Yuri arrived in Chicago. She rented a nice sports car to drive to Des Moines, Iowa. A sports car might be less conspicuous but the ride to Des Moines was a nice open ride in the car, not like the cities in Europe. She found that each part of the world had its own flavor of uniqueness. Some were positives and some were negatives in her mind. The freedom of the open road was one of the positives for Yuri for the states. The state trooper behind her was one of the negatives.
“Ms. Terri Flanders, you were driving a little fast.” She apologized but didn’t really care if she got a ticket. That is another advantage of a fake identity. The police officer wrote her a warning and was on his way.
She slowed for a while but was anxious to get to the bank. She would not make it before it closed, but could scout the area and then go in the next day. She assumed there was some significance to this bank and what she might find in the safe deposit box. She hoped that she would finally know why her parents gave her a key.
A few hours later she arrived. The first thing she noticed was the non-descript automobile parked near the bank. Someone else was casing the bank or watching for someone to come to the bank. She was certain that it was likely trouble.
Yuri, under the alias Terri Flanders checked into a local hotel. There she spent the better part of two hours devising her plan to enter the bank unnoticed.
Chapter 75 – Andrew’s Air Force Base
The four engine cargo plane skidded to a stop at the end of the runway and made its way to its prescribed unloading zone. Frank, Trevor and four other agents were off the plane before any cargo or any other people were unloaded. They had work to do and had made arrangements for the minute they hit the ground. Within the hour they would be in a company gulfstream on their way to Chicago. Frank requested the jet be ready at Andrew’s Air Force Base for his team when they arrived.
He had hoped to avoid a long stay in Washington DC and hoped to completely avoid checking in. At this point he did not want the distraction. He figured having the Gulfstream on location and a quick turnaround on the flight time would enable him to avoid these things. However, the first face he saw walking off of the plane was that of Sr. Director Tom Sportsman. Without missing a beat Frank said, “Tom, good to see you but you know we have to move equipment and get on our flight. I need to get the team to Chicago.”
Tom was a slightly overweight man, too many years behind a desk, but was still in shape. His stern look was as lethal a weapon as any gun in the field of combat. He was also known for his slick political maneuvering when necessary. “Frank, we will talk now. Your team can move any equipment. You can catch the plane running on the runway if you need to.” Frank did not need to give his team any instructions. They got the look from Tom and were off to do any work that needed done. Tom called as they left, “Trevor you stay behind. As second in command of this operation I want you to get the same message. I don’t want any excuses later because of a misunderstanding”.
Trevor turned and returned to the side of Frank right in front of Tom. “Yes sir.”
Tom didn’t say a word for about five minutes. The CIA is not the military and Frank did not have to stand at attention, but he pretty nearly did the entire time. He knew that Tom was just trying to make him feel uncomfortable. He did. His fear was Tom would pull the plug right then and there on the whole operation. As Sr. Director, Tom knew that he probably should.
Tom got right in the face of Frank, looking up slightly since Frank was a bit taller. “Frank, if you allow one hair on the head of Jim Conrad to be harmed I will get your pension, I will get you fired and will somehow figure out how to get you tried for treason – somehow.” Tom paused for a moment. “Frank, it is a civilian out there in your operation. You must keep Jim Conrad safe.”
Trevor relished the conversation. He was young and ambitious. He would gladly step in and take charge if Frank screwed things up. He didn’t dislike Frank, he was just opportunistic and was ready to take advantage of any situation he could.
Tom continued. “Trevor, if he lets anything happen to Jim Conrad you can shoot him on the spot.”
Frank just looked at Tom. He knew that Tom could probably back up any of the claims if he wanted. But Frank was not easily intimidated. “Yes sir, now if you would let me do my job and get my team in place, I can get this operation back on track.”
“There won’t be an operation if Jim dies, we will all be crucified.” Tom said unforgiving.
“Sir, get out of my way so that won’t happen.” Frank said as he gave a stern look back at Tom.
Trevor broke the tension when he spoke up. “Tom, I can shoot him now if you would like.”
Tom then broke from his character and laughed. “Frank, just go get the job done and we will all be okay.” Tom turned and got into the back seat of an SUV. The SUV pulled away.
Frank turned to Trevor, “You were ready to shoot me?”
Trevor smile, “I would have only shot you in the leg.”
They walked towards where the Gulfstream was parked in a hanger. Frank continued, “Let’s go find Jim and Jenny.”
Friday Morning
Chicago Time
Chapter 76 – Great Uncle Roy
It was a simple ranch house in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Pekin Illinois. There was no reason to be paranoid, but Jenny was cautious just the same. She parked on the side street, noted the side garage door entrance and that the back yard was fenced in with a tall white wooden fence. She assessed possible intrusion and exit routes should there be any issues. Jim was assessing different concerns.
Jim was concerned that he hadn’t seen his uncle in so many years that he might not recognize who he was. Jim thought that ironic, he had changed identities and was worried his uncle might not know who he was – Jim was only half sure who he was after the last few days. It was still fairly early, so the second worry was that his great uncle would not be awake. He was in his seventies now and that usually meant more sleep, Jim thought. He remembered that his Uncle Roy’s wife had passed away about five years ago or so. His Uncle Roy not only sent flowers, but called when Carol and the children were killed in the accident.
Jim knocked.
It was a couple of knocks later that his Uncle Roy opened the door. He was about 300 lbs, bald and had a t-shirt on that barely covered his belly. It was evident that he had just gotten out of bed. Jim was just glad he had pants on. “Well Jacob, good to see you. Come on in and bring the lovely woman with you. She is a darling looking thing.”
“Hey Uncle Roy.” Jim gave him a half hug. “This is Jenny.”
“Well Jenny, do you have a much older sister.” This is the Uncle Roy that Jim remembered. Then Roy continued. “I am just kidding you. I shouldn’t embarrass little Jake like that. Hey, I hadn’t heard that you came out of your coma so quickly. Those doctors can do amazing things nowa days.”
Jim looked at his uncle. “Well, I am not really out of the coma yet.”
“Yea, I would be dazed around a woman like that too.” They had walked into the kitchen and Roy already had a beer in his hand. With the refrigerator still half opened he looked at Jim and said. “Can I get you one?”
Jim responded. “I don’t drink anymore, remember.”
“Oh yea, I almost forgot. How about missy, I mean Jenny?” He took a drink then held the open beer out towards Jenny with questioning eyes.
Jenny looked at him with a big smile. “I couldn’t possibly. I really don’t start drinking until after ten in the morning.”
“She’s a clever one boy, I will give you that.” He sat at the table facing Jim and sat his beer down. “I know that I am no success story, but I can spot trouble a mile away. What’s eaten ya boy?”
“I can’t tell you. But once we are out of here you will have to pretend we were never here.” Jim said in a serious tone.
“I haven’t seen Jacob in years. Talk to his mom on occasion. Maybe you oughta call her and ask. Heard he was still in a coma or something like that.” Roy took a swig
of beer and sat it down. “Now you all came here for something. You know if I can help I will.”
“Can you call mom?” Jim asked.
“Sure. She will be at the mall on her walk at this time but she has a cell phone. You want me to tell her you are alright.”
“I don’t want you to mention that I am here.” Jim explained that Roy should say how hard it is to talk, can’t understand her on the cell phone, perhaps there is something wrong with it. “Have her call you from a land line – not her home phone though. That is why now would be a good time to call her.” He continued.
“I can do that, but what I am supposed to ask her.” Roy insisted.
“I want to know who my real father is. I need to know who he is.” Jim pleaded.
“Boy, you know who your real father was. You grew up with him, loved him and buried him.” Roy looked a little hurt. “Do you need more than that?”
“I know who my real father is, but I need to know who my biological father was.” Jim took a bag that had most of the money they had left and dumped it on the table. “My biological father’s money and there is more. Someone wants it and is after us. I need to know to help figure out why.”
“Boy, I can’t think of a better reason to call your mother. Give me a few minutes.” Roy said as he made his way to the hall bathroom.
Roy left the door to the bathroom open half way as he went. Jenny found it more humorous than anything. She could see the door and hear him urinating, but could not see anything else. She was glad about that. After a loud belch he went into the living room to make his call.
Jim helped himself to the refrigerator for some orange juice and got a glass for Jenny. They could hear parts of the conversation, especially when Roy raised his voice.
“I can’t hear you woman. Go call me from another phone.” After a short delay they heard. “I don’t care if you aren’t home I want to talk to you now.”
The phone rang. “Where are you calling from?” Roy paused. “Yes, that is nice of the Chic-fil-A to let you use their phone.”
Jenny and Jim chatted quietly and only a little. They really tried to listen more than anything else. “Look, I know you came back pregnant from Colorado. I am not dumb.” Jenny walked to the door to see Roy sitting in the recliner with his legs up. He gave a quick wink and thumbs up.
“I need to know now because I want to. And if you don’t tell me I am going to tell Jacob’s siblings that he is only their half-brother.”
Jenny heard Jim’s mom through the phone. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Yes I would and you know it. And if you tell me I won’t say a word to them.” Jenny considered how that sometimes it paid to be viewed a little crazy. She just couldn’t decide if it was an act or if that was just who Roy was.
She couldn’t hear what Jim’s mom said, but she heard the phone slam down. Then Roy said, “And goodbye to you also.”
Jenny went back to the table and sat down. Roy made his way in. “Jacob, I love your mom to death and I just hurt her terribly. You have to fix this when you get all done figuring out what you need to.”
“I will. Did she tell you?” Jim asked.
“Tim Baker, he was a fourth year cadet at the academy in Colorado” Roy finished. “Now let’s go to breakfast.”
Jenny hoped he would get dressed first. He did.
Chapter 77 – The Great Bank Heist
When you suspect you are the target of surveillance and you need to gain access to the place under surveillance then a simple disguise is not sufficient. What you need is a diversion big enough to take someone off the trail and then not realize that they are off of the trail. It is better to make them think that you were never there or that you had a reason to go somewhere else or that you already have what you came for.
Yuri was going for the latter. She called the Captain. “Yuri, you have decided to come back?”
“Were those your boys I slipped by at the bank earlier today?” Yuri said searching for information but also sending a not so subtle message.
“What bank are we talking about? Why would I need men at a bank?” The Captain responded.
“The men that are at the bank that is in Des Moines Iowa. My parents were kind enough to leave a key with me to a safe deposit box at the bank. Even as the bank has changed owners, they have kept the safe deposit boxes.” Yuri explained.
“I thought we were going to meet in Paris.” The Captain countered.
“I figured if your boys are here, then you are not far behind. But they are not too good.” She paused for a moment. “Do you even know what was in the box?”
This was good information for the Captain. He did not even know there was a safe deposit box at the bank. He had a
hunch that Yuri’s parents were married in Des Moines and that the geo-coordinates in the translated text were centered on a bank in Des Moines it was likely that Yuri and/or Jim would end up there soon. “Are you planning to share that information?”
The Captain responded from his hotel room on the outskirts of Des Moines. Heidi was in the room with him.
“I now know something you do not know. But I will share the contents with you in good faith.” Yuri offered.
The Captain knew that ‘good faith’ meant it would not be enough information to satisfy him and she would need to see him in person to share the rest. “I am listening.”
“There were three items in the box. The first was some cash. Big deal I know. The second was a translation table for the back of the bronze plate. Useless to me now that I have the translation and it is probably useless to you also. And finally, a key with the name of a Swiss bank on it. That is the most interesting piece to me.”
Yuri had already called a friend in the states that was forging an older looking key with the name of a Swiss bank on it just so she would have something to give the Captain when they met.
The Captain continued. “And if I want the key?” The Captain didn’t want the key. He just wanted Yuri out of the way. However, he had one more play for her and that was to use her to get to Jim Conrad, in case they could not get to him in any other way.
“We will need to meet face to face of course. Shall we say at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago tomorrow at noon? Of course, I will expect you to come alone.”
“I will be there.” The Captain gave instructions to leave one car in front of the bank just in case Yuri was lying and also to keep an eye out for Jim and Jenny.
Yuri waited until after lunch and made her way into the bank with a family she had convinced to go in with her. She told the father that her husband was abusive and had hired thugs to make sure she didn’t get into the bank and take out their money. She told him she didn’t want the money, only her family heirlooms from the safe deposit box. She came in arm and arm with her new instant family of two kids and a husband. The father and two kids waited outside the vault area while Yuri went into the vault to get her safe deposit box. She opened it and there were a couple of things in the box. The first was an old ring. The note said, “This was your grandma’s wedding ring and is now yours.” There was also a few thousand dollars in cash.
There were two letters. One was sealed. The other had been opened. Both had her name on it. The open envelope also had a little note in parenthesis “(read last)”. Yuri opened the first envelope.
Stephanie,
If you are reading this letter it means that I have died and your mother is ready for you to know the truth. Of course she was always willing to tell you, it was me that was the prude and did not want you to know.
I, Professor Samuel Thomas, am your real father. It is not that I did not want any children but I was just a man that had, shall we say, many women in my day. I would not have been a good father. Your mother, a wonderful woman, almost became my second wife and we dated only a few months. She can tell you what happened. Her version of the story would be better and more accurate than mine.
I started a trust at this bank and it should be plenty of mon
ey for a good education by the time you get to college or as a home down payment if you don’t get it until later in life.
I know that sorry will mean very little by the time you get this. So I will just say that I will watch you from a distance and will love you.
I really expect nothing in return, because I really gave nothing.
Sincerely,
Professor Samuel Thomas
Yuri now knew who her father was and decided to open the second envelope. She expected this one was likely a note from her mother. She was partially correct.
Stephanie sweetie,
We don’t know how long it will take you to get this. Your biological father said that he would make sure you got to the safe deposit box if it was the last thing he did. There is no easy way to say this; we are dead because we chose to have ourselves murdered. I can’t tell you exactly why. You may be mad at us but there was no other way.
We will tell you a little. We found out that we wereinvolved in something bad and that bad people were using us to get rich.
We both signed up to serve our country because we love our country. Once we found out what they were doing they had only one thing over us and that was threatening your life.
If we told you more, it would put you in danger. We only hope that you are able to have a normal life.
It is hard to understand and it was a very hard decision to make. We could not do the wrong thing and we could not put your life in danger.
You do not have to, but we would like justice served on those that tried to steal from the American people. We have always believed in justice. Find Jacob Caldwell from Pekin, Ill. Give him the routing and account number from the back of this letter. Tell him that he will need to use the name Jim Conrad, even if he does not have a passport that states that name. Tell him to be careful as he tracks down the account and then to be wise how he uses what he finds. Only he can use the information.
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