“Jesus, Mac,” said Jim with a glassy stare.
Mac paused for a moment then continued, “You have been involved in the expansion planning at S & S. When it’s completed, it will make your facility twice its current size. The construction begins in two days and this party will be the kick-off celebration. Business and financial leaders along with the mayor and his staff will also be there.
“But Mac—”
“It’s necessary for you to rebuild your reputation in the city and regain your popularity. We will consider that party as the final chapter of your mission.”
Jim leaned back in his chair and lowered his eyes, then with a halfhearted shrug muttered, “Whatever….”
Reanna bit her lip and shook her head but remained silent. She reached under the table for Jim’s hand and in a soft tone said, “It’s okay, hon.”
Mac rested his elbows on the table, formed his hands into a steeple and brought them to his lips. He looked at Jim, then at Reanna, and back at Jim before he lowered his arms and continued, “We have information that indicates Kim Woong-Nanyg will be contacting you soon in St. Louis.”
Jim shot back, “Now what?”
Mac continued, “We’ll give you the information to pass on to Kim…information that we want to pass on to the Russians. If we can do this, it will slow down Russian progress in weapon development. It’s important, Jim. Our country needs this time to increase our advantage over the Russians. Actually, it’s important for our survival.”
“I understand, but will that be my only involvement?”
“Um…well…ah…it’s a little premature to have that answer, but we need your help.”
Jim looked at Reanna and she pulled out a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her running makeup. Her eyes glistened with moisture. She returned Jim’s gaze and without uttering a word nodded yes.
Frenchy looked across the table, “It won’t be a formal event like last time but business attire will be the norm. The arrangements have already been made and you can check with Carl for additional information. He’s been spearheading the event with our support.”
Mac looked at Jim and said, “Sam King, your production manager will be picking you up at the airport.”
“That’s good.”
With a wide grin, Frenchy said, “I understand he was your best man at your wedding.”
“Yes, he was, and you missed one heck of a party that night.”
Mac took a deep gratifying breath then said, “We have some information being put together now which will be available for you tomorrow at S & S.”
“It will be broken down in two sections,” said Frenchy. “The first section will be the update of your building construction plans and progress and your involvement in its planning during the past few weeks. The second section will be data that we recommend you share with Mr. Kim. “Of course, after you’ve read the data, it’s imperative that it be shredded.”
“I’ll also be at the party,” said Mac. “We should have an opportunity to chat at S & S the following day.”
Jim only murmured, “God help us.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
After returning to St. Louis, Jim spent the following day at S & S Engineering and studied the data from the Agency. It also included a short dossier on Kim Woong-Nanyg who was born and raised in Beijing, then spent many years in Russia working with the KGB.
Reanna stayed home her first day back and was glad to see the living room window had been replaced. She spent several hours shopping and replenishing the household supplies. When Jim returned home from work, they both enjoyed an excellent home-cooked meal and spent a quiet evening together. However, they refused to sit on the living room sofa.
* * *
Reanna looked like a model the following day, wearing a tight-waisted black rayon sleeveless dress with a mid-flair ending at her calves. She held Jim’s arm as they entered the Base Hotel. They walked down the hallway toward the music that played in the Cotillion Room. Jim stopped momentarily at the open doorway and perused the nearly 100 people that filled the room. Many were already seated at round tables covered in white table cloths while others stood immersed in individual conversations. Most of them directed their attention to Jim and Reanna when they entered the room.
Carl, wearing his usual black suit, white shirt and tie, stood near the entrance. He approached Jim and Reanna and shook Jim’s hand, “Welcome,” then reached over and gave Reanna a peck on the cheek and said, “Welcome home, Reanna.”
“Thank you.” Reanna turned and scanned the room, amazed to see the large number of people.
“Hello, captain.”
Jim turned around toward the voice and shook the hand of Ollie Kiefer, the mayor of St. Louis. “Welcome back, captain,” he said.
“Well, we’re helping to build up our fine city, Ollie.”
“Yes, yes,” said Kiefer. “I appreciate that and I’m sure the city appreciates that too.”
“Come on Jim…Reanna, come with me,” said Carl and they left the mayor and walked to the front of the room. Carl began to speak into the microphone mounted on a stand. “May I have your attention please?” The crowd settled down and became quiet. “Most of you have previously met Jim and Reanna Wilson. Well, Jim is the main person behind the design of our new facility.”
The guy had to be kidding. He didn’t know anything about it.
The attendees politely applauded. When the applause died down, Carl continued, “We will break ground first thing tomorrow morning. We have a wonderful meal planned for you tonight which will be served shortly. The band will also play for your enjoyment…and there will be dancing later too,” which brought a few chuckles from the crowd. Carl turned to Jim and said over the microphone, “Come say a few words, Jim.”
Jim rolled his eyes and sneered at Carl but when he approached the microphone, he wore a pleasant smile as he faced the audience. “I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. This is the start of something big here in the city and we’re happy to help the city grow as we grow. We will be adding another twenty-two thousand square feet of a modern addition to our building with the latest technology. Microwave business is booming. Are there any questions I may answer for you?”
Someone at a near table said, “I understand you traveled to Washington, D.C. to work on the latest design. Is that true?”
Jim had a strange empty stare and said, “Um….” and he looked at Reanna who stood nearby with a big grin, a tear trickling down her face as she fought back the urge to break out with one of her loud laughs.
Jim turned back, faced the audience and said with the utmost of confidence, “Yes that’s true, I spent nearly two weeks in D.C. and was influenced by some Asian designs which will leave a lasting impression on me. We hope to incorporate some of those design elements into our building. Thank you all for coming and enjoy your evening.”
Jim, Reanna and Carl walked to a reserved round table. Reanna was unable to hold back her amusement any longer. She held her hand over her mouth and giggled, then leaned toward Jim, “Hey, nice recovery.”
Their table was also occupied by Ollie Kiefer, his wife, Ruth, and Bob MacDonald.
The normal chit-chat took place throughout the room while everyone enjoyed a magnificent dinner. The band began to play and a few couples were already swaying on the dance floor.
Jim excused himself from the table and headed for the Men’s Room. He meandered through some of the tables, briefly chatting with some guests while on his way.
Jim stood at the urinal as another man entered the room and stood at the next urinal.
“Congratulations, Mr. Wilson,” the tall, thin dark-haired man said.
“Thank you…and you are?”
“Dan, Dan Duffy.”
That name sounded familiar “Who are you with?” Jim walked over to the wash basin.
“I’m with the FBI.”
“Oh good, glad you could make it.” Jim began to wash his hands. Dan left the urinal and Jim sensed sudden m
ovement behind him. Jim spun around. Dan held a knife which he was flashing toward Jim’s abdomen. Jim gripped Dan’s arm with both hands and twisted his arm high in the air then slammed it down on the granite counter top. The knife went flying. Dan swung his left arm around Jim’s neck and began to pull him backward. Jim slammed his elbow back into Dan’s stomach. “Oomph,” went Dan as his air rushed out. But he wasn’t incapacitated. Jim twisted around and Dan punched him hard on his jaw. He didn’t expect that. The sudden pain vibrated his head. Dan charged. Jim quickly sidestepped. They both exchanged punches. Dan swung a big roundhouse punch. Jim ducked, then quickly dropped into a crouching position, lunging up and smashing into Dan like a football player. Dan reeled backward, crashed against a stall door, then fell through. He attempted to jump up but Jim was on top of him. Jim struck the man’s head with an open hand, then shoved his head down into the toilet bowl. Jim held Dan’s head under the water with both hands. Arms flailed but Jim maintained a tight grip. Bubbles began to rise and pop at the water’s surface. Dan’s movements slowed, then became still. The struggle was over.
Jim stared at Duffy’s head, which was face down in the toilet bowl. The water was streaked in red. His hair was floating on the water’s surface like the tentacles of an octopus.
This son-of-a-bitch tried to end his marriage with Reanna. It would take someone a lot stronger than him to do that.
Jim grabbed the ‘Out of Order’ sign that was taped on the adjacent stall door, and placed it on the stall door now occupied by Duffy. Jim removed his suit coat as he crossed the floor to the wash basins. He rolled up his sleeves and with a head that was pounding, began to wash his face and hands. He looked up and saw his face in the mirror. He had another swollen eye and blood oozed from his split lip. He splashed water on his face and patted it dry with a paper towel.
He flung his jacket over his shoulder and exited the restroom. Several guests stopped talking as they saw Jim’s swollen face. He wound his way through the various tables until reaching his own. He placed his folded jacket with wet sleeves over the back of his chair and sat down. Mr. and Mrs. Kiefer had already left and the conversation between MacDonald and Reanna came to an abrupt stop. Jim saw the frightful look on Reanna’s face. She shot to her feet to assist him, but he raised his hand and waved her off. She sat back down but in her eyes a storm was brewing. MacDonald eyeballed Jim, then got to his feet and proceeded to the restroom.
“Are you okay, hon?” asked Reanna. “What happened?”
“Other than a bit of a headache, I’m fine. And in case you’re still wondering which FBI Agent was the imposter, I can now tell you it was Dan Duffy.”
“Duffy?” Reanna responded in a raised voice. “I’m going to grill him! Is he still in the restroom?” she asked as she began to rise to her feet again.
“Sit down, hon.” Jim gently tugged at her arm and she sat back down.
Reanna looked at Jim and asked, “Is he…?”
“Yep, his talking days are over. And I guess you can say our mission is finally complete as well.”
Reanna gently wrapped her arms around Jim’s neck and gave him a special hug and kiss. “Thank goodness it’s finally over. Welcome home, sailor.”
Epilogue
Jim returned to S & S Engineering and continued with his work as director of research and development. He also became more involved with the second floor activities. Reanna resumed her duties as the surgical nursing supervisor at the hospital.
A few weeks later, when Reanna returned home from work, Jim met her at the front door holding two stemmed glasses of her favorite white wine.
“Welcome home, sweetheart,” he said. Without any words, they both raised their glasses in a quiet toast and let the wine trickle over their lips. They crossed the living room floor and sat on the sofa.
“Okay honey,” said Reanna. “What’s going on?” They both set their glasses onto the coffee table.
Jim twisted toward Reanna, reached for her and held her hands. He gazed into her eyes, then brought her hands to his lips and gently kissed them.
Jim lowered her hands down to his lap and uttered, “Uh…”
“What is it, Jim?”
“MacDonald called me today. He’ll be here in two days and he wants to talk with both of us.”
Reanna slouched and looked at Jim, “Does that mean…?”
Look for Moscow Madness, a Dual Assassins’ sequel to be released in 2016, and find out what Mac presented at the meeting. Follow Jim and Reanna as their adventures continue in another international spy thriller. Is there another undetected mole?
Dual Assassins Page 10