The Helium-3 Conspiracy

by Colin Setterfield

  The shuttle left at 2350 hours. The journey to the New Bigalow Space Station would take approximately twenty-six hours, where the astronauts would have a brief respite, before descending into the Earth's gravity well to their home planet.

  ∞∞

  Chapter Nineteen

  Camilla Jackson

  Thursday, July 16, 2026

  3:00 p.m.

  Charley Baines and Greg Gladstone were sitting in a black SUV engaged in casual conversation. Their eyes were fixed on the Lexus sports car, with top down, parked outside a beauty salon in downtown Baltimore. The particular salon attracted upper class patrons, one of whom was Camilla Jackson. Camilla had just exited the building looking like a million dollars.

  "Our girl appears to be sprucing herself up!" said Baines, busily feeding his face out of a bag of popcorn.

  Gladstone agreed heartily. "She's certainly planning to look good for someone and my guess it's not AJ."

  "Well...let's tail her to her next port-of-call," chirped Baines who was sitting behind the wheel.

  Camilla opened the door of the Lexus and sat down sideways showing long, slender, tanned legs which she swung over into the cockpit. She spoke to the on-board computer, starting the car. Baines was waiting and eased out of the parking spot to follow her down the street. He preferred to drive the SUV manually when tailing someone as there were so many variables that could occur. He punched the accelerator hard to catch the light with Camilla, an aggressive driver, already through on the amber.

  "Damn, she's in a hurry," said Gladstone as he snapped on his safety belt. "I bet she has the auto-drive turned off."

  Baines did not answer. His full concentration focused on keeping her in sight, allowing two cars in between, for a safe following distance.

  Camilla roared onto West Mulberry, continued over onto Orleans and then onto the Pulaski Highway. Shortly after she took the Erdman Avenue turnoff and continued onto Sinclair Lane before turning onto Moravia Road. Finally the Lexus pulled into the driveway of an older, Cape Cod style house, built early in the previous century. Outside the property a real estate board had been planted in the front yard.

  For Sale by Dodd Real Estate—written below was a telephone number for enquiries.

  The house appeared to be empty. Charley Baines kept on driving and parked four houses down. The two men crossed the double-lane road and walked slowly back toward the house, on the opposite side. Camilla had already entered the house and closed the front door.

  "This old dump is certainly not her style!" said Greg Gladstone, spitting on the sidewalk.

  "She's definitely meeting someone here today," Baines answered curtly.

  The house diagonally opposite was also empty, except for a bench on the front porch. This house was also for sale by Dodd Real Estate so Charley and Greg walked up the pathway and stomped up the three steps to the porch. Their position was partially hidden from view by a climbing plant that had been unattended for a few months. It was the perfect place from which to keep watch. They sat down on the porch bench and waited.

  *

  Jake was making his second visit to the house. He had decided that he needed more proof of the affair than just a one-time meeting between the two. He had a voice recording, recorded with the listening device but it would be better if he had photos with specific dates and times. The few photos taken on the first visit only showed the couple leaving and blowing kisses—not enough evidence of an affair. He needed to catch them in an embrace. Today, the couple would meet at 12:00 noon.

  Jake knew that the house was not completely empty but contained a bed with other furnishings in the main bedroom. He had looked through the windows on that first occasion, after the couple had left. Camilla and Kevin had spent approximately one hour making wild, ecstatic love before cleaning up and leaving. He needed to catch this action on camera which he would only produce if the photos proved inconclusive. Evelyn Dodd was paying Jake good dollar for his services and she deserved to know the truth. If possible, however, he would spare her the video he intended to get.

  Jake needed to park close enough to the house to activate the listening device and also get a good view of the couple when they exited. The Lexus was parked in the driveway and in front of it was Kevin's white Cadillac. Jake pulled up to the curb and stopped. He was parked under a tree about thirty feet from the house—he waited with camera in hand, hoping for an uninterrupted view without being seen.

  Due to the foliage cover on the front porch of the house opposite, Jake did not notice the two men sitting on the bench, but they immediately noticed him.

  "Now who do we have here?" growled Baines stiffening up.

  "Seems like he's waiting for someone," ventured Gladstone.

  After about an hour Camilla came out with Kevin following, locking the door behind him. Before they parted company, she wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed passionately before parting ways. Gladstone and Baines watched taking note that Jake was taking photos. Baines took several photos of the couple with his own camera and then focused on Jake's car, zooming in on the license plate.

  Baines turned to Gladstone and said, "I know who Camilla's boyfriend is! He owns the liquor outlet that supplied all the booze for our staff party last year—his name is Kevin Dodd!"

  When Camilla and Kevin had driven off in their respective vehicles, Jake started the Mercedes, eased off the curb and made a U-turn across the grass strip in the middle and headed in the opposite direction.

  Greg Gladstone stood up to stretch his legs and stared through the patch of blue smoke at the departing Mercedes, "I wonder who that guy is?"

  Baines answered, "I'll bet he's a private eye working for Dodd's wife, unless AJ has someone else checking on Camilla! We'll find out who the car is registered to and take it from there."

  The two men hurried back to the SUV and left. Mia Anderson was meeting with them at 3:00 p.m. and they did not want to be late. As the Deputy Director, Mia was granted two men as personal assistants. Baines and Gladstone were not the sharpest knives in the drawer, but they were experienced operatives and never questioned her.

  It was 2:50 p.m. when the two men arrived at Langley, Head Office of the CIA. They made their way to the washroom to relieve themselves before heading to the meeting room where Anderson was waiting for them.

  She greeted them with a nod. "So what did you discover? Is she seeing someone?"

  Charley Baines grinned, showing popcorn infested teeth. "Yes Chief! We followed her to a hair appointment—then she joined her boyfriend at an empty house on Moravia Road in Baltimore."

  Gladstone, not to be left out, jumped in, cutting Charley off. "She's definitely seeing a guy and his name is Kevin Dodd!"

  Mia's eyes narrowed. "So AJ's suspicions were correct! Who is this Kevin Dodd?"

  Charley took up again, "Dodd is a wealthy business man who owns several businesses. The empty house they met in is listed with Dodd's real estate business."

  "Did you take any photos?" asked Mia.

  "Yeah, we got a few as they came out the front door. Got a nice one of them having nice, big, juicy kiss. AJ's gonna be mad!" rasped Baines with a chuckle.

  Mia responded curtly without smiling, "Anything else?"

  Gladstone jumped in again before Charley could answer. "Oh, yeah, there was another guy who was watching the couple. We got his license plate."

  The CIA Deputy Chief showed little emotion in response to this information. "That could prove to be interesting. I'll have to discuss it with AJ."

  "He was driving an old derelict Mercedes—more smoke than action," said Gladstone, trying to get a smile out of Mia.

  Mia rose from her chair, indicating that the meeting was over. "Call me as soon as you know who that person is. It may be of some significance to AJ. I have to get back to my office."

  "Will do, Chief," gushed Greg Gladstone eagerly.

  Baines responded, shooting Gladstone an irritated glance. "I'll get onto it straight away, Chief."
<
br />   Mia Anderson left without any benedictions. To Baines and Gladstone the room seemed to literally warm up on her departure. Baines breathed a sigh of relief and mumbled disgruntledly, "Stuck-up bitch! Anyone would think that she owned the CIA the way she throws her weight around!"

  Gladstone was less hostile. "I think she's just stressed out, a bit of an ice princess—needs to get laid!"

  Baines sat down at his workstation and accessed the database. Within a minute he had the information they were seeking. His eyes gleamed as if he had discovered gold, "The guys a registered private investigator. I was right! His name is Jake Dobrowski!"

  "I'll give the Chief a call on her cell and let her know. Maybe AJ wanted to check on us," said Gladstone.

  "Nah, I doubt it," countered Baines. "My guess is that he was following Dodd and not Camilla. We'll see what Mia says!"

  Later that afternoon, Wolverine called Arthur Jackson while he was enjoying some solitude in his den. She told him that Baines and Gladstone had tailed Camilla and had discovered that she was definitely having an affair. Jackson sat impassively in his chair and asked the million-dollar question.

  "Who is it?"

  "Kevin Dodd. He owns a multitude of businesses. He's a reasonably wealthy individual and good looking, too!"

  Jackson seemed surprised at the news. "I know who the bastard is—we served time in Iraq together. Do you have photos?"

  Wolverine sounded a little astonished, "You and Kevin Dodd served in the Iraq War together? That seems a little ominous, doesn't it?"

  Jackson responded, "We weren't in the same deployment. He was two years younger, arrived two years after me and worked in Intelligence, gathering info about our target areas. We were both stationed in Baghdad but never actually spoke to each other."

  "Would he have known about your excursions to Saudi Arabia and the other countries involved in our cause?"

  "Not really - why would it matter?" asked Jackson.

  "Because, since Dodd's discharge from the military, he not only became a wealthy business man, he's also an active intelligence contractor who has done work for both the CIA and the FBI!" Wolverine sounded agitated.

  "But as Deputy Director you would know if one of your divisions or agents was using him, right?"

  Wolverine's answer had an icy tone. "I oversee all the national security issues involving the Agency. Knowing what every division head does and what contractors they use is not something I care about."

  "But you can find out." answered Jackson evenly."

  "I will have to do some research of recent case management. I will also confer with Wolf to see if the FBI has retained him. I don't want to raise any questions with the Director."

  "We need to know, and quickly!" said Jackson. "If Dodd is involved in collecting intelligence it throws a different light on his interest in Camilla."

  Wolverine cooled a little. "I understand your concern."

  "What about the photos?" pressed Jackson.

  "Baines has just uploaded them to my phone," said Mia. "Do you want them uploaded to your cell? I can do it right now."

  "Yeah, send them," he answered gruffly.

  Wolverine was not finished. "There was something else—did you employ a private eye to watch Camilla?"

  Jackson sounded annoyed, "Absolutely not. I trust you and those two imbeciles to do your jobs!"

  Wolverine was silent for a moment. Then in an unprecedented show of sentiment she replied, "Look AJ, I know this must be upsetting for you, but Baines and Gladstone are doing a good job. We need to approach this carefully, particularly on the grounds that Camilla, for whatever reason, spies on you whenever she can."

  Jackson was thoughtful for a moment. "Yeah, you're right. We need to follow up on this investigator's involvement. Who is it?"

  Wolverine answered with concern. "It's someone you should remember well. Could be that there is a connection between our business and the sudden appearance of this fellow. His name is Jake Dobrowski!"

  "Jake Dobrowski," whispered Jackson softly. "He's that scumbag of a journalist who tried to put me away, about four years ago!"

  "The same one," answered Wolverine.

  Jackson was thinking aloud. "He might have been employed by Dodd's wife. It may be nothing."

  "Irrespective of the reason, we need to make sure. Valkyrie must not be jeopardized under any circumstance."

  Jackson agreed, "Yes....I'll leave that to you. After you've investigated both matters, call me...and upload those photos."

  Wolverine offered some final words of caution. "Don't say anything to your wife until I get back to you. Don't do anything rash regarding Dodd or Dobrowski. We will handle the situation as soon as we have clarity."

  Jackson's final comment was, "Just send the photos!"

  *

  The wall clock showed that it was 5:45 p.m. Jake must have had a premonition. He had felt it important to stay at the office to check up on Jackson. He was glad that he did but it was a blessing with an accompanying curse. He had only heard one side of the conversation—Jackson's, but it was enough for him to understand that the caller was Wolverine and that someone was keeping an eye on the Moravia Road house.

  Jake realized that Jackson would now be onto him. Perspiration burst out on his brow, the cold chill of apprehension flooding his soul. He needed some cocaine.

  ∞∞

  Chapter Twenty

  A Quick Evacuation Plan

  Thursday, July 16, 2026

  4:50 p.m.

  The needle of the syringe felt a little blunt. Jake could feel some symptoms of withdrawal setting in while he fussed around in the back of the drawer, searching for a new pack of hypodermic needles. He had seen the pack when previously rummaging around for Tony Underwood's badge and made a mental note to clean out the drawer.

  The shock of hearing Mia Anderson mention his name was now fully registering; Jake noticed that his hands had started to shake. Jackson would certainly follow up on his involvement and although the immediate outcome would point to Mrs. Dodd's employment of his services, Jake had a bad feeling that Mia Anderson would search deeper. If she found that he had made contact with Jeremy Gibson in the past, it could prove to be a dangerous situation.

  Other considerations could prove equally dangerous. If Jackson found out that Jake had some knowledge of Valkyrie, or that he had been monitoring Jackson's private conversations, there would be no mistaking his reaction. Jake realized that he would have to promptly disappear from the scene, but at the same time maintain his investigation if there was to be any hope of bringing Jackson to justice.

  Finally he found the pack of hypodermic needles. With shaky hands he pulled out a new syringe and proceeded to inject the cocaine. It took a further ten minutes before the effect of the drug subsided, allowing him to set his mind on possible solutions. Not only were Colleen and Kenny in danger, but even more imminently, Camilla Jackson and Kevin Dodd. Someone had to warn them, but it may already be too late.

  Jake made a decision and picked up the phone to call Evelyn Dodd. It was the most immediate thing to be done. If the CIA were involved in following up on him they may already have placed a tap on his business phone, expecting him to be calling a client. He would oblige, hoping that this may be sufficient in their eyes, explaining his presence at the Moravia Road house.

  Evelyn Dodd answered almost immediately and Jake proceeded to tell her that her husband was having an affair with Camilla Jackson. She took the news badly and burst into tears, venting her frustration on that bitch of a socialite woman. Jake listened without interruption and when she had finished venting he told her that he had a few photographs but said nothing about the sound recording.

  Evelyn Dodd finally calmed down and with her voice still containing a measure of bitterness, asked for the photos to be uploaded to her cell phone. If she started divorce proceedings she would ask Jake for the developed versions. Kevin had not come home yet and she was planning to confront him on his arrival. Jake rolled his eyes as
she vented again for a minute or two.

  He finally said goodbye after she promised to send the final payment for his services. He would need the cash to get him through the uncertain period that lay ahead in order to solve the mystery of Valkyrie while staying in the shadows. He would ask Mitch Cunningham to help. Also on the cards was breaking the news to Colleen, bringing her up to date with the latest developments. She was going to be mad at him for not being more careful.

  Jake had asked Evelyn Dodd to pay the remaining money she owed him directly into his business account. He would find an ATM later and withdraw the cash, leaving only enough to cover his office and apartment rentals which were both automatic payments. He packed up his hypodermic kit, together with the small stash of cocaine that was kept in the cupboard above the sink and placed them in a small toiletry bag.

  Jeremy's note and Underwood's badge were also thrown into the bag. He pulled the petty cash box out of the bottom drawer and opened it. There were a few dollar notes and coins plus the compact Smith and Wesson .38 he had inherited from Colleen's grandfather. It was loaded with five bullets, a full magazine. Jake had never had a reason to use the gun and, consequently, never purchased any additional ammunition. There was also no guarantee that the weapon still worked, but given the current situation, which might require the need for some protection, he would have to take that chance.

  After a quick glance around the office, he opened the door and stepped out onto East Lombard Street looking nervously around him. It was highly possible that whoever had seen him at the Moravia Road house could be watching his office. Stealth work was his business and he felt confident of being able to notice a tail.

  The old Mercedes, because it was so conspicuous, was left in its parking space. Jake, preferred to walk the distance to a nearby mall, hoping to slip into one of the shops and observe if there was anyone following him.