by Mel LeBrun
When Josh returned, they sat down to eat. Michael informed Jessica they would be able to see Kevin tomorrow. She squealed, leaping up and wrapping her arms around his neck. He wasn't expecting it and had just taken in a mouth full of food. He didn't even have time to drop his fork. She kissed him while he tried desperately to swallow his food without choking. She sat back in her chair with a huge grin on her face.
“If I had known you were going to get that excited, I would have told you while Josh was still out,” he teased.
“I have a question,” Jessica blurted. “If you guys were such good friends, how come you hadn't been in touch for so long?”
Suddenly, the mood got very somber between the two men and she was afraid she had brought up something she shouldn't have. Both quietly stared down at their plates. Michael looked up and after a minute so did Josh.
“Colombia,” said Michael. Neither smiled.
“I couldn't handle it any more,” Josh explained. “I just didn't have the stomach.”
Jessica was afraid to ask what happened in Colombia. Thankfully, she didn't have to.
“We had a mission in Colombia,” Michael explained. “We were sent to rescue someone who had been kidnapped. We got there too late. It was the last straw for Josh. I stayed on, but he couldn't. He needed to get away from the life, and I was constantly on missions around the globe. We just lost touch.”
Michael didn't want to go into details about the mission. Jessica didn't need to know it was a little girl they were sent to rescue. The DEA agent's daughter who died in Michael's arms. Josh was part of that mission, and while the girl's death haunted them both, they dealt with it in different ways. Josh needed to get away, while Michael just buried himself further in his work. He occupied himself with anything and everything that would make him better at his job. He studied martial arts and earned his black belt in karate. He also took lessons in Krav Maga and Taekwondo. What time he didn't spend in combat training, he spent on the firing range. He became an even more efficient and deadly soldier. He earned a reputation for being ruthless.
“I'm sorry,” she said, regretting bringing up the subject.
“It was a long time ago,” said Michael. Both men seemed to shake it off and gave her smiles.
After dinner, Michael and Josh told Jessica to relax while they cleaned up. She went into the living room to watch TV. Josh gathered up the plates and Michael put away the leftovers. They were both quiet for the first few minutes. Memories of Colombia were crowding their thoughts.
Michael broke the silence.
“I need to get another car.”
“You need a clean one, I'm assuming.”
“Yeah, I really don't need to get in a car chase with police. You have any ideas where I should start looking?”
“There are a few places, but I know a guy who might be able to help. He's gotten me things in the past. He's smart and he's always come through for me.”
“What kind of things?” Michael was curious what items Josh might have needed to obtain in a not-so-legal way.
“Silencers, tracking devices, bugs, mini-cams. You name it. People don't hire me to guard them per se. They hire me to stop the hostiles. I don't wait for them to strike. I try to find them first and stop them before they act.”
“How exactly does he acquire those things?”
“You can trust him, Michael.”
“That doesn't answer my question.”
Josh sighed. “He's ex-CIA.”
Michael frowned. “Why should I trust him?”
“He's my cousin.”
“I didn't know you had family in the CIA.”
“Neither did I. We all thought he was an accountant. After I left black ops, he confided in me that he was leaving the CIA. He had grown tired of the way they operated. People who were your friends one day were your enemies the next and vice versa. You never knew who to trust. When I told him what I wanted to do for a career, he offered to help me obtain whatever I needed. He had connections he made while in the CIA who were loyal to him. He's come through every time.”
“Okay, set it up. And see if he can get us a safe house. Some place neutral in case things go south and so I can store my things.”
Josh nodded. “Will do.”
Chapter 28
Michael woke in the morning to the smell of coffee. He stepped into the living room where Josh was sitting watching TV.
“Did you make the call?” Michael asked referring to Josh's cousin.
“Yep. He said he'll have the vehicle for us by noon. He might also have a safe house by then too.”
“That quick?”
“Yeah, he's pretty resourceful.”
“Apparently.”
Michael dragged himself into the kitchen to pour himself a coffee. He was joined by Jessica, who put a mug down next to his and waited for him to fill it. Armed with coffee, they walked back to the living room which was now empty. Josh went to catch a few hours of sleep. Michael turned on the news.
MICHAEL AND Josh arrived at a crowded mall parking lot and took a spot down at the end of a row. A few minutes passed before a black Chevy Tahoe with dark tinted windows parked in front of them. A tall blonde man emerged and immediately Michael could tell he was related to Josh. With the same eye color and very similar facial features, they could have been brothers. They even dressed similarly. The man walked to Josh's car and sat in the back seat.
“Michael, this is my cousin Martin. Martin, this is Michael,” Josh introduced them.
“Josh said you were partial to the Tahoe. I hope you like it.” Martin handed him the keys.
“I love it,” Michael replied without hesitation.
“The vehicle is registered to a company. It's not stolen. You shouldn't have any problems. I also left a few goodies for you in the back as an added bonus.” He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Michael. “I got you a safe house just outside the city. It's a repair garage a friend of mine owns, but it's not being used right now. He said you can stay as long as you need, he doesn't need the rent money. It's set back off the road near an industrial park so you don't have any neighbors to worry about. The key is on the ring with the truck key.”
Michael looked down at the address on the paper. “Sounds perfect. What's the bill come to?”
“This one's on the house.”
“So I'll owe you then,” Michael remarked knowing full well Martin wasn't doing this out of the kindness of his heart.
Martin grinned. “Something like that.” Being able to pull a favor in the future from someone like Michael was more valuable than money. “Also Josh told me about your problem with the CIA. I'll do what I can to help.”
Michael smiled. “I appreciate it.”
Martin turned to Josh. “It was good seeing you again. Stay out of trouble.”
“You too, Martin. Thanks again.”
Martin exited the car and headed towards the mall. Michael climbed into the Tahoe. It had very few miles on it. He wondered how Martin had been able to acquire it without it being stolen.
Michael parked on the street in front of Josh's apartment building. He followed Josh into the apartment and could hear the shower going.
“How are you feeling?” Michael asked Josh.
“What do you mean?”
“How tired are you?”
“Oh, well I'm a little wiped, but you know me. I got a ways to go before I reach my limit. Why?”
“I'm going to be taking Jessica to see Kevin. I'd like to have you watching my back.”
“No problem. When are you guys leaving?”
“Soon as she's ready.”
“Then I should probably get going. I'll call you.”
Michael nodded and Josh left. A minute later Jessica emerged from the shower. She was startled to see Michael lying on the bed when she came out.
“I didn't hear you come in.” She tried to catch her breath.
“Meeting was brief. We can leave whenever you're ready.”
Michael loaded the truck while she got dressed. When she was ready, she grabbed her laptop and they piled into the truck and headed to Kevin's.
Michael was very interested in meeting Kevin, the man who had rescued Jessica from hell. Good Samaritans like that were few and far between. They drove for a while in silence. Jessica seemed anxious and fidgety.
“What's wrong?” Michael asked.
“Nothing. Why?”
“You haven't stopped fidgeting since we got in the truck. You're edgy. What's wrong?”
“Nothing, I'm just nervous I guess. I don't know how I'm going to explain everything and I don't know how he's going to react.”
“You don't have to blurt it all out when you first see him. We can ease into it. I'll do the talking if you want. You don't have to explain anything.”
“Okay.” She looked out the window, still seeming worried.
“What else?”
“What do you mean?” she turned to him.
“What are you not telling me?” He looked back at her.
“Nothing. I'm just anxious.”
He wasn't sure he believed her. Josh's words rang through his head, “She's still hiding something Michael ... it has to do with why she wants to see him.” There was a reason she wanted to see Kevin that went beyond simply needing his help to decrypt the flash drive. Maybe he should stop the truck and demand that she spill it, he thought. He could use her desire to see Kevin as leverage to get her to talk. But he pictured the tears and crying that would no doubt ensue and he couldn't bring himself to do it. Against his better judgment, he let it go.
Josh called, letting him know the coast was clear. A short time later, they turned onto Kevin's street which was lined with well-manicured and expensive homes. They pulled up to Kevin's house and Michael let out a whistle. It was the largest house on the street and considering how big the other homes were, that was quite an accomplishment.
Its exterior was made of split-cut, cream-colored granite. Elegant windows and balconies decorated the front of the house. A stone-paved driveway led to three garage doors on the side and forked off forming a circular drive in front of the house. Large granite steps led to the front door. The house was surrounded with trees and shrubs which offered privacy from the neighbors. It was beautifully landscaped and the house oozed luxury. A black metal fence surrounded the vast property and a gate in the driveway blocked access to the house.
Michael punched in the code Jessica gave him for the gate. It slowly opened and they made their way up the driveway towards the house.
Michael parked the truck in the circular drive by the massive front door. They walked to it and Jessica rang the bell. Nervously rubbing her arms, she appeared even more tense. He knew something was up. Soon, he would learn what it was.
A voice came over the intercom by the door. “Jessica, you don't have to ring. You can let yourself in. I'm in the kitchen.”
Michael followed her as she left the front door heading to the back. As they rounded the back of the house, a large sculpted pool became visible. It was surrounded by flowering plants and looked like something you would see in a high class resort or spa. There was an in-ground hot tub close by, but it was covered at the moment. Another building behind the pool looked like a small house. A pool house maybe? If so, it was the biggest one Michael had ever seen.
They entered through the back door into the kitchen. The area was bright and spacious with a large dining table and chairs over to the left. On the right, was the kitchen area. Large black granite counters lined two walls and continued out into the middle of the area forming a U. A few stools sat under the overhang. White cabinets with etched glass doors hung above the counter.
A man walked around the corner wiping his hands on a towel. His face lit up when he saw Jessica. He tossed the towel on the counter and gave her a big hug. Michael was in shock. He expected someone much older. This guy looked about his age. He had thinning blonde hair and gray blue eyes. He was a little heavyset, but carried it well. He wasn't much taller than Jessica.
“God, it's good to see you!” Kevin declared. Then he turned to Michael. “You going to introduce me to your friend?”
“Oh yeah, sorry. Kevin, this is Michael. Michael, Kevin.”
Michael walked forward and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“I don't think I've ever heard Jessica mention you,” Kevin said as he shook his hand. “How long have you two known each other?”
“A little while now,” he replied vaguely.
Kevin wasn't pleased with the dodgy answer. “How did you guys meet?” he asked. Michael picked up an undercurrent of suspicion and distrust.
“We met in a cafe,” he answered.
“A cafe?” Kevin repeated in disbelief. “You sure about that?”
Clearly not buying it, Kevin looked back at Jessica, who looked like she was about to be sick. He turned back to Michael, who was as cool as a cucumber. “What's going on?”
“We need your help,” Michael said.
“Help with what? What's going on?” Kevin was becoming increasingly concerned and agitated.
Michael was about to answer when the sound of children playfully screaming could be heard at the other end of the house. They all turned in the direction of the screaming and laughter as it grew louder and louder. Two young girls, no older than ten, wearing private school uniforms came bounding into the kitchen, stopping dead in their tracks at the sight of the strange man. They both had long, straight, light brown hair. The older had blue gray eyes like her father and the younger, honey colored eyes.
“Jessie!!” they screamed in unison when they saw her. Running to her, they wrapped their arms around her legs in a group hug.
She laughed and hugged them back. “Hi girls. I missed you so much.” She knelt down and gave them both a kiss on the cheek.
Michael was not happy about this. He didn't know Kevin had children. He didn't even think of it. He would have never come if he had known. He could be putting them in danger just by his presence. He clenched his jaw and took a deep breath.
Kevin cut short the reunion.
“Girls, why don't you go up to your rooms, put your stuff away and get changed. Jessica and I have something important we need to discuss.”
The girls hugged Jessica again and faded off into the house. Jessica looked somber again while Michael looked angry. Kevin didn't know what to make of their expressions.
“Do I have to ask again?” Kevin finally said after a moment of silence.
“No.” Michael took a step forward. “Is there someplace private we could talk?”
Kevin nodded. “The study.”
The three moved to a room lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Michael now understood where Jessica's love for reading came from. An antique desk sat in front of the window. A leather loveseat was placed a few feet from the sidewall of bookshelves and two comfortable leather chairs sat at an angle facing the loveseat. Kevin closed the door behind them.
“We need your help. Jessica is in trouble,” Michael said.
“What kind of trouble, and who are you?” Kevin still didn't know who this man standing in his house was.
“Some people are trying to kill me and Michael saved my life,” Jessica stepped in.
“What do you mean people are trying to kill you!” Kevin raised his voice. A little too loud because both Michael and Jessica cringed, hoping the girls couldn't hear.
Michael stepped close to Kevin. “Stay calm. We'll explain everything.”
“Who are you?!” Kevin demanded.
“My name is Michael Cailen. The people trying to kill Jessica have been trying to kill me for the last three years. I was a soldier. I saw something I wasn't supposed to see.”
“Why do they want her dead?”
“Someone sent her a flash drive. There's something on it that relates to what I saw.”
“Who is after you?” Kevin couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Michael pa
used, not sure he wanted to say who. “The CIA.”
Kevin's eyes grew wide and he turned to Jessica. “What is it with you and the CIA?!”
Michael's head whipped to Jessica, who was now cowering in a corner. “What's he talking about?”
She didn't answer. Michael turned to Kevin. “What are you talking about?”
“A little over six years ago, she hacked into the CIA.”
“What?!” Michael nearly shouted in disbelief.
“I only lasted about ten seconds before they booted me. They couldn't trace it,” she said in her defense.
“That's why you made her give up the life?” Michael asked Kevin.
“Yes, she told you?”
Michael nodded then turned to Jessica. “So you can hack into the CIA, but you can't crack that flash drive?” He feared he already knew the answer.
She didn't respond, and she wouldn't look at him. Kevin tensed worrying how the situation would play out.
“Tell me, Jessica! I want to hear you say you couldn't do it!” He was almost shouting. He walked right up to her and stood just inches from her. “Lie to me,” he dared.
Kevin quickly moved closer, preparing to intervene if Michael became physical. She felt sick.
“I cracked it days ago.”
It took every ounce of self control Michael had to keep from throwing one of the chairs through the window.
“Dammit Jessica! Why are we here?” The anger showed in his voice. “We took a huge risk coming here. Not only for us, but for Kevin and his kids. You better have a damn good reason!”
“I want to hack back into the CIA. But I'll need help if I'm going to break in for any substantial amount of time.”
Michael tried to contain his temper, which was about to boil over. “You wanted to ask Kevin to help you hack into the CIA?”
“Not exactly. We'll need more people to help.”
Kevin was stunned silent.
“Well, this just gets better and better, Jessica,” Michael replied sarcastically. “Any more surprises you want to spring on me right now? Because this takes the cake.”
“I can do it. We can look up those case files. There's more on the drive. Code names, coordinates. I can hack in and we can get the information.”