“I think we’re all set,” I announced, “unless there’s something you’ve forgotten, Annie?”
Annie was seated on the edge of the porch. She looked up at me, stunned I’d managed to get Adelaide all packed in such a short period of time. “How did you accomplish it in fifteen minutes?”
“Easily. Are all your things in the car?” I asked.
“Yes: Notebooks, binoculars, laptop, luggage and recorder,” Annie replied, using her fingers to count off.
I said, “Your priorities are very interesting.” I turned to Tim and said, “I believe this merry band is ready to take off. Thank you very much for taking care of everything and everyone.” I reached out to shake his hand. I bent down to pet the leashed pups, and promised them I’d return before they knew it. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of leaving them for the first time.
Tim shook my hand and said, “As I said, I’m happy to do it and it’s a good idea to have a presence here.”
“I couldn’t agree with the last part more, especially under the circumstances,” I whispered, as I turned to be sure Adelaide was indeed in the car.
Before I entered the car, I said to Tim, “We’ll be back either late Friday or early Saturday.
Before we drove away, Adelaide had me put the window down so she could thank Tim once again. He waved and wished us luck.
As we neared the top of the drive, a car Tim had described to me, earlier, pulled in, with a brunette at the wheel who smiled and waved. I stopped and double-checked who she was. She identified herself as, Louise, Tim’s wife. She matched the photo I’d been shown, so Adelaide and I agreed to allow her to pass.
We drove in silence until we reached the Merritt Parkway, then Annie reached in between the seats and tried to turn the radio on.
“Annie, all you had to do was ask what you want to hear. I can put some CD’s in if you’d like,” I offered.
Adelaide put a hand up and said, “Please don’t play the weird music you and Mike are always listening to.”
“How about the news,” Annie suggested.
Adelaide shook her head and said, “We’re about to be part of making the news and she wants to listen to it.”
I said, “I can’t believe neither of you has asked me where we’re staying?”
Annie put her hands up, pretending to dance, and said, “I’m staying with the boys!”
Adelaide snorted, turned around and said, “I dare you to sneak into the men’s barracks.”
“How do you know we’re staying on the base?” I asked.
“Mike told me, and I told Annie,” Adelaide replied. Then she said, “I double dare you, Annie!”
Annie kept faux-dancing and replied, “You’re on, Adelaide!”
I rolled my eyes and said, “Annie Tyler, you do and you’ll get us thrown off the base in a heartbeat and your name will be in the police blotter.”
Annie put her index finger to her lips and said, “Hmm, it would ruin my article wouldn’t it. Okay, I’ll wait until you’ve captured the bad guys and the Stealth is safe and sound, then I’ll break into the barracks to celebrate. Now, put on a CD so we can sing our way onto this base and let them know some ladies are arriving who mean business.”
Adelaide shuffled through the selection and settled on, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers which we played through several times right up until our arrival at the Air National Guard Base, on the southern portion of Bradley Airport.
I stopped at the gate and showed our passes to the young Corporal who directed us to the colonel’s office. He said the rest of the team had arrived a few moments before us and were expecting us. I thanked him, took the map he handed me and gave it to Annie.
“Annie, will you please check my phone for any text messages,” I asked, passing her my phone.
Annie scanned through my phone and said, “Yup, here we go, here’s one from Greg asking where you are.”
“Okay thanks, please text him back and tell him we just drove through the gate and we’ll be there right away.”
“I did and he said to stop where we are because it’s a pain in the ass to find—his words, not mine. So pull over, exclamation point, again his, not mine. He’s coming to get us,” Annie read.
“All right, text him back and tell him we’re on the side of the road,” I said as I pulled over and put my hazard lights on.
Annie pointed in front of us and asked, “Isn’t that him, flashing his lights?”
I answered, “Yes, it’s him—he’s got the huge black Ram truck.”
I put my window down and waved to Greg who made a U-turn and signaled with his hand out of his window to follow him.
Annie spoke up and said, “According to this map, we ought to be there in a few minutes.”
“Good, I’m tired of sitting and I’d like to be shown to my quarters so I can take a nap. I seriously doubt either Annie or I are going to be permitted to listen in on your meeting with the colonel,” Adelaide commented.
Annie sighed and said, “I suppose I can write up the intro to my article and maybe the initial chapters to my novel.”
I grinned and said, “See, both of you are getting into the spirit.” I pulled into a parking space next to Greg alongside a one level building very similar to the others surrounding it; in other words, very army base like—non-descript.
Adelaide exited first and addressed Greg with her housing request, “How close are we to my quarters as I’m in dire need of a nap.”
Greg pointed across the street and asked, “Close enough for you?”
Adelaide tapped Greg’s ankle with her cane and asked, “You put me right under the watchful nose of the colonel? You really don’t trust me, do you?”
Greg smiled and replied, “Between him and Annie, you’re well covered. You’re a wily one, Adelaide and it’s my job to keep you safe. Now go take your nap while Laura gets informed and Annie will help with your unpacking. There’s an MP inside who will direct both of you to the mess hall after your nap and she’s got a sidearm, so don’t challenge her with your cane.” Greg smiled, turned to me and continued, “Laura, you can leave your things in the car until we’ve finished up and as far as eating, they brought some sandwiches in for all of us.”
I followed Greg up a short set of stairs. He opened the door to a long hallway with several offices on either side, all of which had their doors closed—none of which were marked. We walked down to the end of the linoleum-floored hall to an open conference room where everyone was already gathered. On one end, a map of the base covered nearly the entire wall and was neatly marked with tiny red dots. It occurred to me they indicated where we were to be placed.
Greg whispered in my ear, “That’s the colonel,” as a gentleman with salt and pepper hair, cut in military style fashion rose from a chair at the head of the table. He wore a camouflage uniform and had an easy smile and manner about him as he strode over to introduce himself. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Jensen. Welcome to the base, I’m Colonel Patrick O’Brien. Please have a seat and we’ll get started.” He returned to his seat while I sat down and Mike sat next to me.
Ham and cheese sandwiches and coffee were passed around and quickly consumed while duty assignments were gone over and the map was scrutinized and perused. Mike and I sat on the periphery while the rest of the crew listened intently to that portion of the planning detail, as we were to be the eyes and ears of the outer circle of crowd protection. It was just as crucial for us to be in on the session, though so we were aware of what area we were expected to patrol since we had a close working knowledge of Jelly and her crew.
It had been agreed upon to use an adjacent hangar to the B2 for both Adelaide and Annie, since it was both secure and close enough for Adelaide to view the Stealth without being in harm’s way. Regardless of how the events unfolded, Annie was assured of getting her exclusive story and staying out of trouble, all of which Colonel O’Brien highly approved of. He concluded the meeting and requested we do a walk-through prio
r to checking into our housing. The colonel led the way, single file, to our cars and to the hangar area of the base.
Chapter 42
My thoughts bumped into each other as I walked to my car. No matter what I did to rid myself of it, the sinking feeling I had continued to creep back. I’d tried deep breathing and it hadn’t worked. I shuddered while I unlocked the car door and jumped when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I spun around and placed the ignition key between my forefinger and second finger as I pointed it outward.
I was about to scream when I came face to face with Mike and said, “What the hell are you doing!”
“I was going to ask you the same thing, partner. Kinda jumpy, aren’t you,” Mike quipped.
“Don’t sneak up on me!” I growled, and got into the car.
Mike entered on the passenger side and said, “Hey, sorry, we’re all a bit nervous but we’re gonna get through this and we’re gonna do it in one piece. Give me your phone so I can text Annie and let her know where we’re gonna be for the next hour or so, so she’s not worried. I don’t want her freaking out too.” He smiled as I handed him my phone and he sent off the text.
“Good call, Mike, I would have forgotten. You’re right, I’m on edge. I need to get my focus back.”
“You will, Laura, just stay behind the caravan. Doing this walk-through will help. I find once I’ve been given my exact assignment and go through it, I’m good. It will get you centered, you’ll see. You’ll still be a bit nervous when tomorrow rolls around, but you’ll be sharp and your eyes will be open and ready in your area. You and I, we’ve got this and as for the rest of the team, they’ve got this, too. Oh look, a reply from Annie and guess what, she’s ticked off at being left behind,” Mike said.
I laughed and said, “She knew her job was to babysit Adelaide.”
“Yes, she did and it’s what I’m reminding her of. I’m also telling her she’ll be where the action is first thing Friday, so lay off,” Mike said.
“Don’t forget to remind her we’ll be back in time for a walk and dinner before she even knows it,” I reminded him.
“Ah, great idea,” Mike said as we rolled up to the hangars and parked.
We all exited our vehicles and took in the sight before us—all six of the United States Air Force Thunderbird planes were perfectly lined up outside of one of the hangars.
Reggie stood tall with his chest puffed out and stated, “Aren’t they a thing of beauty and absolute perfection. Well, the Stealth is perfect too.”
Colonel O’Brien walked up behind him and said, “Once Air Force always Air Force. Let’s go Gentlemen, and Lady, we’ve work to do. We’ve ample time for admiration afterwards.”
The colonel walked us around the hangars, front and back, the one that would house the B2 for public viewing and the one next door to it which would have a small simulator for public access. Adelaide and Annie would be positioned in the hangar with the simulator.
In a very even tone the colonel explained he would have a team of six soldiers armed with M16 rifles, strategically placed around the Stealth and she would be roped off, thus preventing anyone from getting within more than thirty feet of her. He further stated a roving patrol of armed soldiers would provide a continual sweep of the area as well.
“In short folks, between my soldiers and your team following my protocol, I don’t see how in hell these people can possibly get their hands on the Stealth Bomber,” Colonel O’Brien said, while standing where the B2 would be parked in less than forty eight hours.
“Quite right, Sir, it’s the point of all of this, to keep the B2 safe and out of enemy hands. They’ve gone to great lengths to try and obtain her and from what we’ve seen, will stop at nothing until their objective is reached,” Greg said firmly.
“With all due respect, Sir, I agree with Greg’s assessment. I’d like to add, this crew has used bombs as a diversion in the last weeks, injuring numerous people in the process and we believe they may do so again,” Reggie stated.
The colonel nodded and said, “I’m aware of the bombings. Just because we’re on a base doesn’t mean we’re isolated from the news. We’ve beefed up security as a result and we do have bomb-sniffing dogs, however we do have bomb making materials on base and the armory is nearby. I’m well aware of their tactics. You’ve apprised me of their intentions, via the leak and lapse of security at the other base, but we’re on high alert here and you can be damned certain that with the Thunderbird Team here, and a full blown air show filled with spectators, plus the B2 Spirit, hell will freeze over prior to anything happening on my watch!”
The colonel stood with his hands behind his back and eyed us individually for several seconds and then concluded: “If there’s nothing further, I recommend you each study your positions and memorize every step. When you’ve completed your task, do it again. Walk it, survey it and I’ll see you at dinner.” He stepped smartly to his vehicle, entered the passenger side and was whisked off.
“Kai, Laura, welcome to the military. You heard the colonel, let’s get started on the drill as the day’s not getting any younger and we’re going to be doing this again tomorrow. Gather around,” Greg said, motioning us toward him with both hands. “Okay, Crosby, it’s your job to find a well-hidden high spot where you can pick off enemy targets if and when they can acquire their said target regardless of what the colonel said. These people were sent here for a specific mission and they’re intent on said mission, including dying trying, because to go home empty-handed is the same damned thing. They’re going to go all out and we have to anticipate them giving it their all.” He paused and added, “I know each of you will give everything, I don’t question it for a second, but there’s a difference between recklessness and discipline. I’m anticipating mistakes from them and we have to pounce when they do. Ready for our walk-through?”
We all replied in unison, “Yes, Sir!”
Mike and I broke off from the rest of the group and walked away to our assigned sector, roughly fifty yards from the hangar where the B2 would be and about equidistant from the hangar where Annie would be pacing alongside Adelaide.
Mike shaded his eyes and asked, “Laura, where’s the guest ID badge you’re supposed to have hanging around your neck?”
“Uh, in my pocket,” I answered.
“Perfect. Take it out of your pocket and put it on before someone drives and or walks by and asks who you are and embarrasses me,” Mike demanded.
I did as I was told. “Okay, O’Malley,” I muttered and elbowed him.
Mike pointed his finger at me and said, “Don’t you start with me.”
“What’s bugging you?” I asked.
Mike scratched his head and replied, “I dunno, I can’t put my finger on it, but something doesn’t feel right. Are we missing something, Laura, like right under our nose?”
“We do better when we walk and talk so let’s do it and stick with our assigned path so we don’t get yelled at,” I suggested.
“Agreed. Motion gets the brain in gear. The fact all of them sent you e-mails says to me they’re watching us, or at least you,” Mike offered.
“I’ll go along with you, and we did find cameras in the trees both on Mouse Trap Trail and at the gun range to prove the theory,” I said.
Mike stopped short, spun around, put his hands on my shoulders and shouted, “Laura, we never checked either your place or Adelaide’s!”
“Or Annie’s—they’ve most likely been watching not only her place, but who knows, they could have had eyes on all of us and I was the recipient of the e-mails because they had access to my phone.” I hung my head.
Mike said, “We have to tell Greg and Grady. I don’t know if there’s anything we can do about it now, but it does fit. Maybe Tim can take a look around Adelaide’s place to see if he can spot any cameras.”
“You’re using your noggin, Mike. Instead of walking off our perimeter, text Grady and suggest our theory, since it’s all it is and see what he comes back with,” I said.
“Good idea. I know how to come up with a good one now and then. You’re right about sticking with what we’re supposed to be doing, even though at the moment we aren’t. But this is important—at least it might answer some questions as to how the hell they’re always a step ahead. Okay, here’s a text back and he said it’s an excellent, workable theory and we’re most likely right about cameras being aimed at both your house and Adelaide’s and he’s going to text Tim right away. And he said for both of us to get busy and pay attention to what we’re here for.”
“I figured he may say as much, Mike.”
“Okay, Jensen, follow me and stay a few feet behind and allow your eyes to traverse left to right and then right to left while I take the other side of the currently non-existent crowd. Keep your eyes peeled for anything which looks suspicious or out of place—someone acting overly anxious for example.”
“Mike, there’s no one here!” I said with slight exasperation in my voice.
“Pretend, Jensen and walk slowly!” Mike commanded.
“Were you this annoying in the Army, Mike,” I asked.
“Where do you think I learned it,” Mike answered wryly.
“I should’ve known,” I said.
We were interrupted by the roar of the six-member Thunderbird team flying aerobatic patterns for the coming show right over us as we walked the tarmac. We tilted our heads and watched in awe as they flew by, extremely low, their wings dipped practicing one maneuver after the other. One rolled over and came back inverted with another flying right-side up. The pilot flying inverted was above the other pilot, and it seemed as if only a few feet separated their vertical stabilizers. I stared, convinced they would touch. I was transfixed and wanted to stand there and watch them fly for the remainder of their practice, but Mike insisted we keep moving. I told him it was possible to do both; watch and fulfill our duties. He yelled in my ear he couldn’t hear me just as two of the Thunderbirds crossed each other’s path, buzzing right over us. I pointed skyward to their red, white and blue F 16 Falcons that drowned out any conversation between us.
Case of the Mouse Trap Legend Page 23