Critical Play (Michael Cailen Book 3)

by Mel LeBrun

  “Daddy, don't leave me,” Tatiana said with tears in her eyes.

  “I'm not leaving you, sweetheart. I'm going to be right downstairs. Go with Mommy, take a bath and put some clean clothes on. You'll feel better.”

  “We'll see Daddy again when you're all cleaned up,” Jessica added.

  Tatiana finally relented and let Jessica take her upstairs. Michael asked Jessica to toss him down a clean shirt. Sporting a clean, dry shirt Michael then went to talk to Dmitri and find out why he had broken into his house and scared his daughter half to death. When he returned to the kitchen he saw a third man sitting with Dmitri and the other guy who Tatiana had run into. Michael crossed his arms, glowering unhappily at them.

  “You know she has nightmares that men are going to come and take her away?” Michael didn't even try to hide his irritation with them. “She's probably going to sleep with us for the next year after today.”

  All three men looked around uncomfortably.

  “I'm sorry, Michael,” Dmitri said. “We weren't trying to scare her.”

  “You want to tell me who your friends are and why you broke into my house?”

  Dmitri took a deep breath. Pointing to the man Tatiana met, he said, “This is Timur.” He gestured to the other man who looked much younger than Dmitri and Timur. “This is Ivan.”

  Ivan was a little shorter with a scruffy beard, brown hair and brown eyes.

  Dmitri looked back at Michael. “We need your help.”

  “Help with what?”

  “It's hard to explain. I'm not even sure myself what happened.”

  “Start with the beginning.”

  As Dmitri was about to speak, Michael's phone rang. It was a private number. He told Dmitri to hold on while he answered.

  “Michael,” the caller spoke.

  Michael recognized the voice right away. “Hi Tim. What's going on?”

  Tim Gatti was the recently appointed Director of the CIA and a close personal friend of Michael and Jessica. Their relationship went back almost four years to when Michael saved his life. Gatti had been shot by a corrupt CIA agent and left for dead. If Michael had not been there when it happened, he would not have survived. Since then, Gatti had kept them under his protective care.

  “What brings you home so early?” Gatti asked.

  “How did you know I was home?”

  “I flagged your passport so I could speak to you as soon as you got back,” Gatti answered.

  “Are you that desperate to ask how my flight was?” Michael asked.

  “No, I'm calling to ask if you've heard from Dmitri.”

  “Dmitri?” Michael looked up at him as he said his name.

  Dmitri shook his head no.

  “No, Dmitri hasn't called me. Why?” Michael looked directly at Dmitri as he said it.

  “He's in some pretty hot water. I'm calling to warn you not to get involved,” Gatti said.

  “Involved in what?”

  “Whatever story he gives you.”

  “What story are you giving me?”

  Gatti sighed. “Look, I know you guys go way back. But you need to distance yourself from him.”

  “You want to tell me what's going on?”

  “He and some friends sold a nuclear weapon to a terrorist group.”

  “Sold a nuclear weapon to terrorists?” Michael gave Dmitri a look as he repeated it.

  Dmitri and his friends fidgeted and looked away appearing frustrated.

  “That doesn't sound like something Dmitri would do,” Michael continued.

  “He's there, isn't he?” Gatti asked.

  “Would you really want me to answer that if he was?”

  “No,” Gatti answered. “Look, Michael. I'm sure he's got his side to the story, but the evidence is pretty damning. He and his men are wanted by nearly every government on the planet right now. If you get caught helping them, even I won't be able to help you. Do you understand? You're on your own.”

  “I understand.”

  “You have a family now to think about.”

  “I know, Tim. I know.”

  “Send Jess my love. Don't do anything stupid.”

  “Goodbye, Tim.” Michael hung up the phone and gave Dmitri a look. “Nuclear weapon?”

  Dmitri took a deep breath. “We were set up. I don't know by who. It was not supposed to be real and it was supposed to have a tracker.”

  “Someone in your own government then?” Michael asked.

  “Had to be,” Timur answered.

  “Someone is eventually going to come checking around here for you,” Michael said.

  “I know,” Dmitri agreed. “I figured we had at least a week before they fanned out their search to distant acquaintances. Not many people on my end know we're friends.”

  “But we have worked together and from the sounds of it, they'll be checking everyone from your mailman to the waitress who served you a meal ten years ago,” Michael said.

  Dmitri sighed. “We need to figure out who set us up.”

  “No,” Michael said emphatically. “You need to lay low. The whole planet is searching for you. You need to stay out of it or you're going to get caught or more likely just killed.”

  “No, we need to clear our names!” Ivan said angrily. He didn't want to sit around twiddling his thumbs.

  Michael looked directly at him. “Is getting killed going to clear your name?”

  Ivan huffed and looked away.

  “You got any ideas?” Dmitri asked.

  “One,” Michael answered. “He owes us both.” Michael dialed a number on his phone. “Lance,” he greeted him. “What are you doing after work? You want to come over?”

  Lance Corvo was a local CIA agent whose cover was working as an FBI agent. He used his connections at the FBI to aid the CIA by whatever means were necessary. Michael and Dmitri had rescued him from the brutal torture and eventual death he faced at the hands of a Venezuelan arms dealer a little more than a year ago. They remained good friends and since he lived in Boston, they often hung out.

  “I don't have any plans. I'd love to come over. Want me to bring anything?”

  “Nope. Just yourself.”

  “Great. I'll see you later.”

  Jessica came down the stairs with Tatiana as Michael was saying goodbye to Lance. Tatiana clutched her legs as they neared the kitchen. Michael hung up the phone and looked down at Tatiana. She looked afraid. He picked her up and held her. He whispered in her ear that he would never let anything bad happen to her. She put her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. He hugged her tightly, trying to comfort her.

  Jessica warmly welcomed Dmitri despite her aggravation with him for scaring her daughter. She gave him a hug and then forced herself to greet Ivan and Timur, hoping that it might allay Tatiana’s fear if she saw her parents were not afraid of their unexpected houseguests. With the introductions out of the way, Michael spoke up.

  “I think you all owe her an apology,” Michael said, referring to Tatiana who was still traumatized.

  Dmitri and Ivan apologized in English. Timur though had heard Michael speaking to her in Russian. When he apologized in Russian, her eyes lit up. She didn't give him a smile but she was clearly intrigued. Timur smiled and then looked at Michael.

  “You don't know how happy I was that you didn't have your gun,” Timur said to him.

  Michael smirked. “You think I would have used it?”

  “I saw the look in your eyes,” Timur replied with a nervous smile. “I felt like I was caught between a mother bear and her cub. I was a little worried there for a minute.”

  Michael looked at Tatiana. He loved her more than he ever imagined he would. He kissed her head and squeezed her tight. She melted into his arms.

  “I guess I'll call Kevin and tell him we won't be coming tonight,” Jessica said.

  “No. You're still going to go. Pack a bag for you and Ana. I want you to spend the night there.”

  “No!” Tatiana protested. She c
lung to Michael with a death grip.

  Jessica pulled Michael from the kitchen so they could talk privately.

  “Michael, I'm not doing that unless you come with us,” she said.

  “This is not up for negotiation. Until I figure out what to do with Dmitri and his friends, I don't want you here.”

  “Your daughter needs you more than they do,” Jessica said almost angrily. “She's scared. She needs her father.”

  Michael sighed. “One night, tops.”

  “She's going to cry for you the whole night and you know it.”

  “There aren't many other options, Jess.”

  “You come with us or I'm not going,” Jessica said firmly.

  One thing about Jessica, she was very stubborn. Michael knew there wasn't much use arguing with her. He took a deep breath, trying not to be angry with her.

  “Lance is coming over after work. We'll see what he has to say,” Michael said.

  “You told him?”

  “No. I acted like I was inviting him over for dinner.”

  “He's going to be disappointed.”

  “Dinner is going to be the least of his worries.”

  “So what are they running from?” Jessica asked.

  “Every government on earth,” Michael answered.

  “What do you mean? What did they do?”

  “Sold a nuclear weapon to terrorists.”

  “He did what?!” Jessica was not expecting that.

  “They were set up. Although no one believes that.”

  “Can't Tim do something to help?”

  Michael shook his head. “No. I'm hoping Lance might.”

  “If Tim can't help, what could Lance do?”

  Michael shrugged. “I don't know. Have to ask him.”

  Jessica's expression became troubled. She rubbed Tatiana's back and stroked her hair. She looked up at Michael and without even saying a word he knew what she was thinking. She was scared.

  Holding Tatiana in one arm, Michael wrapped his other arm around Jessica. He pulled her close and kissed her head.

  “It's going to be OK,” he said.

  Chapter 4

  Jessica texted Kevin to let him know they probably wouldn't be coming to dinner. She avoided calling because she didn't want to have to explain why they weren't coming. Lance Corvo arrived at 5:30 p.m. sharp. Even though Michael had told him not to bring anything, Corvo carried a six pack. Michael met him at the door and invited him in.

  “I'm glad you called,” Corvo said as he walked in. “I've been missing you guys. How was your vacation? I thought you weren't going to be back for a few more days.”

  “Ana was having a rough time so we came home early,” Michael explained.

  “Ah. Sorry to hear that.”

  Michael shrugged. “Comes with the territory.” He took the six pack from him. “Let's put this in the fridge.”

  Corvo followed Michael into the kitchen. As soon as he caught sight of Dmitri and his two friends he cursed loudly, threw his hands up and turned away. Now realizing the real reason Michael had invited him over, he took a deep breath and tried not to overreact.

  He turned back around. Michael, Dmitri, Ivan and Timur stood together like a united front.

  Corvo shook his head. “I can't help them.” He gestured to Dmitri, Ivan and Timur.

  “Tim warned you?” Michael asked.

  Corvo took a deep breath. “He called me a few days ago, when news of what they did first broke.”

  “We didn't do anything!” Ivan said loudly and angrily.

  “Do you really think I would put a nuclear weapon in the hands of terrorists?” Dmitri asked.

  Corvo was quiet for a minute. “What happened?” he finally asked.

  Dmitri began to relate what had transpired. How they were on a top secret mission that turned out to be fake. And the nuclear weapon that was supposed to be fake was actually real.

  “Who do you think set you up?” Corvo asked.

  “No idea,” Dmitri answered.

  “Someone high up,” Timur added.

  “I don't know how much help I can be, Dmitri,” Corvo said.

  “Can you find them a place to hide?” Michael asked.

  Corvo shook his head. “I can't use agency resources. It's too risky, for all of us. I don't even think I could trust my own contacts with this.” He looked at Dmitri, Ivan, and Timur. “You guys are a hot target right now. I don't know that there's anyone we could trust.”

  It was not the news they were hoping for. Ivan, who was the youngest and least experienced with this sort of thing quickly began to lose hope. He stormed off, frustrated with his situation.

  After a few minutes, Michael spoke. “What about Jeff?”

  “Jessica's father?” Dmitri asked.

  Michael nodded and looked at Corvo. “What do you think?”

  Jeffrey Bowen was Jessica's father. As a result of her abusive home life, Jessica ran away when she was fifteen. She had been estranged from her parents for more than fourteen years when she unexpectedly crossed paths with her father about a year ago. Though being reunited, their relationship was hardly restored. They learned that Jeff was deeply involved with infamous criminal organizations and corrupt politicians from around the globe. He was extremely wealthy and powerful but aside from that, they knew little about what he did exactly or just who with he was involved.

  “He probably works with whoever set them up,” Corvo replied. “How could you trust him?”

  “He won't do it for me,” Michael agreed. “But for Jess, he might.”

  “I say you're taking a gamble,” Corvo said.

  Michael looked at Dmitri and Timur. “What do you want to do?”

  “How could her father help us?” Timur asked. He didn't know who Jessica's father was.

  “Let's just say where there is a corrupt politician or powerful criminal organization, there is Jeff. And for some reason, they all tremble at his approach,” Michael answered.

  “He doesn't sound like someone trustworthy,” Timur remarked.

  “He's desperate to have a relationship with Jessica. If she asks, he'll do it,” Michael said confidently.

  “Will she ask?” Dmitri asked.

  Michael shrugged. “Let's find out.”

  Michael called Jessica in the room.

  “Where’s Ana?” he asked, when she came in alone.

  “Watching a movie in the other room. Whatever you want to ask, you’d better ask quick. I’m sure she’ll be out here any second.

  “Tim and Lance can't help. It's too dangerous. We're running out of options,” Michael said.

  “What do you need me for?”

  Michael hesitated. “Your father might be able to help.”

  The mere mention of her father agitated her.

  “If you want to ask him, go ahead,” she said almost dismissively.

  “I'm not sure I can trust him,” Michael said.

  “Then why would you ask for his help?” Jessica didn't understand why they were even discussing it.

  Michael looked at her. “He'll do it if you ask.”

  “Wait, you expect me to call him?”

  “If it comes from you, he won't say no and he'll keep to his word,” Michael reasoned. “He may agree to help if I ask him, but there wouldn't be much keeping him from going back on his word. For you, though, he'll come through.”

  She made no reply. She didn't want to accept that as a solution.

  Michael knew this next part would be harder to swallow but he had to get it out there. She needed to know what she was agreeing to.

  “You can't ask him over the phone though.”

  She looked at him in horror, fearing she knew what he was about to say.

  “It's not safe to discuss this over the phone. You need to speak with him in person.”

  She already hadn't been feeling well. Normally the thought of speaking with her father would make her physically ill. The thought of seeing him in person was too much. She hurried to the b
athroom where she promptly threw up.

  Seeing Jessica's reaction to the idea of speaking with her father made Dmitri and Timur question the wisdom of contacting him for help. Corvo gave Michael a look as though he should have seen that coming.

  Tatiana came in the room just then. She went straight to Michael and hugged his legs. He kneeled down to her level so he could talk to her.

  “What’s wrong with Mommy?” she asked.

  “I think she’s just still sick from the plane,” he said. “I’m going to go check on her. I want you to wait here. Will you do that for me?”

  Tatiana agreed and Michael stepped into the bathroom with Jessica. She was at the sink washing her face and rinsing her mouth with water.

  “You OK?” he asked her.

  Supporting herself with the counter, she stared down into the sink. “There's no one else?”

  Michael took a deep breath. “No, Jess. I'm afraid there isn't. Dmitri is running out of options.”

  She closed her eyes and nodded. Michael couldn't tell if water was still dripping from her face or if she was crying.

  “I know how you feel about your father, Jess.” He stepped closer to her. “I wouldn't ask you to do this if I thought there was a better way.”

  “I know,” she said, her head still down and her eyes closed. A few more seconds passed before she was on her knees, throwing up again in the toilet. Michael felt helpless. He didn't know what to say to make her feel better. He knelt down beside her and rubbed her back. She cried a little, like she did every time she threw up. She hated it.

  “Sweetheart, you're starting to worry me. Are you feeling OK?” He felt her forehead and cheeks trying to feel if she was running a fever. She didn't seem to be.

  “It's just nerves,” she assured him. “I'll call him. I just need a few minutes.”

  He looked in her eyes. His concern showed on his face. “Are you sure?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, I'm sure.”

  “OK.” He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.

  After helping her up, he left the bathroom so she could have a few minutes alone. Jessica put on a strong face in front of Michael but once he was gone, she burst into tears. She crumpled to the ground sobbing quietly so he couldn't hear.

  Ivan had returned while Jessica was in the bathroom. Dmitri and Timur brought him up to speed on what they were planning. When Jessica finally emerged from the bathroom, everyone could see she had been crying. There was no way to hide her swollen, bloodshot eyes. Tatiana hugged her and told her she loved her. Michael put his arm around her and kissed her head.