Critical Play (Michael Cailen Book 3)

by Mel LeBrun

  “I know.” She smiled. “You're a good friend.”

  Her words brought him back to reality. As hard as it was, he removed his arms and stepped back. He pulled a cell phone from his pocket and handed it to her.

  “The phone is clean,” he told her. “I don't think I need to tell you not to contact anyone back home.” He looked in her eyes wishing he didn't feel what he felt for her. “Not even me.”

  She looked down at the phone and nodded. “Will you let Kevin and Jinx know I'm OK?”

  “In a few days I will,” he replied.

  “Will they come after you?”

  “I doubt it. I'm a federal agent. I don't think they'll want to do anything that would attract attention from the Bureau. Besides, I can take care of myself.” He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. “Your father's number. If you decide to call him.”

  “I don't really have a choice, do I?”

  “Not really, Jess.”

  She nodded, resigning herself to her fate.

  “You should go now,” Corvo said. “You should be a few hours away by the time they notice you're gone.”

  She nodded again. “Michael is going to be worried if he tries to contact me but can't.”

  “There's not much we can do about that,” Corvo said. “Most likely though if he can't get ahold of you, he'll get in touch with me and I'll tell him what happened.”

  “Yes,” she agreed. “He said to call you if I needed anything. He'll probably call you.”

  “So don't worry about it then.”

  “OK.” She stood staring down at the ground, lost in her thoughts.

  “Jess.”

  “Yeah?”

  “You need to leave now,” he said sternly.

  “Right, OK.”

  She reached forward and gave him another hug. He squeezed her back knowing it was probably the last chance he would ever have to embrace her in such a way. His desire to kiss her was nearly overwhelming and he finally allowed himself to kiss her neck as a compromise.

  She pulled away from his arms and thanked him again before turning away. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched her walk away. He waved goodbye to her as she drove away. He then opened the door to the Yukon and sat in the driver's seat. He buried his head in his hands and repeatedly cursed himself.

  Chapter 11

  Osin and Nikonov maintained constant surveillance on the Cailens’ home after Corvo left. They watched through binoculars as Jessica and Tatiana left in her black BMW M5. Jessica appeared happy and carefree which allayed their fears that she was on to them. They ducked down as she drove past and waited a few seconds before pulling out on the road behind her.

  When she arrived at the theater, they debated whether or not one of them should go in. They decided against it, opting instead just to wait for her to leave. Aside from the possibility of Jessica spotting them and getting spooked, they were concerned with the probability of being caught on camera inside the theater. Jessica would inevitably be reported missing and when she was, the authorities would trace her steps to the theater and likely review security footage. They couldn't leave any trace they were following her. Besides they figured she would have to come out to her car after the movie anyway.

  Four hours later, when she still hadn't returned to her car, Osin went inside to see if he could find her. He made a quick search with no luck. She could have still been inside one of the theaters watching a movie but Osin had a bad feeling she had given them the slip. He went back to the parking lot to consult with Nikonov. They decided to call home and see if they could get a location through Jessica's phone. Nikonov called in to SVR headquarters and asked them to locate Jessica's phone. They were quickly informed the phone was turned off and they were unable to get a location. However, they were able to tell Nikonov that it was ten miles away from their current location when it was turned off. It was official; they had lost her.

  Nikonov asked if she had made any calls. The only one that showed was a call placed to a phone registered with the FBI just moments after they had left. Nikonov knew that call was to Lance Corvo. What they had earlier dismissed as a romantic escapade they now suspected was a meeting to discuss Jessica's escape. They contemplated the risks of seeking Jessica's whereabouts from Corvo. If he had helped Jessica escape, then he wouldn't fall for the same cover story they used with her. If they took him by force, they risked attracting attention from the FBI.

  They decided before they did anything with Corvo, they would go back to Jessica's house and see if she left behind any clue as to where she was headed. First though, they scoped out the area her phone was just before it was turned off. A search of the area turned up nothing. They drove back the Cailens’ home and parked a few homes away on the street. A light was on in a back room of the house which didn't necessarily mean anyone was there, but they would still have to proceed with caution. They exited their vehicle and walked around to the back of the house, unaware they were being watched.

  A Mossad intelligence officer David had contacted was watching the Cailens’ home, waiting for Jessica to return so he could verify she was OK. Also having no success tracking her through her phone, he didn't have much choice but to watch the house and wait. He was cursing David Sapir for sending him on this petty assignment after he had just finished a 20 hour stake out at a foreign diplomat’s estate when he saw a car pull into the driveway. At first he thought it was Jessica and Tatiana finally returning home. However when two men exited the vehicle instead and walked around the back of the house, his interest was piqued. It was dark and he was unable to see their faces. He took down their vehicle's license plate.

  Lights came on in the house and the Mossad officer decided to get a closer look. He left his vehicle and crept up to the house. He saw the two men making a careful search of the kitchen. They wore gloves and placed things back exactly the way they were. They were careful not to leave any trace that they were ever there. The Mossad agent dialed headquarters.

  “Put me through to David Sapir,” the agent requested. He waited while his call was forwarded.

  “Hello, Ariel,” David answered. “What do you have for me?”

  “Sir, I'm at the house. There are two operatives searching it.”

  “What country?”

  “I don't know.”

  “How do you know they're operatives?”

  “They're too careful. They aren't disturbing anything.”

  “Any sign of his family?”

  “No sir.”

  “Find out who those men are.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Ariel watched the house for the next few hours, desperately trying to stay awake. Just before daybreak he caught himself dozing. He sat up and rubbed his face, wishing he had a coffee and that he wasn’t stuck on this crappy mission. As the sun was just starting to come out, the men returned to their car. He snapped a few pictures with his phone and sent them off to headquarters for identification. As the operatives drove by, he started his car and followed them at a distance.

  CORVO SAT by the window at his kitchen table dressed for work in a sharp suit. He sipped his coffee as he looked over the morning paper. He glanced out from his second story apartment as a car parked on the street outside. Half a minute later another car parked further up the street.

  “Who's your friend?” Corvo muttered to himself as he watched the second car.

  He recognized the first as the Russians, but now there was another one. Was it more Russians or was someone else watching him? Or maybe they were watching the Russians. It was impossible to know. He sipped his coffee. Even in the privacy of his own home, he wore the poker face of a trained agent.

  Seeing that the Russian operatives were at his home, Corvo had a feeling they wanted to question him. He wondered what approach they would take. The only way to know was to play into it and go on like normal. Which is what he did.

  He finished his coffee and grabbed his badge and gun. He walked down to his car parked on
the street out front. Just as he hit unlock on his remote, he heard someone call his name.

  “Agent Corvo,” a man called out from behind him.

  Corvo turned to see who it was, recognizing immediately it was the Russians that wanted to take Jessica.

  “Agent Lance Corvo?” the man said again.

  “Special Agent,” Corvo corrected him.

  The man smiled. “Of course.”

  “And you are?” Corvo asked.

  “I'm Agent Foster and this is Agent Thompson,” Nikonov replied, nodding to Osin as Thompson. “We're with the CIA.” The agents pulled out badges to show him.

  Now that's interesting, Corvo thought to himself. He gestured to Nikonov's badge. “Can I see?”

  Nikonov handed his badge to him.

  Corvo looked it over, impressed with the quality. It looked real. Corvo handed it back to him. “What can I do for the Central Incompetence Agency?” Corvo asked for the purpose of gauging their responses.

  Osin tried to appear offended by the remark but Corvo could tell he really wasn't. Nikonov on the other hand, was harder to read.

  “Do you know Michael and Jessica Cailen?” Nikonov asked.

  “You know I do,” Corvo answered. “Why else would you be asking me?”

  “We have reason to believe they are in danger,” Osin stated.

  “What kind of danger?”

  “We've tracked two men who entered the country illegally,” Nikonov explained. “We believe they have an interest in the Cailens. We would like to locate them and get them to safety before these men find them.”

  Interesting tactic, Corvo thought. “That sounds like something that would be in the FBI's jurisdiction. Not the CIA,” Corvo remarked. “Who are these men? And why do you think they're after the Cailens?”

  “It's classified,” Osin responded. “We need to locate the Cailens. Do you know where they are?”

  “Michael is camping somewhere in the woods of Vermont. I don't exactly know where. Jessica should be home. But I'm assuming you checked there?”

  “When did you last speak with either of them?” Osin asked, ignoring his question.

  “Maybe a week? I'm not really sure. Is this something I should be worried about?”

  “Really? A week?” Nikonov asked, surprised. “She called you yesterday morning. You spoke for thirty seconds.”

  Corvo looked panicked, like he got caught in a lie.

  “You want to tell us what that call was about?” Osin asked. “Because that was the last call she made.”

  “What do you mean it was the last call she made?” Corvo asked appearing concerned.

  “She's missing,” Nikonov replied. “We found her car abandoned at a local movie theater. There's no sign of her anywhere.”

  “What are you talking about? She's missing!” Corvo acted shocked and horrified. He shook his head. “No, she's fine,” he said in denial. He pulled out his phone and dialed her number. It went straight to voicemail. He dialed the house. No answer. He paced anxiously in front of the Russian agents who were wondering what to make of him.

  “What did you talk about?” Nikonov asked.

  “Where is her daughter? Tatiana,” Corvo asked seeming highly agitated.

  “Missing as well. We assume they are together,” Osin answered.

  Corvo turned away appearing greatly distressed. He ran his hands through his hair.

  “What did you talk about?” Nikonov repeated.

  Corvo just shook his head and wouldn't reply.

  “Her life may be in jeopardy, Special Agent Corvo,” Nikonov said firmly. “We need answers. Why did she call you? What did she say?”

  Corvo was on the brink of tears. “You can't tell her husband,” Corvo pleaded.

  “Tell him what?”

  Corvo hung his head and sighed. He looked back up at Nikonov. “We're having an affair. She asked me to come over. I skipped out on work to be with her.” Corvo shook his head and looked away. “He's going to kill me.”

  “Who? Her husband?” Osin asked.

  Corvo nodded.

  “We have no reason to tell him,” Osin said. “Provided you cooperate.”

  Corvo looked at him as if to ask what they wanted from him.

  “Who would she go to for help?” Osin asked.

  “Me,” Corvo replied. “They must have her,” he said looking sick with worry. “Who are these men?”

  Feeling they got all they could from Corvo, Osin and Nikonov decided to move on.

  “We're working on it,” Nikonov assured him. “If we find out anything, we'll contact you. In the meantime, it's best if you carry on like nothing is wrong.”

  “How am I supposed to do that?” Corvo asked perplexed.

  “Good day, Special Agent Corvo,” Nikonov replied and they turned and left.

  “You're leaving?!” Corvo shouted at their backs.

  The men continued on their way without responding. A smile crept across Corvo's lips as they walked away, satisfied with his performance. He got in his car and called his partner to let him know he would be running late. He drove slowly past the second car that had parked on the street. The driver was dressed in a suit and talking on his phone. He seemed to be lost in his conversation and didn't even glance at Corvo as he passed. Corvo wondered if his presence was merely a coincidence.

  Corvo drove to an office building in downtown Boston and took the elevator up to the fourth floor. He walked briskly down the hall and entered the small office of a financial planning company. He passed by the receptionist insisting he had an appointment and knew where he was going. She was on his heels as he walked down the hallway, requesting repeatedly for him to wait in the lobby while she verified his appointment. Corvo refused to stop and opened the door to one of the offices, surprising the man inside.

  “I need to use the phone,” Corvo demanded.

  “I'm sorry, sir. He wouldn't listen,” the receptionist apologized to the man at the desk.

  “It's ok, Samantha,” the man replied. “He's fine.”

  She gave Corvo an unhappy look and returned to her post out front.

  “You want to use the phone?” the man asked condescendingly. “On whose authority?”

  “Mine,” Corvo replied.

  “You don't have that authority.”

  “OK,” Corvo appeared impatient. “On the authority that if you don't let me, I'll send your wife pictures of you and that waitress at the bar you frequent.”

  “There are no pictures of me with any waitress,” the man replied, disgusted. “I'm not having an affair.”

  Corvo smiled. “Anything can be Photoshopped these days.”

  The man stared at him. Corvo stared right back. Finally the man sighed.

  “You are pure evil,” the man said.

  “Tell me something I don't know.”

  “What's the number?”

  Corvo wrote the number on a piece of paper on his desk and handed it to him.

  The man took it and gave him a look. “This had better not blow back on me.”

  “It won't,” Corvo assured him.

  The man walked Corvo to a locked office in the back that had only a desk with a computer and a phone. The financial planning company was actually a CIA satellite office equipped with the ability to make untraceable phone calls. The man sat at the desk and entered in the access code to use the computer. He typed away on the computer setting up the phone call. The man picked up the phone as it began to dial and handed it to Corvo. He then quickly left the room and shut the door, giving Corvo some privacy.

  JESSICA HAD just finished another round of throwing up when she heard a phone ringing. She rushed to her bag and dug for the phone Corvo had given her. She quickly answered it before it went to voicemail.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey Jess. It's Lance,”

  “Oh my God, Lance,” she breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought we weren't supposed to talk on the phone?”

  “It's OK. I'm using agency resources. T
his call can't be monitored or traced. It's safe. How are you doing?”

  She sat on the edge of the second bed. Tatiana was still sleeping in the other. “Well, last night I pulled off the highway to find a hotel and found myself at a DUI checkpoint. I had less than a minute to memorize my driver's license and come up with a story for where I was headed. I hardly slept last night. Ana was up crying most of it. I'm exhausted. I throw up nearly everything I eat.”

  Corvo could hear the anxiety in her voice as she began to cry.

  “I'm worried sick for Michael, Ana, and myself,” she continued. “The stress of which is giving me heart palpitations. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind, Lance. I can't do this.”

  Jessica moved to the bathroom as she completely broke down. Emotionally and physically, she was at her breaking point. Corvo regretted not going with her.

  “God, Jess. I'm so sorry,” Corvo buried his head in his hand. “I'm so sorry. I should have come with you.”

  “Can you please come?” Jessica pleaded.

  “Where are you?”

  “New York. About to cross into Pennsylvania.”

  Corvo was desperately trying to work out a way to come to her rescue. “I have personal days with the Bureau I can take but that won't clear me with the CIA. I'd need to get permission.” He ran his hands through his hair. “I can't tell them why I need it. If I don't ask for permission, I would need to keep my phone with me and turned on, which can be traced.” Corvo paused. “I can't do that either.”

  “You're telling me you can't come?”

  Corvo released a heavy sigh. “I want to, Jess. I really want to.”

  It was excruciating for Corvo to listen helplessly as she cried. His emotions soon overwhelmed his power of reason.

  “Hang on,” Corvo said. “I'll call Tim and see if he'll give me permission.”

  Relief washed over Jessica at the thought of Corvo coming to help her. “OK,” she replied.

  Corvo put Jessica on hold and dialed in headquarters on another line. It was not as easy to get a hold of Gatti now that he was Director of the CIA. Corvo was informed that the Director was in a meeting and couldn't be disturbed. He was asked if he wanted to leave a message. He declined and hung up the phone. He switched back to Jessica.