Convergence

by Brian W Claspell

  “I was sent here by a friend.” The Captain said.

  “Are you part of the scavenger hunt? The nice lady said you would be by sometime.” The young lady was blushing a bit as she was looking at the GPS device. “I might actually get on TV.”

  The Captain looked at her, “You probably will. Do you know what I am supposed to pick up here?” He said impatiently.

  “Of course I do. I didn’t know you wouldn’t know. Here you go.” She handed him a new phone and a set of car keys. “I am supposed to get your car keys from you and keep them.”

  The captain handed her his keys and took the phone. Once out of the store, he called the only number programmed into the phone. Yuri picked up the phone. “Okay Captain, you still with me?”

  “So far, but how long do we keep up this charade. Do you think you will shake all of my operatives or are you just trying to identify them?” The Captain knew the game, he had played it many times himself.

  “All of the above, but at least trying to keep a way out for me. Now take the new car to the prescribed second location. Call me when you get there.” Yuri was very specific.

  This drive took him well out of the city onto the freeway into the far north suburbs. He exited on Willow road and made his way a few miles into local department store’s parking lot. He was in Glenview, but he was not familiar with Chicago and wasn’t sure exactly where he was. He did not get out of the car but called Yuri. “Okay, now what?”

  “I will not be seen with a man in sweats. Go pick out five slacks and five dress shirts that will fit. Try each on and when you find the one that fits best take the tags off and keep the clothes on. Buy a belt, socks and shoes. Buy all of the clothes you tried on. You can pay for it under the account ‘Captain Hook’. Save the receipt, the amount you paid will adjust your next coordinate on the GPS.” Yuri then hung the phone up.

  The Captain was nearly fed up. He followed the instructions, picking out clothes, belt, socks and shoes. He would not try on every piece of clothing. He would try on the one that he knew would fit and be done with it. The lady in front of the dressing room told him they did not usually let that many items into the dressing room–but in his case they would make an exception just so he checked them out with the attendant when he came out of the changing room. He chose the stall that was designed for the handicapped because it was larger and it would give him more space than the others.

  Just as he got his sweat pants off, the door was pushed open. Yuri stood right in front of him, gun pointing directly at him. “So we meet Captain, or shall I say Mr. James Corso.” She looked at what she saw as a pathetic old man half undressed sitting in the changing room at Kohl’s. It was as dignified as this man deserved, she thought to herself.

  The Captain looked at her. “How did you get my . . .” He stopped himself mid-sentence. When I left my clothes in the museum bathroom you had someone pick my wallet. Clever.”

  “I told the boy to keep the money but leave everything else. But he better come out with your name.” Yuri finished how the scam was set up.

  “I think in the end you are no more than a two bit scam artist” The Captain concluded. “Did you bring the key with you?”

  “No. But I will give you the coordinates when I am safely out of here, assuming I get the answers I want.” Yuri explained.

  “And how do I know that I will live at the end of the answers?” The Captain countered.

  “You don’t. My parents were killed because of a few petty thieves.” Yuri said in disdain.

  “A petty thief walks out with under a million dollars. This theft is worth billions, more than you can imagine. This isn’t petty, this is big.” The Captain said. “You have personally killed for far less than this. And we didn’t kill your parents. They had themselves killed.”

  “Because you threatened my life.” Yuri countered.

  “It was their choice. We would have preferred them to participate in this petty theft. I would prefer that of you. I can give you the equivalent of what your parents were offered.” The Captain continued. “Which, just to be clear, is worth considerably more now than it was then. The portfolio has grown quite a bit since your father was Jim Conrad.”

  “Why were my parents involved in this in the first place?” Yuri asked. She understood that she had less than ten minutes until store security or the Captain’s associates came through the door. She was not worried about the store security.

  “They aren’t here to ask. I don’t know why. I am not the one who invited them into the endeavor. The real question is whether you will choose to be part of it now?”

  “Why wouldn’t I just shoot you right now? I could be done with the whole thing. I have plenty of money for the rest of my life.” Yuri said raising her gun.

  “You may decide to kill me but there a couple of reasons why I think you won’t, even though revenge is high on your thoughts.” The Captain said.

  Yuri walked closer putting the gun, silencer and all, right against his forehead. It wasn’t as deadly but just felt more intimidating. “You better speak soon.”

  “Stephanie, I am your only real connection to all of the parties. The others that assisted today are merely hired henchman. I know all of the players from the beginning. If you want the full story you need me. Second, even if you are set for life this has to be a little tempting to you. In one shot you could make more than you have made in your entire career as a criminal. Imagine the power that brings. I know it is a little tempting.” The Captain took a little breath, mainly because he needed it. This was the time for a cigarette if he still smoked. “Also, have you checked your accounts? I think you will find you are nearly broke. That would be restored as well as your huge payment.”

  Yuri looked extremely disgusted. “What do you need from me?”

  The Captain looked up less nervous than he was a few moments before. He felt he might walk out alive now. “We just need Jim Conrad. You just need to bring him to us alive. That is the only way we need him is alive.”

  “I will think about the offer. I will get back to you on this.” Yuri exclaimed. “One more thing – who did I kill at the Palace of Versailles? I like to know the name of the people I kill.”

  “Leland Faremont. One more question for you, where is the key?”

  “I will text its location once I am safely clear.” Yuri said.

  The Captain had saved his ace in his pocket for last. “I have just one more thing for you to consider before you devise an elaborate plan to double cross me.”

  Yuri didn’t like the smug tone, not when she was holding the gun. “What is it?”

  “You do not have much family, maybe none really. The closest thing you have to family might be Amir. He is currently my guest here in Chicago. I would hate to see an accident happen to him while he is visiting. I am sure his family would like to see him again.” The Captain said.

  “You will get Jim. Amir better make it home safely.” Yuri grabbed a heavy jacket and a ball cap and slipped both on. She looked a like a man trying to look hip and not doing a very good job at it as she stepped out handing a stack of clothes to the attendant. She was then gone before the Captain could even get his sweats up.

  Chapter 86 – Drive to Chicago

  Jenny found it hard to believe that Frank was the mole. However, Jim would not have any reason to lie. She did not know the other agent that was riding with them and she wasn’t even sure if he was an agent. If he was, she wasn’t sure where he stood. She only knew that he was directly behind her and that was the least safe place for her if he was on Frank’s side.

  They talked for a while about general topics including sports, the weather and even a few CIA war stories. Frank knew he controlled the situation. When he was ready he just abruptly changes the subject and said. “Jenny, we have figured out who the mole is.”

  Jenny must have been surprised by his comment and she was anxious to hear his theory. At least this open admittance to a mole did clarify the position of the agent in the ba
ck seat. “Okay, who is it?”

  Frank kept driving on the interstate towards Chicago. He glanced in her direction as he said. “I am the mole that you think is in the agency.”

  Jenny pulled her gun and pointed it directly at Frank’s head. She had another gun ready to shoot through the back of the seat at the other agent. He also had his gun out. Jenny said, “Pull over and let me out or this could get ugly.”

  Frank smiled. “Relax Jenny. I couldn’t tell you over the phone and I needed clearance before I could tell you in person.” Frank paused for a moment. “That is why I wanted you to ride with me.”

  Jenny looked at Frank inquisitively. She didn’t have to ask a question. It was clear she needed to hear more.

  “This whole operation is legitimate. We are doing exactly what we said. But there is a second operation that Tom does not know about.” Frank continued.

  “It looks like an operation to get money from where I stand.” Jenny said, putting a few cards on the table.

  Sensing the tension relaxing a little, the agent in the back seat put his gun away. This helped relax it even more. Jenny lowered her gun so it would not be visible from outside of the vehicle, but she kept both guns trained on both individuals.

  “It is about money, lots of it.” Frank explained. “You see in the 1980’s we stole lots of money from drug dealers and known terrorists. Terrorists existed long before 9-11 and this was one way to put them out of business or at least reduce the activity. You didn’t hear about terrorism nearly as much in the Reagan years.”

  Jenny was listening. “So where is all the money supposed to go?”

  Frank continued to explain, “The money was to be funneled to an account where it could be used by the US government and other international agencies to fight against drug and terrorist organizations. But something went wrong.”

  “Clearly.” Jenny responded.

  “Yes. Tim Baker, an agency man, was undercover as Jim Conrad and was the central point in collecting the money. The terrorist found out about his second identity and killed him.”

  “And that is why Jacob Caldwell was the only option for Jim Conrad, he was biologically related to him.” Jenny continued the thought.

  “Exactly. If we just move the money to another account where the agency can access and use it then we can continue with this operation and several others can move forward.” Frank concluded.

  Jenny brought her guns down more. This made sense to Jenny. She needed to verify how Jim knew that Frank was the mole, but if it was reasonable and fit with the story then she was inclined to believe this over the alternative–a group of rogue CIA agents trying to make a quick buck. “Can I verify this?”

  It was a permission question. The other operation had been run on top of this one. That meant that at least a senior director in Langley had ordered it. They did not typically like to share information on any of their operations. Frank replied. “He will be expecting you to verify this. You know how to call the office and verify an agent?”

  “Yes.” Jenny said.

  Frank found the next exit and pulled off into a gas station. Jenny stepped out. “I need a name.”

  “Sr. Director James Corso.” Frank responded.

  Jenny called a number from her phone and got a secured operator in Langley. She asked for a verification of her credentials. After giving the appropriate information and verification she asked that she be connected to the verified Sr. Director James Corso. The double verification system ensured that two agents that needed to speak could. They would also be assured that they were talking to the correct person. It did not need to be used often, but was a useful tool when it had to be used.

  The line was secured and the operator dropped. “Hi, this is Sr. Director James Corso. How are you Jenny?”

  “I am fine sir. Do you have a few minutes?” Jenny asked respectfully.

  “I anticipated your call. I can verify Frank’s story about a second operation, but ask your specific questions. I have a few minutes.” The director said.

  “I understand that you needed the account number from the bronze plate, but why involve Yuri?” Jenny asked.

  “That may have been our biggest mistake. We needed it out of Russia and she had connections. We thought it would be a good win for Tom’s operation to snag her also. We didn’t know until after she had been engaged that her parents had been agents. We didn’t know Yuri was a ‘she’ when we contacted her. But she has been nothing but trouble. Turns out that apprehending her is no longer the best option. You understand.”

  Jenny knew that it was, in essence, a kill order on Yuri as the first option. “Yes sir.”

  “She has single handedly disrupted this operation more than it should have been. She has killed innocent people and an agent. She is more than an arms dealer to terrorists, she is a despicable person.” The director commented.

  “She killed an agent? Was it one on Frank’s team?” Jenny asked not sure of everything that had happened.

  “Leland Faremont, he was on my team. He was killed trying to apprehend Yuri. This whole mess was avoidable when the operation was started if it had been executed properly.” Corso responded.

  Jenny continued, “Sounds like this thing got out of hand about twenty years ago. How did you get involved sir?”

  “Some bureaucrat screwed this up. I am sent in to pick up the pieces. You know how it goes.” Corso explained.

  “Yes, and I have to help.” Jenny commented.

  “It’s appreciated by very few, you know that. But that is the job.” Corso said empathetically.

  “Thank you sir.” Jenny concluded.

  Chapter 87 – New Arrangements

  Jim knew Chicago pretty well. It was his home town. He found an out of the way hotel where he gave a fake name and a fake home address. He paid in cash. His biggest concern was if Jenny had been able to break away from Frank safely. He didn’t really have a clear way to know this for sure. He was truly scared for the first time since he had been dragged into this mess. Even more scared than when he was shot at.

  He also knew that if he used the phone issued to him by the CIA they would be able to trace him pretty easily. He called Jenny from a pay phone more than twenty miles from where the hotel was at.

  Jenny explained, without being too explicit over an open line on the payphone that it was safe. She explained that as his business manager, she arranged for a large sum of money to be transferred to a “good cause” that he would approve of. She encouraged him to come in so they could work out the details of the donation.

  “Okay, as my business advisor I trust you. But the banks do not open until Monday. I will stay where I am until then and we can meet at a local bank to complete the transaction.” He paused.

  Jim wasn’t sure if Jenny had all of the information or not. But she seemed convinced. He wanted one more conversation with Yuri first and needed a little time. Then he figured how to buy time without causing suspicion. “And while we are there, maybe we could talk about medical miracles and demonstrate how people can quickly and somehow publically come out of a coma or something like that. I will call tomorrow to find out how that might happen.”

  Jenny seemed disappointed. “Okay, we can do that.” The phone conversation ended. She had hoped he would want to stay on and perhaps continue with their adventure. But it was clear he was looking for his old life back.

  Jim stopped to purchase a laptop and a few burner phones with pre-paid minutes. He wasn’t sure how many he would need but didn’t want to trigger some obscure law enforcement tracking by buying too many. He had some research to perform on the internet. He decided that he would make his way north towards Wisconsin stopping at Wi-Fi hot spots to perform the internet searches. He would not spend more than 30 minutes in any location. If someone was tracking his internet activity then he hoped he would be able to avoid someone pinpointing his location by moving around frequently.

  On the way to his first location he called Yuri. “Who is this?” The
voice asked on the other end of the phone.

  “This is Jim. How are you Yuri?” Jim asked.

  Yuri was surprised to hear from Jim but pleased. “Are you calling for a second date?”

  “Something like that.” Jim responded.

  “I am in Chicago, it might take me a little while to meet you depending on where you are.” Yuri answered.

  Jim responded. “I am in Chicago also. Do you go to church?”

  “I have been to church before.” Yuri said. It was not a lie, she had been in many churches as part of a cover or just simply to find a place to think. She had not been to a church service, except when she was undercover, since her parents were alive. Then, they only attended on rare occasions.

  .”Let’s meet to attend Sunday mass at 12:30 at the Holy Name Cathedral off of Wabash.” Jim suggested.

  “That doesn’t sound like much of a date.” Yuri said teasingly.

  “It might be, you will have to come and see.” Jim concluded. He was not really looking for a date, but for information. Yuri had an agenda of her own. Her options were open as of this moment. She would decide after church.

  Jim arrived at his first Wi-Fi hot spot at a coffee shop. Booting up the computer he searched for “Professor Samuel Thomas”. There were a few archived Washington Posts articles that Jim would have to pay for. He did not want to risk using a credit card at this point. He found a reference to Professor Samuel Thomas at the University of Maryland. It indicated that he had died in the field in the USSR while on sabbatical from the University of Maryland. That was something significant in Jim’s mind.

  After about 20 minutes, he picked up his laptop and moved to the next location. Jim pulled into an apartment complex. He was able to find a network that did not have security. He accessed the internet and typed in the next name “James Corso”. There were a lot of references but no way to tell who it was. Even limiting it to James Corso CIA returned over 200,000 items.

  There were too many cars going by in the apartment complex. Jim was paranoid that he might not see someone coming. Jim moved into a nearby neighborhood where he found an unsecured network.