by Mike Ryan
“I’ve confirmed Director Roberts and Deputy Director Caldwell so far. There may be more,” Jones said.
“Let me see the initial memo and anything else you have.”
Recker pulled up a chair next to Jones and anxiously waited for him to pull up the information. It was the first time Jones had seen a concerned look on Recker’s face after informing him of a possible breach. Recker had always said he wouldn’t really be worried about anyone looking for him unless it was the CIA coming. He knew they were the only ones who really had the capabilities of finding him. And if they really were looking for him, Recker knew it was only a matter of time before they found him. Jones finally pulled up the first memo and let Recker read it for himself.
To: Executive Director Manning
From: Sam Davenport
Per your request, we still have no leads into 17’s death. We believe it likely to be someone with a personal connection to his past. We have several theories, though nothing concrete. We are looking into the possibility of whether it is related to a job he did that involved a former agent of ours, John Smith. I’ll keep you updated.
Sam
Recker quietly sat there reading the memo, analyzing it, studying it to see if there were any hidden meanings behind any of the words as they sometimes liked to do.
“Anything else?” Recker asked after reading the memo several times.
“Yeah.”
Jones brought up another memo, somewhat overlapping the first one on the screen. Recker’s eyes were glued to the monitor as he began reading.
To: Sam Davenport
From: Executive Director Manning
We need further clarification on what’s being done at the moment. Director Roberts is calling every day looking for answers and he’s getting impatient at the lack of progress. He’s called a meeting for this Wednesday at 10am with you, Director Caldwell, and myself. Bring your files and what you have on this Smith and be prepared to explain your plans going forward.
Executive Director Manning
After reading it five times, Recker leaned back in his chair, while still staring at the screen. He put his fingers over his mouth and rubbed his lips as he analyzed the memo. By his mannerisms, Jones detected something was bothering Recker.
“What is it?” Jones said. “It looks as though something’s got your attention.”
“I’m not sure. It’s the way the second memo is worded.”
“I didn’t notice anything strange or out of the ordinary.”
“It’s the way Manning identifies me,” Recker said. “He called me this Smith.”
“And the significance is?”
“Well, in the grand scheme of things, I guess it doesn’t make a bit of difference. But on a personal level, I always wondered just how far up the order to kill me went.”
“And this helps in that?” Jones asked.
“Well, from the sound of it, it doesn’t seem like Manning even knew my name.”
“How can you be certain?”
“Well, he called me this Smith. It sounds like he didn’t know me. Think about it, anytime a person ever says this in front of someone’s name, it indicates a lack of familiarity of the subject. If he knew me, he’d just say Smith, not this Smith.”
“Very astute observation, Michael.”
“Which probably means the order came either from Davenport or Director Caldwell and didn’t go any further up.”
“Does that help us somehow?”
“If they’re looking for us, doesn’t help us a bit,” Recker said. “But for my own piece of mind, it helps answer a question I always wondered about.”
“How reassuring,” Jones said.
“When was all this?”
“Looks like the meeting took place a few weeks ago. The memos aren’t dated but that would place them approximately two or three days before I assume. Why would they bother with memos at all? Aren’t they all located in the same building?”
“No,” Recker said. “Centurion headquarters are in New York. Most black ops programs are located somewhere other than Virginia to try to operate in secrecy. Everyone knows where the CIA building in Virginia is, but it’s easier to come and go without prying eyes in a completely different area. Especially a high-volume city such as New York where it’s easier to blend in. Rent an office building, register a fictitious name and you’re up in business.”
“So, what do you propose we do about this?”
“Nothing to do yet until they show up. Just keep going about our day like normal and monitor it best we can.”
“You seem pretty sure they will be here.”
“Part of me has always known I couldn’t run from them forever. It’s the way this stuff goes. You knew it too. I guess my stunt down there in Ohio just put me back in the forefront,” Recker said.
“There’s always packing up and leaving.”
Recker grimaced, not really keen on the idea. “We’ve put down roots here, made connections, friends...I don’t know if it’s in the cards now.”
“Roots can be replanted, new connections made, and the only friend we’ve made here is Mia,” Jones said.
“Tyrell too. Besides, I don’t plan on running forever.”
“So, what, you’re just going to bunker down and fight like you’re the last man at the Alamo?”
“Either way, this doesn’t affect you. They won’t find a connection between us. Whenever they find out I’m here, it’d be best if we don’t get too close for a while.”
“Anything that affects you, affects me,” Jones said. “I can’t do this on my own, and if you’re gone, it would mean I have to find, train, and trust a brand-new person.”
“You did it once. You can do it again.”
Jones grumbled, not liking the situation one bit. “How much time do you think we have?”
“Depends. The quick version...probably a week or so. If it takes a while...few weeks, couple months at the latest.”
“I suppose we both knew this would happen eventually. I just hoped it wouldn’t be for a few more years.”
“Probably would have been if I hadn’t taken 17 out. It would have put me back on the radar. They’re looking for connections and I’m probably the only one who fits.”
“Well I suppose the good news is we’ve got advance warning.”
“I’ll probably have to get word to Mia to let her know I’ll be scarce for a while,” Recker said.
Jones started squirming in his seat upon hearing her name, not wanting to reveal he was supposed to be meeting her for lunch. Even though Recker and Mia had a few tender moments after their little escapade in New Jersey a few months before, neither one pursued anything more serious upon their return back home. It’d actually been about two weeks since Recker had heard from Mia, which was highly unusual, considering she used to call or text him at least every other day. Jones played off his concerns by telling his partner he’d been hacking into hospital records periodically and checking Mia’s time sheets. He kept telling Recker she was having a heavy workload, even working days off and overtime, which was why he hadn’t heard from her much. It was an answer that satisfied Recker for the time being.
Jones was not about to be the one to inform Recker that the reason he hadn’t heard from Mia was because she started dating someone else. Even though she had every right to find someone, and her and Recker weren’t together, Jones still knew how Recker felt about her. He wasn’t sure exactly how Recker would take the news. Maybe he’d be fine. Maybe he’d be angry. Maybe he’d get depressed. Maybe he’d be all those things wrapped up in one package. But Jones wasn’t going to be the one to tell him about it. Since Recker and Mia were never together, there was no reason he should’ve objected to a new relationship of hers, but his feelings for her were a fickle business. Sometimes they changed with the weather and sometimes for what seemed like no reason at all. Maybe it was because Jones knew Recker really felt more for Mia than just being friends and didn’t want to be the one who disappointed
him, even though Recker himself said things couldn’t go further with her. But what he said and what he would actually feel when she actually did move on were two different things.
The only reason Jones even agreed to meet Mia for lunch at all was because she was really persistent. She was good at it. She never did take no for an answer very well. She contacted Jones almost a week ago to ask if he could meet her for lunch. She wanted to talk to him about her new boyfriend and how to tell Recker about it, if at all. One thing Jones never imagined being when he started up this operation, was the middle man in a love triangle. He reluctantly agreed to meet Mia, mostly because he needed for Recker not to go off the deep end when he found out, and he hoped by talking with her, they could figure out the best way to break it to him.
Once noon came around, Jones started wrapping up his work on the computer. Recker was on one of the other computer stations, trying to figure out his CIA issue. His attention was diverted when he saw Jones stand, appearing like he was going out somewhere. It was pretty unusual behavior for him. Though Jones every now and then would go out for lunch, he never did when there was what appeared to be an urgent situation. And Recker figured this CIA issue could be classified as an urgent situation. Jones usually would work right through lunch and keep himself glued to his chair. So, him leaving right about now struck a chord with Recker.
“Where are you going?” Recker said.
“I have a prior engagement I have to attend.”
“An engagement? What, like a party or something?”
“No,” Jones said, trying to think of something else to tell him.
“Uhhh...then where you going?”
“I’m meeting a contact.”
“A contact? Like who?”
“Well, I can’t tell you.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know his name,” Jones said, caught in a lie.
“This is highly unusual for you, don’t you think? It’s usually me meeting contacts.”
“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”
“I didn’t realize we were in desperate times,” Recker said.
“Well, alarming times, how’s that?”
“You want me to come along for backup?”
“No. Won’t be necessary.”
“You want me to monitor things from here?”
“No, I’ll be fine,” Jones said.
“You’re being awfully cloak and dagger about this thing.”
“As you know, some things have to be kept close to the vest.”
“Where’d you find this contact?”
“I can’t say. I’ll fill you in when I get back.”
“Do I have to worry? Dangerous perhaps?”
“No danger involved. It’s just an exchange of information,” Jones said, hoping it would be enough to quiet Recker down.
Though he wasn’t really satisfied with that answer, or any of the other ones that Jones had said, Recker stopped with the questions. He realized that Jones wasn’t going to tell him anything useful so he figured it was best to just let him go. Besides, with the CIA starting to breathe down his neck, Recker didn’t have time to worry about more trivial things. If Jones really needed his help, he would’ve asked.
When Jones got to the restaurant, Mia was already sitting and waiting. Upon seeing her, the Professor looked at his watch and hurried over to her table. Mia gave him a big smile, then stood to give him a warm hug. She had already ordered drinks for the two of them so they took their seats to look at the menu.
“Thanks for coming,” Mia said.
“Sorry I’m late.” Jones checked his watch. “I got caught up with things, then I hit traffic, then...”
“David, it’s OK. I’m just glad you’re here.”
Jones lifted his drink and looked at the top of it.
“Sweetened iced tea, just the way you like it.”
“You know me so well.”
“Yeah, it’s nice the two of us getting together like this. We should do it more often.”
“Yes, I don’t remember the last time we did this,” Jones said.
“David, we’ve never done this.”
“Oh, nonsense. We’ve had lunch together plenty of times.”
“Yeah, at my apartment, or with you, me, and Mike. But never just us, out somewhere. It’s kind of nice. Different.”
“It is. So, should we get to the basis of this meeting?” Jones asked.
“Meeting? You make this sound so formal. Can’t two friends just sit and have lunch together?”
“Indeed, they can. Our relationship, however, has never been predicated upon lunch dates or social gatherings. You indicated that you wanted advice on your situation with Michael, did you not?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Well then, why beat around the bush, or dance around the subject, or pretend it’s for some other reason? Friends talk about other friends, right?”
“OK,” Mia said, unsure how to proceed.
She stuttered for a minute and started to say something, though no words came out of her mouth. She was very uneasy and nervous talking about the subject at all. But she knew it was better to talk it over with someone else first before approaching Recker with it. And since the only mutual friend they had was Jones, he was the only candidate for the job. Jones could see she was struggling to start the conversation, but he wasn’t exactly an expert in love or relationships, so he had no idea how to help her or draw out her feelings on the matter.
“So, you’re obviously aware of, uhh, my...feelings for Mike,” she said, stammering and taking a deep breath as if she was having a panic attack.
“Mia, you don’t have to go into any kind of deep explanation of personal emotions,” Jones said, trying to calm her down before she passed out or something. “I’m well aware you and Mike have an emotional attachment of sorts, but due to his...career, it is not possible to further explore those feelings you have for each other.”
“OK, well, a few weeks ago I met someone.”
“And?”
“Well, we went on a few dates and he now wants to date exclusively,” Mia said calmly, not really believing she was saying the words.
“And your feelings are?”
“I think I might want to.”
“Excellent. I think it’s a fabulous idea,” Jones said, without hesitation.
“You do?”
“Absolutely. You and Mike have never progressed beyond friends and I think it’s time you moved on. You deserve it.”
“But you don’t even know who it is or what he does or anything,” Mia said.
“Well who is he?”
“His name’s Josh and he’s a lawyer.”
“Oh,” Jones said, cracking a face.
“Well you don’t have to say it like that. He’s a really nice guy. He’s not like a sleazy lawyer or anything.”
“What kind is he?”
“He’s a personal injury lawyer,” she said. “You know, helps people who are hurt at work and the like.”
“And people who spill coffee on themselves at restaurants then sue the restaurant I suppose?”
“No! At least I don’t think so. Well, I dunno, but he’s a really nice guy.”
“Makes good money? Treats you right?”
“Yes. Well, the treating me right part. So far anyway. I’m not sure about the money. I haven’t asked about his bank account, but he has his own house and a nice car so I assume he’s doing all right.”
“As I said, if you’re happy, you have my blessings. Are you having doubts about this arrangement?”
“No. I think I want to.”
“Why does it sound like you’re having misgivings then?” Jones asked.
“I don’t know. I guess part of me has always just been waiting for Mike to come riding in on the white horse and take me away.”
“Mia, Mike doesn’t own a white horse. And continually waiting for something that in all likelihood will not happen is not going to help either of you move o
n, especially you.”
“I know.” She looked downcast as she fiddled with her thumbs.
“If you really have feelings for this Josh, and you think it could possibly lead somewhere you want, then you should try to make it work.”
“Should I tell Mike or no?” Mia said.
“You absolutely should tell Mike.”
“You wouldn’t want to kind of casually mention it to him somehow, would you?”
Jones had taken a sip of his drink, almost spitting it out at her reference. He wiped his mouth with a napkin before answering. “No. No I would not. I’m here for advice counseling and that is all. I’m not doing the dirty work for you.”
“How do you think he’ll take it?”
“Well, it sort of depends on what kind of mood he’s in. There’s really no way of telling in advance. If he takes it well, maybe he’ll wish you well and just go back to work like it’s no big deal,” Jones said.
“And if he takes it badly?”
“Maybe he’ll just wish you well then go back to work and shoot somebody.”
3
When Jones got back to the office after his luncheon with Mia, he noticed Recker was in the same spot as when he left. Jones wondered if he even moved at all in the couple hours he’d been gone. Recker was staring hard at the computer, barely even paying any attention to Jones since he walked in.
“Have you even moved from that spot since I left?” Jones said.
Recker gave him a quick glance before returning his eyes back to the screen. “There’s a lot going on.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so concerned about something before.”
“I told you I would never worry until the CIA came looking. This is why.”
“Just the same. I think I preferred your carefree attitude.”
“So how was your meeting?” Recker asked.
“Uhh...good.”
“So, what are you trying to hide from me?”
“What? Hide from you?” Jones asked, trying to laugh it off. “What are you talking about?”
“Well, in all the time we’ve known each other, you’ve never been so secretive before. Now suddenly you’re going off, not telling me where you’re going, who you’re meeting, seems kind of fishy.”