“Hey, Tucker, look -someone who doesn’t immediately think I need to be medicated!” Edge taunted through his astonishment.
Ramona started typing away on the table again. “No; it does make sense,” she agreed, “especially given the fact that this particular weapon was used.”
Edge looked at Tucker and smirked. “I like this girl.”
Tucker rolled his eyes in response.
The screen blinked and changed to a map of the US that kept zooming in until it was over a forest in Oregon. “This is the facility where those missiles were constructed.”
“All I see are trees,” Tucker replied.
“Well, the facility is thirty feet underground. Plus it’s a Black program; you think they’re going to let any old satellite pick it up?”
Edge thought about all the secret government facilities that he knew of, places that made Area 51 seem like a public park in comparison. He had stopped being surprised after he learned of a secret bunker in the Virginia Mountains where he and his niece often went hiking. I swear they are going to run out of places to hide all these things.
“How do you know the missiles came from that facility? We’re not the only country working on this technology. We can’t be,” Edge stated.
“I can confirm that we’re not the only ones working on it, but we are the closest to having it done. Well… I guess you could say, because of certain circumstances, that we have it done. But also, I know because the designs of the missiles used in Miami are unique to that facility.”
“So how does this tie into my ‘conspiracy theory?’” Edge wondered.
“This facility is so top secret that the list of people who know about it is tiny, even by Black program standards, and even fewer know what they are making.”
With every new bit of information Edge’s wild theory was becoming the only plausible answer. It bothered Tucker to think that there were people with that level of clearance working to destroy their country.
“So you’re on that list?” Tucker asked.
“Me? That the facility existed? Yes. As for what it made: no, not until a day ago. I am now cleared to know what I’ve told you, but the deepest details of how it works are in compartments way beyond any clearance I’m ever likely to have,” Ramona answered.
“Even you?” Tucker asked, surprised.
“They only lifted the veil barely enough for us to do our job,” she replied.
“Odd that the warhead and the missile were built in the same facility,” Edge observed. “Usually, they’re built in separate places and only assembled at an ops base at mission go time. Who’s running the place?”
Edge was expecting to hear the Air Force because of the missile or the Army because of the AM-P technology. Ramona’s answer surprised him.
“Believe it or not, a private company runs it. The cover for this facility is a lumber yard, and the company is a front. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency put up some of the money for the AM-P development, and the CIA has funded the rest, but the facility is privately run. So not only do we have your rogue agent angle but many of those workers inside are civilians. The civilian workers may get thorough background checks, but if government personnel have a hand in it, those background checks don’t mean much. It’s a highly secure environment trying to hide in plain sight as a totally non-secure civilian operation. It’s a set-up that lends itself to having numerous problems with security if someone is savvy enough to realize it.”
“Edge,” Tucker said fervently when she was done, “you know we have to go there. It’s our only lead, and I guarantee that we’ll find a connection to the Order.”
Edge nodded in agreement.
“If there is a mole, they could also know that we would find out about the facility eventually and be waiting for us,” Edge added. “It wouldn’t be the first time.” He could see Tucker’s brain wrapping itself around that possibility. Their earlier discussion was clear on his face.
“We don’t have a choice,” said Tucker, just as Edge had expected.
“However, there’s a hitch,” Ramona interjected.
“What’s that?” Tucker asked.
“They aren’t going to just let you stroll into the facility, even with the highest clearance.”
“So how do we gain access?” Edge inquired.
“Well, I am one of few people with a clearance that…..”
“Nope! Not happening!” Tucker snapped, cutting her off. “We’ve tangled with these guys a couple of times already, and they are top-notch tough. And given the likelihood that this is a trap, the threat level is too high. We’ve already lost two good men to them. You are too important to this case to loose on a recon mission.”
“I know you don’t like this but just hear me out,” Xuxa insisted. “Getting through the door at a facility of this type is only the first hurdle. Inside is a very structured environment. There are protocols in place that need to be followed. I’ve been to a few of them and learned that you almost have to speak a language unique to that facility.”
“We will have to go in as an inspection team,” she continued, “with a letter from the director that contains the correct ‘flag words’ to authenticate us; like if you walk into a nuclear weapons facility, you need to use the Pinnacle flag word. When we show those credentials, they will have to allow us to enter and answer our questions. Now the ability to ask questions isn’t open-ended: there will be some things we can ask about without raising suspicions and others that we can’t. And if they have suspicions, they will answer our questions, but with misleading information. No offense,” she said as she turned to Edge, “but I don’t think you have enough experience in this field to know when you’re being handed a bunch of garbage. So I’m leading the team as the expert in the field and you two act as the investigators. You won’t get in any other way.”
Edge looked at Tucker, knowing he was not going to like what he had to say. “She’s got a point. She has to come.”
“I understand the risk believe me,” said Ramona. “But if there’s a connection between Miami and the AM-P/B facility then I need to know.”
“No offense Ramona, but I still don’t think this is a good idea. Edge, come on; you know the people we’re up against,” Tucker responded.
“Well the country has just been attacked, and the answer may lie in that facility” Ramona reminded him. “It’s not a matter of if I am going, it’s a matter of whether you will be joining me. How else do you plan to get clearances on such short notice without my help?”
Tucker leaned against a wall, eyes on the floor, as Ramona’s words continued to reduce his options to anything other than the only one he desperately wanted to avoid.
Edge raised his eyes to Tucker and reaffirmed, “I do like this girl.”
Ramona gave a slight bow to the compliment.
Giving in, Tucker sighed, “Against my better judgment, when do we leave?”
“That’s up to you guys,” Ramona said.
“I suggest we leave first thing tomorrow morning,” Edge offered. “That gives us time to make arrangements and prep for departure.”
Edge looked between the two for any objections, but none came.
“Ramona gather everything you needed for the facility clearance. You can brief us on how these places operate. Meanwhile, I will talk to Director Winford approve our flight schedule from Langley tomorrow sometime. I’ll contact you with the departing time once it’s arranged,” Tucker said confidently.
“Okay,” she responded, feeling a little taller.
“We gotta get going,” Edge said, shaking her hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ramona, and I’m glad you’re on the team for tomorrow.”
“Likewise,” she said with a smile. “And might I say, I love that call sign; Edge. It’s unique.”
Edge gave her a smile, and a thumbs up in agreement as he turned to leave. Walking out of the lab, he looked back and saw Tucker walking towards Ramona. I’ll give him a minute.
; Tucker stopped in front of Ramona. “Before I go, I wanted you to know that I do think that you’re capable of doing this. My concern is not your qualification, but the danger that comes with the case; dangers that I want you to have no part of.”
“I see your point. But just like you, I also have a duty to perform,” she replied.
“I understand. And I’m glad to have you on board,” taking a few steps towards the door he added, “Thank you for the information and I’ll talk to you later.”
“Tucker,” she said with a smile, locking eyes with him. “You’re welcome.”
He smiled in return and left to join Edge. She watched him until he turned the corner and out of sight, then returned to her work.
Pressing the button on the nearby elevator, Tucker looked at Edge, who was smiling. “What are you so happy about?” Tucker asked.
“I think you were more nervous going into that lab then you were going to the bank last night.”
“No,” Tucker denied. “I’ve just haven’t used those doors in a long time; forgot I needed the key,” staring at the call button on the elevator panel.
“It’s okay. She feels the same way,” Edge pointed out as they stepped onto the elevator.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tucker continued to deny as his brain shot off fireworks at the hope that Ramona liked him back. “We work together as professionals, nothing more,” he replied almost convincingly.
“Okay, okay,” Edge said, putting his hands up in defeat. Tucker finally selected a floor, and the two stood silently waiting for the doors to close.
As the doors closed, Edge asked, “You like that cat necklace she had on?’
“It’s a sparrow,” Tucker immediately corrected, before realizing he had walked right into a trap. He could see Edge’s smug smile in the reflection of the door.
Busted, they both thought, one in amusement and the other in chagrin.
۞۞۞۞
The light to the elevator stopped on the seventh floor.
“What’s your next move,” Edge asked as Tucker took his first step off the elevator.
“What? You’re not coming with me to throw the pitch to Winford?” Tucker asked, looking back at him.
“Not this time,” Edge demurred, placing a hand in the path of the elevator door to keep it from closing. “I have to head back to my hotel and grab a few things and prep for tomorrow. No more being under-equipped for me. And you’re capable of handling the director yourself. I’ll catch you later.”
“Watch yourself out there,” Tucker said as the elevator doors closed. Tucker stood there for another moment, patting some files against his hand before heading in the direction of his office. Once there he found the office to be exactly how he left it: neat and quiet. After taking some time spinning a pen on the desk and looking at the office, he picked up the desk phone and made the call.
“Hello, Director. This is Tucker.”
“Tucker, you just seem to have this intuition about you,” Winford greeted.
“What do you mean by that sir?”
“It means that you seem to know when I am in the middle of something because that’s the only time you call,” the Director said before erupting into a steady stream of coughing.
“Sir I know it’s none of my business, but you might want to get that cough looked at.”
“Well, when you’re my age you’ll understand that coughing becomes a part of daily life. Now are you going to worry about my health or are you going to tell me about this problem?”
Leaning forward in his chair Tucker summarized the situation, “Sir we found the facility that made the missiles and we need you to get our clearance to enter and find out how they were used against us.”
“How am I supposed to get you access to another country’s facility…” the director began to question before Tucker interrupted.
“It’s us, sir. The weapons are being developed in a secret facility in Oregon.”
“So now you’re telling me that we bombed ourselves. I find that a little hard to swallow.”
“I doubt that we bombed ourselves,” Tucker amended. “We’re pretty sure that the technology was either stolen or purchased on the black market somehow. That’s why I’m calling. I need transport for Sergeant Pierce, Agent Xuxa, and myself for tomorrow,” he said, juggling the pen back and forth between his fingers, awaiting Winford’s reaction.
“Okay, how sure are you that the weapon is from this non-existent facility, in Oregon of all places?” Winford’s voice came across calm and collected. His lack of urgency bothered Tucker.
“Agent Xuxa examined the data on the missiles from Miami, and it matches the design being built by us, not ones from other countries,” Tucker explained, hearing Winford coughing away from the phone.
Returning to the conversation, Winford asked, “How come I never heard of this facility?”
“Sir I just learned of it myself.”
“When do you plan to ship out?”
“I am aiming for, oh seven hundred tomorrow morning.”
“And why do you need my help? You’re the lead investigator of a major attack on the US.”
Winford listened as Tucker explained Ramona’s rationale and approach, including the signed letters she needed from him as Director. He had to admit, Tucker was determined to see this through and was moving incredibly fast.
That’s why I chose him, Winford thought.
“Okay,” Winford agreed, “Everything will be ready for you and your people by five hundred. When you return, I will need a full report as to what’s going on. If the President comes down on me, believe me, you will feel it as well.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Okay son, catch the son of bitches,” Winford said, clearing his throat. “Time is of the essence!”
“Will do,” Tucker ended placing the phone in the cradle.
۞۞۞۞
On the way back to his hotel Edge stopped at a nearby pay phone. His fingers danced around the number pad dialing familiar digits. After a few rings, a deep voice came over the phone.
“Hello,” Doom answered.
“Hey buddy, it’s Nick. How are things by you?”
“Been busy fixing up the house. Damn porch railing rotted out. How are things on your end?”
“We’ll talk later, but for now, I need you to get in touch with Pitch and Trident. I need some help with that gig in D.C. that I told you about.”
“This is about Miami?” Doom asked curiously, knowing that regardless of the connection, he would help Edge. He knew the others would not hesitate either.
“When have we ever been involved in something dull?” Edge responded. He could picture Doom shaking his head in agreement. “I’m going to send you a secure message with what I need you guys to do.”
“What about the rest of the team?”
“No need at the moment. Three of you should be enough. You guys are a precaution in case things go south, which I fully expect them to.”
“The wife is not going to like me leaving so early, but I gotcha,” Doom remarked.
“Tell her that I’ll make it up to her,” Edge promised.
“She’s gonna hold you to that,” Doom said, laughing lightly. “See you later, Nick.”
“See ya bro,” Edge finished as he placed the phone on the receiver. Placing is hands in his pants pockets, he took a second to look around and not noticing anything out of place; he walked off into the night.
Chapter 8
Stepping off the helicopter the following morning, Tucker, Edge, and Ramona found themselves in a remote part of southern Oregon. From up in the air, the surrounding countryside had looked like an Albert Bierstadt painting, with its deep valleys and sun shining down into the green mountainous terrain. Tucker took a minute to enjoy the peaceful view. He wished his life allowed for more of such sceneries.
Tucker’s moment of tranquility was ruined as he spotted three men dressed in dark suits standing by two hard top jeeps t
hirty yards away. At first glance, they appeared to be Federal agents. Briefly, his heart came to a halt. Damn! How did they find us?
As he looked closer, their nonchalant body language, hands in their pockets or folded arms, suggested otherwise. Tucker remembered Reid telling him that sizing people up from their appearance was fifty percent of the job and, from what Tucker observed, these three men were not a threat; at least not at the moment.
“Who are they?” Ramona asked, voicing the question that Tucker was thinking.
“I was wondering that myself,” he admitted.
They both looked at Edge, who remained quiet.
“You two wait here,” Edge told them as he started down the staircase in the direction of the men.
“I’ll come with you,” Tucker said, following.
“No, stay here with Ramona,” Edge repeated, raising a hand to emphasize the command.
Something’s not right, Tucker thought.
About three-quarters of the distance to the men, out of range of where Tucker could hear what they were saying, Edge greeted the men. The tall one leaning on the jeep started nodding his head before looking over at Tucker and Ramona.
Tucker was not happy that Edge had left him out of the loop on this, especially with Ramona here on a field operation with him. If Edge knew them why didn’t he introduce them? And if he knew they were going to be here, why didn’t he tell us about them? If he doesn’t know them, why did he just walk right on over to them?
“Do you know what’s going on here?” Ramona asked.
“I’m not sure, but I intend to find out,” Tucker promised.
Nearly three minutes had passed before Edge signaled them to join.
As they neared, Edge put a big welcoming smile on his face and gestured to the three men. “Tucker, Ramona, I would like for you to meet part of my Delta team; this is Doom, Pitch, and Trident.”
Ramona was standing nearest to Doom, and she extended her hand saying, “Hi. I’m Agent Ramona Xuxa.” Doom did not speak, but instead straightened to his full height, nodded and slowly extended his hand. The thought occurred to Ramona that between his size and deliberate movements, seeing Doom change position was like watching continents shift. As his hand enveloped hers, she was somewhat apprehensive; guys this size sometimes did not know their strength. She was surprised that his grip was firm but very gentle.
Rise of the Pheonix: Act 2 Page 9