fiona.” Royce uncrossed his arms and put a big smile on his face.

  “What are doing here, Royce?” Fiona responded without returning his smile.

  “I happened to drive by and noticed this stranger on your doorstep.” He sent a quick frown of disapproval to Colin. “I wanted to make sure you and Laurie were safe.” Royce peeked over Fiona’s shoulder and his eyes squinted half shut as if trying to see into the house.

  Fiona took a deep breath and exhaled as if searching for strength. “We’re perfectly safe, Royce. Thank you.” Colin didn’t think she sounded very grateful.

  Royce ignored her obvious irritation and took a step closer to the screen door. Putting a hand up over his brow to peer into the dark house, he asked absently, “How is Laurie doing? She hasn’t been at the library in over a week. I’ve been a little worried about her. Is she sick?”

  Fiona’s mouth flattened. She cleared her throat and glanced at Colin. “Laurie is fine.”

  Colin gave Royce a sidelong frown wondering how to get rid of him without starting a fistfight. “Excuse me, Royce. I’m here to see Laurie. Alone. You can go now. As you well know, I’m an FBI agent. I promise to protect all members of the household while I’m inside.”

  Royce ignored him and gave Fiona another pleading look. “Do you want me to stay? I’m happy to come inside as an escort.”

  Fiona gave Colin a begrudging smile. “No. That won’t be necessary. I’ve been expecting Mr. Riley. He’s planning to marry Laurie. I have no doubt that she’ll be in good hands with him.”

  Colin’s eyes widened. He didn’t expect to have her stand up for him. Royce’s expression mirrored that of a puppy that had been unexpectedly kicked to the curb. He took a step backwards and shook his head as if he didn’t want the words of Colin and Laurie’s impending nuptials to settle in his head.

  Fiona unlocked the screen door and pushed it open far enough for Colin to enter and said, “See you later, Royce.”

  Royce didn’t respond. He turned crisply and marched off the porch. Colin hoped it would be the last time they saw him, but doubted it.

  “So you’re Colin Riley, the secret FBI agent, huh?” Fiona’s husky voice surprised him. He didn’t know why, but he’d been expecting her to look and sound like Granny from the old Tweedy bird cartoons. A spinster-like old woman with Victorian manners and dress to match was not anywhere near this woman’s description.

  Fiona looked like a seasoned government agent. The piercing stare of her steel gray eyes didn’t miss anything, and Colin wondered if perhaps she had known about him or maybe that something had been going on with Laurie when they’d been together.

  “Yes. I’m pleased to finally meet you.”

  “Cut the crap.” Fiona shook her head and laughed mirthlessly. “We both know that if I’d been doing a better job, you wouldn’t even be here.”

&
nbsp; “Not true,” Colin replied. His hands went up defensively. “I was very determined. I would have found a way.”

  Fiona shrugged and turned away. “You can sit if you want.” She motioned to the loveseat across the room.

  “Where’s Laurie?”

  “She’s still asleep. They’ve had her pretty drugged up since they brought her back.”

  Colin nodded and scanned the room.

  “The first word out of her mouth when she woke up was your name.” Fiona sat down on the sofa. “I know she must care about you.”

  He smiled. “I love her, you know.”

  “Oh. I have no doubt of that. I’m just grateful that I didn’t get fired for allowing a continued relationship, one that had apparently been going on for some time. I don’t usually miss much.”

  “Laurie was very determined to keep our relationship a secret.”

  She nodded. “I guess I was more focused on her health. After each subsequent mission in the field, it was harder for her to recover once she got back here. I hope they didn’t fuck up her brain. She’s a nice kid. I’ll miss her.”

  Fiona glanced at her watch and motioned for him to sit again. “We only have a few more minutes before she wakes up. I have a plan to introduce you into her life. We’ll have to play act a little. That won’t be a problem for you, will it?”

  Colin smiled. “Nope.” He ambled over and seated himself on the loveseat. “So does this plan you’ve concocted include keeping her from going over the edge?”

  Fiona smiled. “I believe it does.”

  * * * *

  Laurie stretched under the covers of her very own bed. She was glad to be back home. She still had faint memories of the unusual dreams as she woke further. Colin had carried her through some woods to a truck as the fresh scent of pine enveloped her. She remembered an atrocious headache. It must have been another foolish dream. She searched her memory for further information, but nothing came.

  Two days ago she’d woken in her bed with a bandage over the side of her head. More missing time had gone by and this was the first time that someone helped her account for it. Her aunt Fiona had told her that she’d been in a minor automobile accident and hit her head.