Identity

by Nancy Ann Healy

  “Is that something new?” Eleana asked.

  “I wouldn’t say it is new,” Nadia replied.

  “How often are you there?” Claire inquired.

  “Some weeks, I have assignments every day. Other times it’s a few weeks before I get a call.”

  “To translate,” Claire clarified.

  “Yes. Russian to Polish or German. Occasionally, Russian to Arabic. As I told you, there are many foreigners that visit.”

  Claire’s phone buzzed for the third time in ten minutes. She lifted it. Persistent. “I need to take this,” she said. She excused herself from the table. “Alex.”

  “Where the hell have you been?”

  “Lower your voice. All of Poland will hear you through this phone. We’re having coffee at a friend of Eleana’s.”

  “We need to talk.”

  “I got that from the constant buzzing in my pocket. What is so urgent in the middle of the night in Boston?”

  “Try Washington DC.”

  “I thought you were with Krause. El said—”

  “I am. Candace got called into an emergency briefing. They want her to authorize an attack on a Romanian warehouse.”

  “What’s that got to do with me?” Claire asked.

  “Rodgers is peddling the idea that the Russians are moving biological material from a Biocon warehouse in Romania through Ukraine to Kaliningrad.”

  “Let me guess; he thinks they’re building some biological weapon.”

  “He’s suggesting it as a probability.” Alex said.

  “I seriously doubt it. There is one way to find out.”

  “I agree. I want to loop you in on a call with Candace.”

  “How will that help us?”

  “It won’t. It might help her.”

  Claire looked over at Eleana and sighed.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Not wrong. This friend of El’s—she says there’s an unusual foreign presence in Kaliningrad these days. Something about visiting Rosgarten Gate.”

  “What did you just say?”

  “I said she suggested I visit Rosgarten Gate. Why?”

  “Jim said the same thing when I talked to him.”

  “That can’t be good,” Claire said. “Is Krause with you?”

  “Yeah, he’s here.”

  “Maybe he can dig a little into who all these foreigners are.”

  Alex grinned. “He loves playing travel agent.”

  “Good. Maybe he should get started.”

  “Is there someplace you can talk without any ears?” Alex asked.

  “Give me ten minutes,” Claire requested.

  “Ten. And, Claire? This time, answer your damn phone.”

  WESTPORT, CONNECICUT

  Cassidy rolled over and answered the phone. “Alex?”

  “Yeah.”

  “It’s after midnight. Is everything okay there?”

  “Pip and I aren’t drunk, if that’s what you mean.”

  “It’s not.” Cassidy sat up and blinked. “I can hear it in your voice. Something is wrong.”

  “You might want to call Candace tomorrow,” Alex suggested. “Maybe later in the morning.”

  “Why?”

  “Just a thought.”

  “Alex, what is going on?”

  “I wish I knew, Cass. I really do. All I can tell you is that it feels eerily familiar,” Alex said. “Did Dylan get back?”

  “He called around nine. He’s spending the night at Jane’s. She’ll take him to school tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Cass, I hate to ask you this.”

  “You can ask me anything.”

  “I need you to talk to your father,” Alex said.

  “You have my attention.”

  “I need to know why he told me to send Claire to Rosgarten Gate in Kaliningrad. It’s important.”

  “I can ask him, Alex. I can’t guarantee he will tell me anything more than he’s told you.”

  “I know. Claire’s on her way there, Cass. If he knows anything—”

  “Now? You want me to call him now?”

  “Cass, if it wasn’t important I wouldn’t ask. I have to get on a call with Candace in three minutes. Please. I hate asking you.”

  “I’ll call him. How worried should I be?”

  “Zero,” Alex said. “I didn’t call to worry you.”

  “But you’re worried,” Cassidy observed.

  “No. I’m cautious. If he knows anything at all, it might help.”

  “I’ll call you after I talk to him.”

  “No. Call Pip.”

  “Alex, where—”

  “I’m in Natick, Cass, with Pip. I don’t know how long this call will last. Call Pip.”

  “All right,” Cassidy agreed.

  “Sorry, I woke you. I love you, Cass.”

  “I love you too. I’ll call Pip as soon as I talk to Dad.”

  “Thanks. Gotta run.”

  Cassidy threw her head back onto the pillow. Will this ever end?

  ***

  “I’m listening,” Candace said.

  “I have some ideas,” Alex told her.

  “Go on.”

  “I think we need to get Claire closer,” Alex explained.

  “Do we even know where to look?”

  “We have a starting point,” Claire chimed into the conversation.

  “What do you expect to find?” Candace wondered.

  “That’s the question, isn’t it?” Claire replied. “I don’t think it’s a biological weapon—not in the traditional sense.”

  “Why not?” Candace asked.

  “It’s not the Russians’ style,” Claire said.

  “Many would disagree,” Candace replied.

  “They would,” Alex agreed. “The idea that Russia is building a super-weapon suits Kapralov just fine. His roots are KGB, Candace. The KBG is more subtle, and frankly, a lot smarter than employing biological warfare broadly. That’s not their playbook. They target individuals with those measures, not countries. That wouldn’t serve their purpose. They might like us to think it is their goal.”

  Candace groaned. “I need a decision by morning.”

  “We think there’s a tunnel system running beneath the city,” Alex explained.

  “Go on,” Candace said.

  “Kaliningrad was a German city until the Soviets liberated it at the end of World War II. There’s historical precedent, Candace. The Nazi’s built cities underground.”

  “I’m aware.”

  “Yes, but there is a reason that the Soviet Union wanted Kaliningrad in its pocket.”

  “I’m also aware.”

  Claire picked up Alex’s explanation. “On its face, the port access makes sense as their reasoning. Most times, people see the obvious. Few people look beneath the surface,” she said. “We know they have anti-missile defense, and we know they have nuclear warheads in the area. The logical leap is that the Russians are developing a new weapons system.”

  “But you don’t think so,” Candace said.

  “Lots of things can be weaponized,” Claire replied. “I wouldn’t be so quick to think inside the box your advisers have drawn.”

  “How much risk are we talking about if you do this?” Candace asked.

  “There’s always risk,” Claire replied. “That’s why you don’t get caught.”

  Candace groaned. “I don’t like it. I also don’t think I have a better option.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’ve been in more dangerous situations,” Claire offered.

  Candace considered the alternative placed before her. “Just be certain you get out of there in one piece.”

  “That’s the plan,” Claire replied. “I’ll leave you two to talk about me.”

  “Claire,” Alex said over the line. “Get home.”

  “See you next week,” Claire said.

  “I don’t like this,” Candace told Alex.

  “Neither do I, but it’s the only option we have. Claire’s the best, Candace
. She can handle herself.”

  “But can she handle what she finds?”

  “I’m confident.”

  “Can we?” Candace asked.

  “Let’s hope so.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT

  SUNDAY MORNING 2:00 A.M. EST.

  The last thing Cassidy expected when she headed to bed was to open the door for her father at two in the morning. She made the call as Alex requested. She was surprised when Jim McCollum said he would make his way over to see her. Cassidy slipped on a pair of yoga pants and one of Alex’s Army sweatshirts. She stumbled down the stairs and started a pot of coffee. Something told her that her day was about to begin, and that it might not end soon. She was surprised when she opened the door to find her mother standing beside her father. “Mom?”

  “It’s a long story, Cassie. I’m going to head up to the guest room while you two talk.” She reached over and hugged Cassidy. “At the very least, I can get the kids fed in the morning so you can get some rest.”

  Cassidy recognized the expression on Rose McCollum’s face when she looked back at the man she’d married. Disappointment. Clearly, the call Cassidy made sparked a conversation between her parents; one that evidently left her mother disillusioned. Cassidy watched her mother climb the stairs before turning to her father. “I won’t ask what that was about.”

  Jim McCollum looked up the stairs. “Yes, you will. You just won’t ask me.”

  “I made coffee,” Cassidy said. She led her father to the kitchen and set about pouring them each a mug of coffee. “I’m sorry it’s so late. I don’t think Alex and Claire can wait.”

  “What did Alex tell you?” he asked.

  “She didn’t tell me anything. She wanted to know why you told her Claire should go to Rosgarten Gate in Kaliningrad.”

  “Is Claire there now?”

  “Why won’t you answer the question?” Cassidy asked pointedly.

  “Why didn’t Alex call me?”

  “Stop avoiding the answer with questions,” Cassidy said. “Does it matter? What does matter to you, Dad?”

  “You sound like your mother.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment. Can we please stop talking in circles? It’s two in the morning. It’s a simple question. Why should Claire go to Rosgarten Gate?”

  “It’s not a simple answer.”

  Cassidy erupted. “Jesus Christ! For once, will you stop all the bullshit and tell me what the hell is going on?”

  McCollum looked into his coffee cup. “She shouldn’t have asked you to call.”

  “Why not? Would you tell Alex if she called?”

  “Cassie—”

  “Why are you here?” Cassidy questioned.

  “I don’t know what is in Kaliningrad,” he said.

  “But you know there is something for Claire to find.”

  He sighed. “Cassidy, I don’t know. I’ve been away from Russia for a while.”

  “Why, Dad?”

  “Is she there now?” he asked again.

  “She’s on her way. That’s all I know. And, I do mean it is all I know. Alex didn’t tell me much. She was in a hurry.”

  “If Claire is there, she needs to be careful.”

  “Why?”

  “Cassie, don’t ask me anymore. Please.”

  “The truth is, I don’t want to know,” Cassidy said. “I really don’t. If you want to know the truth, Dad, I would prefer that we all walked away from this lunacy. I can’t because Alex and Claire can’t. And, do you know why they aren’t able to live a normal life? Because you, and Claire’s father, Edmund, and Nicolaus guaranteed this madness. I don’t care about whatever secret you’re afraid to tell me. I already know more than I ever needed. I do care about Claire. I’ve done my best to let the past go,” Cassidy told her father. “I’ve accepted it, and I let you into my life again. I forgive the lies. But I swear to you, if something happens to Claire—to Alex, or even to Candace, and you could have helped prevent it? I will not forgive you for that. Now—answer Alex’s question.”

  McCollum looked up regretfully. “I told you the truth, Cassidy. I don’t know what the Russians are doing. I do know that SEED was a top priority at ASA, and I know it was still running when I left Russia.”

  “The program that Chris was a part of?” Cassidy asked.

  “Yes. It exists underground. Literally. Lots of things exist out of sight in that part of the world. One of my allies was a leading researcher in biological psychology. He worked as part of SEED’s development team. Last I knew, his home base was Kaliningrad. There were others who met there. Always at Rosgarten Gate.”

  “Why couldn’t you tell Alex that?”

  “I don’t know what is down there. It could be a missile silo after all these years.”

  “But you don’t think so,” Cassidy said.

  “I think Claire should keep her eyes and her ears open, and not get caught. That place has been a center of Russian covert operations for decades. That’s all I know.”

  Cassidy considered her father’s information. “I need to call Pip. When I come back, you can tell me why Mom is upset.”

  ROSGARTEN GATE, KALININGRAD, RUSSIA

  3:45 A.M EST.

  “Fuck,” Claire grumbled. She adjusted her ear piece. “Can you hear me?”

  Eleana chuckled. “I can hear you. Any sign of an entrance?”

  “What makes anyone think we can find an entrance to something below the city here?” Claire asked. She looked up at the historical gate and shook her head. “It’s a restaurant, El.”

  “Perfect place to conceal something,” Eleana said. “And it wasn’t always a restaurant.”

  “Yeah, no kidding. Did Nadia mention anyone passing through Platform 9¾ when she was here?”

  Eleana laughed. “Look toward the kitchen—away from the patrons.”

  “You know, this would’ve been easier if no one was eating here today—or working here.”

  “I have faith in you.”

  “But do you have faith in my Russian?” Claire asked.

  “That’s why you have me.”

  Claire looked to her left. She flashed a smile at a waiter and approached him. She politely asked for the restrooms and thanked him when he pointed the way. “Found the kitchen,” she said. “Why is the kitchen always near a bathroom?”

  “Probably because of plumbing,” Eleana replied.

  “Gross.”

  “Also, probably a good place—”

  “To hide something. I know. I’m going to have to maneuver a bit on my end. I’ll check in when I have something.”

  “Just be careful.”

  “Just keep listening in case I need a translator,” Claire said.

  “Claire, your Russian is almost as impeccable as mine.”

  “Don’t count on that. It’s been a while.”

  “Just be careful.”

  “Yeah. I’m going black for a minute.”

  “What? Why? Where are you going?”

  “To the bathroom,” Claire replied. “Hang tight.”

  WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT

  “He knows someone in Kaliningrad?” Jonathan asked.

  “All he said is that he had an ally who worked there,” Cassidy replied.

  “What kind of ally?”

  “Some biological psychologist,” Cassidy explained. “I don’t know, Pip. He did say something about SEED.”

  Jonathan Krause’s heart plummeted in his chest. He’d always suspected that Jim McCollum’s work had continued in Russia. “That’s it? That’s all he said?”

  “Pretty much.” Cassidy sighed. “Nothing has changed, has it?”

  Jonathan wasn’t certain how to respond. Change occurred every day. One of life’s greatest ironies was how so much seemed to stay the same no matter how much shifted. The world changed because people wanted and demanded something different. Sustaining change in the world required a transformation within people. In Jonathan’s experience, that was far mo
re difficult to accomplish than redrawing lines on maps or shifting governments. Jim McCollum served as a perfect example. He’d left behind his family and the life he knew for decades. He’d grown accustomed to his reality in Russia, perhaps, even comfortable with it. His choice to return to the states and to Cassidy might have seemed like a major transformation. It turned McCollum’s life upside down. Jonathan questioned if it had moved anything in McCollum’s thinking. One thing seemed certain; Jim McCollum had many secrets he’d yet to tell. It was unlikely that the information McCollum kept private would bring anyone peace.

  “Pip?”

  “Sorry. I’ll let Alex know. How are you holding up?” he asked.

  “I honestly don’t know. I thought we were done with this—all of it. It’s never done, though. Is it?”

  Jonathan didn’t answer. What could he say?

  “I need to get back to him.”

  “Cassie, don’t let him upset you,” Jonathan advised. “He’s not trying to hurt you. I know that sounds hollow, but it’s true.”

  “I know that,” Cassidy conceded. “It doesn’t make any of it right, Pip. Sooner or later, he has to decide where he wants to live—in the past or in the present.”

  “Try to get some rest,” he said.

  “I don’t think that’s likely to happen. If you talk to Claire, tell her to be careful.”

  “She knows what she’s doing.”

  “I wish I could say that makes me feel better. ”

  “Don’t ever tell her I said this; Claire is one of the most talented agents I’ve ever known.”

  “Tell Alex I will talk to her later.”

  “Cassie, try not to worry.”

  “You’re about eleven years too late, Pip.”

  KALININGRAD, RUSSIA

  Claire jostled the hat on her head, looked at herself in the mirror, and groaned.

  “Are you okay?” Eleana asked.

  Claire sized herself up again in the mirror. She’d donned all kinds of disguises and uniforms. This was a first. The chef’s toque hat slumped backwards, and the double-breasted white coat was at least a size too large. “I look ridiculous.”

  “What?”

  “The things I do,” Claire grumbled. “Heading through the kitchen now,” she told Eleana. She nodded to a few people as she passed through the doorway. A voice called to her in Russian. Claire turned, smiled, and held up a finger. “First day,” she told him. “We need more towels,” she explained.