by R E Gauthier
“You are serious. Do they even exist anymore? I mean, even if I were to find one, do people still know how to use one?”
“I don’t know. We may not be able to use them, but it’s a thought. I can always reach you by your dreams, but you need to be asleep before I can access your mind. I wish there were a way I could do it while you are awake.”
Nikki giggled. “That would be distracting and disconcerting if you could. I mean, just think about me in the middle of let’s say loving a woman, and you’re in my head talking to me.”
Mack chuckled. “Leave it to you to think of that while we’re faced with so much uncertainty. I have missed your gift to make me laugh even when all I want to do is cry.”
“I’m sorry for everything you’re going through right now. I hope we can put all of this hiding, and lying behind us soon. I wouldn’t make a good spy, and I don’t know how your cousin, aunt, and uncle have done it all these years. Don’t be too hard on her. She did protect you when she needed to, and by the sounds of it, she did it at great peril to her and your aunt’s whereabouts.”
“I know, Nikki. I’m dealing with all of the new information as it comes to me; it hasn’t been easy. I wish you were here to help me sift through it.”
“I am here for you whenever you need me. Remember, I’m just a dream away.”
Mack chuckled. “It’s time for you to wake up, and I hear Aisling up and pacing around the house. Be careful searching for this Carlotti woman. Aisling is afraid of her for a reason.”
Nikki shook her head. “I’m sure I can take care of myself, besides Marina doesn’t know about me and that maybe her downfall.”
Mack chuckled. “You’ve always been my ace in the hole.”
Nikki woke up to her phone’s alarm blaring in her ear.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nikki’s Hotel Room, Edinburgh, April 24, 2012
Waking with tons on her mind made Nikki a very busy woman. She sat up and wrote everything down that Mack told her. Looking for Marina Carlotti was her top priority at the moment. Not knowing if Mack would want Willow working on the new task, Nikki decided to keep that search to herself for the time being. Willow and the CI’s were searching for the Ghost. Due to the nine-hour time difference in Pittsburgh, Nikki thought calling Willow now would find Willow getting ready for bed at about eleven o’clock. Nikki wanted to see if Willow had found anything on her search for the Ghost. Her call connected, and she smiled when Willow answered in her bright and cheery manner. “Only you could answer a phone at eleven in the evening and sound as awake and happy as if you’d had a full night’s sleep.” Nikki yawned.
Willow chuckled. “And you sound like you haven’t had your morning coffee yet.”
Nikki shook her head to try and clear the sleepiness out. “You’ve got that right. I don’t think I’m used to the time change yet. Maybe Jet-lag is settling in after all.” Nikki didn’t want to explain that her restful night’s sleep was invaded by Mack when her brain was already exhausted. “I’m hoping you have some good news for me on your search for the Ghost.”
Willow whistled and said, “do I have some. I did as you told me and was able to find out that this Ghost is truly a force to be reckoned with; he’s wanted in over twenty countries for a total of two hundred murders. It seems he’s been a very busy man over the years.”
“Wow, that’s impressive for a man who must be in his fifties or sixties by now. He’s quite the legend. Any luck in finding his location?”
“That’s where it gets dicey. I’m not having much luck by-passing a few of the intelligence agencies trickier firewalls, but I won’t be deterred. It would seem that once I got in a few times, they’re building up their security to thwart any further attempts.”
“I would expect nothing else; I have never known the Mouse to be a quitter.”
Willow giggled. “I am getting my butt handed to me, but I did find a few snippets of information on his likely whereabouts. The last time his location was verified by a reliable source, he was in the Middle East. I’ve been able to narrow it down to Syria and Turkey.”
Nikki smiled; Willow had been able to narrow down his location to the same one Mack had told her. Willow appeared to be on the same trails as the intelligence agencies. Nikki needed to find a way to get ahead of them and see this man first. “Turkey is my guess because of its proximity to more routes of the country if he needed to escape capture. He also would have more access to mercenaries who would help him if required.”
“I had the same theories and began looking into any chatter in Turkey, including buying guns, hiring men, or facilitating transport. I was able to intercept an encrypted email sent to an arms dealer for several guns.”
Nikki was taken aback by this revelation. “The encryption key works with different languages? I didn’t know it could do that.”
Willow guffawed. “It can’t, but I’m fluent in several Middle Eastern Languages. I took Hebrew, Turkish, and a little Kurdish and Arabic. I can get by for most, and what I didn’t know, my installed translator helped me.”
Impressed, Nikki whistled. “I didn’t know how sexy being a language nerd could be, but I’m strangely turned on right now. Say something in Turkish.”
Willow giggled. “Ok, here it goes…Sanırım beynin de seksi ve keşke şimdi benimle burada olsaydın.”
Nikki’s breath quickened, and her palms began to sweat. She had no idea what Willow said, but it sounded sexy, just the same. “I have no idea what you said, but lord, it sounded almost naughty.”
“You’re close. I guess what they say about the hearts being able to understand even when two people speak different languages is true. I said, “I think your brain is pretty sexy, too, and I wish you were here with me now.” I miss you here in your bed. I think your computers miss you too.”
“Okay, whoa; your talking way too sexy for me this early in the morning.”
Willow laughed before saying, “and all before you have even had a cup of coffee.”
“Before I have brushed my teeth too. Morning breath doesn’t make me feel all too sexy.”
Willow sighed. “From where I’m sitting, you have a fresh peppermint mouth and a brilliant white smile.”
Nikki was getting another call on another burner phone. It was the one she used to contact the CI’s Torres gave her. “I’m sorry, but I have another call. I’d love nothing more than to have phone sex with you, but it could be important, and everything I do these days is time-sensitive. Maybe we can hook up in twelve hours?”
“Hmmm? I’ve always wanted to have an afternoon delight. It’s a deal; I’ll let you get your call. Promise me you won’t touch yourself until then.”
Nikki groaned inwardly. She wasn’t sure she could make and keep that promise. “I promise,” she said while crossing her fingers because she was sure she wouldn’t be able to keep it.
Nikki ended one call and picked up her other phone. The caller had left her a voicemail as was per the norm. The message gave her instructions to a meeting place. This time it was at the National Museum of Scotland. Nikki had exactly one hour to get dressed and get to the meeting place on time. She ran to the bathroom, stubbing her toe. Not even out the door, and she was hobbled by a possible broken toe. I’m not cut out for this shit.
***
National Museum of Scotland, April 24, 2012
Even limping, without her coffee, Nikki arrived on time at the designated spot in front of the Scottish Maiden, a large guillotine on display on Level One, Kingdom of the Scots. The impressive collections, Nikki passed were not lost on her; she wished she had more time to stop and look. Rechecking her phone to ensure she had the right spot and time; Nikki missed a woman’s approach.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for the Mary Queen of Scots’ tomb, can you help me?” The young blonde woman asked.
Nikki knew from the voicemail she was to help a woman to find the last Queen. From her interpretation of the riddle, Nikki guessed that Queen Mary had been the last
Queen of Scotland. Hence, she replied as she was instructed, “I can.”
The woman handed her a legal-sized manila envelope and said, “don’t open it here and destroy the contents after reading. If you don’t do both, they’ll know and come after you. Thank you, Mam; you’ve been very accommodating.” The blonde walked away in the direction; Nikki had seen people gathering around what looked to be a large marble sarcophagus.
“Another envelope and more intrigue,” Nikki murmured to herself.
“Excuse me, did you say something to me?” An older man asked as he approached Nikki.
Smiling politely, Nikki shook her head. She decided to play her part as a tourist visiting the museum and make idle chitchat with the man. “No, I’m sorry I think I may be lost. Do you know where they have the dinosaurs? My nephew wanted me to take some pictures of them.” Nikki wasn’t’ sure where she got the idea to give her character a nephew, but the man seemed happy to help.
“Why certainly, you need to go back that way and head through the Grand Gallery, and you cannot miss the signs. They also have a gift shop where you can buy some stuffed dinosaurs for him.” The man pointed in the direction where Nikki had breezed past to find the large guillotine.
“Thank you; I will never hear the end of it if I didn’t get him a souvenir.” Nikki smiled and turned to leave. She felt only slightly guilty about lying to this man. Of course, this man was a stranger, and Nikki wanted to blend in with the other people at the museum.
In a hushed voice, the man said, “be careful, you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”
Nikki stepped back. “What was that?”
The man smiled. “The gift shop is filled to the brim, and I never get out of there without spending a mint.”
Nikki shook her head; for a moment, she thought the man was warning her about looking into the Ghost. “Thanks, I’ll heed your warning.”
The man winked, but said grimly, “see that you do.”
Nikki’s hairs on her neck stood up. Get a grip, Nikki. This isn’t like those spy movies.
On the way out of the museum, a young man ran past Nikki and grabbed her bag. She didn’t have time to react as the bag was ripped from her hands as the man ran down the street. The bag contained Nikki’s alias’s identification, including her passport, her gun, and the envelope she had retrieved from her mysterious blonde contact. Nikki wasn’t about to be a victim of a random crime and lose the things that kept her true identity safe, and possibly gave her information she needed to help Mack. She also didn’t want her gun to fall into the hands of a street thug. Forgetting about her sore toe, she broke into a run.
The streets were busy this time of day as the noon-hour crowds were spilling out onto the street. People were moving against Nikki, and she excused herself profusely as she tried to keep the man with the black hair from getting too far ahead. Luckily for her, but unlucky for the fleeing man, his height made it easier for Nikki to see him. Unfortunately for Nikki, the guy’s long legs afforded him the benefit of outrunning her much shorter limbs.
Nikki’s luck improved when she saw what looked like a Scottish police officer up ahead in front of the man. Nikki shouted, “he’s got my bag, grab him. I’m with the International Police; out of my way!”
In a flurry of action, the police officer stopped the man in his tracks and apprehended him. The crowd parted for Nikki, and she arrived in time to hear the police officer tell the man he was under arrest for theft.
A pair of brilliant blue eyes and a gorgeous smile met Nikki. “Did he harm ye in ony, wey, mam?” The female cop asked.
Nikki shook her head. “No, he surprised me and grabbed my bag. He didn’t touch me.” She spoke before she realized she had understood every word. It really wasn’t too hard since the words only sounded a bit off.
“Richt, ye'r jammy ye wilnae hae an batter charge added tae yer wrap. Whin urr ye aff tae learn yer lesson, Patrick?”
The man hung his head. “Ah didnae think she'd huv a go tae halt me. She sticks oot lik' th' regular tourists. Ah didnae ken she wis a copper.”
Nikki watched and listened to the exchange between the pretty officer and the tall man with black hair. “I’m glad you came along when you did. I wouldn’t want him to find out what was in my bag.”
The blonde officer smiled and handed the bag back to Nikki. “Ye kin wantae carry yer firearm properly. If ye hae th' required permits; tis better than it falling intae th' wrong haunds.”
Nikki nodded and managed to get out a thank you before the blonde cop shoved the man into her police cruiser. She asked if the officer needed to see any identification when the officer explained the reason for her brisk departure.
“A'm wantit back at th' station. Mah bos tellt me aboot yer investigation. 'ere is ma caird; if yi'' ll need ony assistance, ca' me.” With that, the officer smiled and got into her car and drove away.
“Wow, my pretty knight in a shiny white, yellow, and blue car to my rescue,” Nikki whispered to herself. She didn’t care what people told her about Scottish Police; she had seen firsthand how helpful and polite they were. Tucking the officer’s card in the pocket of her jeans, Nikki made her way toward the taxi stand to go back to her hotel. She had another note to read and destroy in privacy and have some coffee and breakfast to help settle her nerves. Maybe I’ll order a few Scottish Whiskeys too.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Nikki read the message once again to discern its meaning. The one you’re looking for is closer than you think. You could be the hunted and not the hunter. Be careful, or your friend won’t be the only one missing. This wasn’t the note inside the manila envelope, but the one written on the back of the business card of the Scottish Police officer, Emily Gray. Questions spiraled around in her head. Had the man grabbing Nikki’s bag and the cop apprehending him, all been a set-up? Someone knew why she was here, and they were trying to tell her she could be in danger. Emily Gray did say her boss informed her of Nikki’s presence in town. Were the man and cop the ones Nikki needed to be careful of, or were they trying to warn her? Who did the note mean was closer than Nikki thought? Were the Ghost or Marina Carlotti nearby, or was the person the note talked about, Mack? Whoever wrote the note knew Mack was missing and warned Nikki, she could be next. Should she tell someone?
Grabbing the burner phone, she used to contact Willow, Nikki scrolled through her contacts to Willow’s name, only to drop the phone on the bed. I cannot involve Willow until I know more about this possible threat. Picking up her bag, she took the manila envelope out and ripped the sealed closure. Inside, she found several pages of what looked to be older documents. Taking the pages out, Nikki sat on the bed and began reading the papers.
One document was possibly a deed for a parcel of land in Saudi Arabia. Most of the writing was in a foreign language, most likely Arabic. Nikki wished Willow was here to translate. Glancing over the document, she saw the longitude and latitude coordinates for the land and also a name, Marcel LaMontagne. Nikki searched the other pages inside the envelope and saw more references to the man named Marcel LaMontagne. It appeared the man was either rich or very influential because there were copies of documents listing property he owned, as well as a yacht and a business in the United States. Who was Marcel LaMontagne? What did he have to do with her search for the Ghost? Was the Ghost, Marcel LaMontagne?
Along with the pages of Marcel LaMontagne’s assets, Nikki also found a page about Marina Carlotti. She dropped the pages onto the bed. Shaking her head, she realized that someone knew more than they were letting on because Nikki hadn’t asked for information on Marina Carlotti. Hairs rose on her neck, and she glanced around the room. Had she been talking in her sleep? Had someone bugged her room? She had only woken up this morning from her dream, where Mack asked her to look into a woman by the name of Marina Carlotti. How did her contact know she was looking for the woman?
Nikki began searching the room for bugs that could have been planted before she arrived. They could have
placed the device in a vase of flowers, behind a painting, or under furniture. She swept the entire room before finding one device inside the nightstand next to the bed. New to the spy world, Nikki hadn’t expected to be watched or spied on, but someone knew she was in Scotland and also knew who she was looking for. Did the people watching her want her to find the Ghost or Marina Carlotti, or were they leading her on a wild goose chase to distract her? Taking the bug, Nikki tried to decide what she would do with it. She could destroy it, but then the people watching her would know she was onto them. She could also leave the bug alone and see where these people wanted to lead her.
Nikki decided she would play along and set the people, behind the bug, up to reveal who they were. Pretending to make a phone call, Nikki said into the black screen of her phone, “Yes, I want you to help me find all you can about a Marina Carlotti and Marcel LaMontagne. Be careful not to tell anyone about this and get back to me as soon as you can.” Not turning away from the nightstand, Nikki swore under her breath, she realized that if people had audio-bugged her room, they might have also planted a video recording device as well. She may have let on she knew about the bug by faking a phone call.
Glancing about slowly, Nikki looked for anything that was higher up on the walls or near the ceiling that could also be a hidden video surveillance camera. A smoke detector looked suspicious because she saw a dimmer extra light. On closer, but careful inspection, Nikki saw what could be the small aperture of a tiny camera lens. Shit. They had been watching her as well. She was careful not to appear as though she had been looking for the camera, nor that she had found it. Shivering, Nikki realized someone had seen her naked and in bed. Someone had invaded her personal space by voyeuristically watching her every move inside her hotel room. Grabbing her burner phone, Nikki headed for the bathroom.
Closing herself inside the room, Nikki turned on the sink faucet, the shower, and the hairdryer hanging on the wall. After a quick but thorough inspection of every possible place, a listening or video-recording device could be hidden, Nikki relaxed somewhat. At least no one could listen in on the phone conversation she was about to have with Torres. Then she remembered she had left the burner phone in the room unattended. Taking the phone’s back off, she found what appeared to be another bug that someone placed to listen in on her phone calls. She flicked the device into the sink and let the water wash it down the drain.