by Mike Ryan
“We are running a few things down now. If we get confirmation on anything I’ll let the both of you know,” Sanders informed them.
“So that’s it?” Cain asked.
“What else would you like?”
“Our only lead on finding Kurylenko is some small time hood?”
“Most times you catch the big fish by dangling the little ones,” Sanders responded. “Find the little fish and start piecing together some of the puzzle.”
Cain sighed, thinking there must’ve been something else they could’ve been doing, something more.
“There is one other thing I can think of,” Sanders said.
“What?” Cain asked.
“You’ll probably meet what I’m about to say with some resistance but hear me out first.”
“OK?”
“There is one surefire way I can think of to get Kurylenko out into the open.”
“How’s that?”
“Give him something he wants,” Sanders replied.
“Which is what?”
“Bait.”
“What kind of bait?”
“It seems that in retaliation of his brother and nephew’s deaths he’s after two people. One of which is you. The other is your girlfriend. I’m suggesting you give him what he wants. Make it easy for him.”
“You’re saying I make myself a target for him?” Cain wondered.
“Not quite.”
“Then what are you saying?”
“I’m saying you give your girlfriend up in order to take him out,” Sanders revealed.
“You’re asking me to sacrifice her?”
Sanders threw his hand up. “It’s a small price to pay isn’t it?”
“No, it’s not,” Cain resisted.
“Trading the life of a stripper for a chance to take out someone as dangerous as Kurylenko. Seems worth it to me.”
“Well it doesn’t to me,” Cain angrily replied. “First, she isn’t a stripper anymore. Second, her life is in my hands and it isn’t negotiable.”
“Cain, I know you care for this girl,” Sanders told him. “But she’s not the only one in the world capable of taking your pants off if you know what I mean. There are other women out there.”
“It’s not an option.”
“Talk to him, Shelly.”
Cain looked at her and raised his eyebrow, looking irritated, not believing that Lawson would actually try to talk him into giving Heather up. Lawson was not in favor of the Director’s plan and tried to downplay the situation and relieve the tension by trying the original plan first.
“Instead of doing something so dramatic that could cause friction amongst everyone, let’s just try to find this Ackers first,” she told them.
“Tell me, Cain, how are you going to protect this girl when you’re out there on a mission or trying to find Kurylenko? Or you’re tracking down some lead?” Sanders wondered
“That’s my problem. I’ll take care of it.”
“I hope you’re right. Because I can’t spare men everyday by being her personal bodyguards.”
“I don’t need help in protecting her,” Cain said.
“I hope so. For your sake.”
Cain angrily stormed out of the office and started walking down the hall when Lawson caught up to him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him into her office.
“I can’t believe he actually just suggested what I heard him say,” Cain stated.
“I know,” Lawson replied, trying to calm him down. “Just forget about it and let’s concentrate on finding Ackers and Kurylenko and getting this thing over with so you and Heather can move on.”
“I still don’t get the connection between the two,” Cain said in angst. “I mean, how would they get together? Kurylenko didn’t just grab a copy of the phone book, close his eyes, and pick out a name.”
“There is one other thing,” Lawson told him.
“What?”
“Just before we went in there I got a hit back about your contact in Russia.”
“Who is he?” Cain wondered.
“His name is Alexander Yushkevitch. He does have an arrest record. Beyond that, his association with Kurylenko is unclear. Perhaps he was a former associate of his. There’s not much more information about him.”
“I know how we can find out,” Cain blurted out.
“How?”
“By asking.”
“Huh?” Lawson muttered, not making sense of his comment. “Ask who?”
“Someone who worked for Andrei Kurylenko,” he said, purposefully being vague.
“Who would that be?”
Cain raised his eyebrows and tilted his head, hoping Lawson would get the hint without him having to say the name.
“Please tell me you’re not suggesting what I think you are,” Lawson stated.
“I’m not suggesting anything.”
“I think I know what you’re hinting at,” she said, raising her voice in anger. “Do you really think it’s a good idea to go looking for him to try and get information? First, he’s got a KOS order on him which means, technically, you’re supposed to kill him the minute you lay eyes on him. Secondly, do you really think he would help you in any way figure this thing out? Thirdly, what makes you think you can even find him to begin with? And fourth, you must be crazy if you’re gonna try to meet him without the agency finding out about it.”
“Do you have another option?” Cain asked.
“Yes. We do what we said we would and find Ackers and go from there.”
“That’s not good enough.”
“Why isn’t it?”
“Because our boss just suggested to me that I intentionally trade in the life of my girlfriend,” Cain replied, also getting heated. “How can I just sit back and wait for everyone else to track down leads and hope they find something? Leads that I’m not even sure are worthwhile to begin with.”
Lawson sighed and sat down in her chair. She rubbed her face in her hands in frustration, trying to think of what to do next.
“And if you find Raines, then what?” Lawson asked. “What makes you think he’ll talk to you and not kill you himself?”
“It’s a chance I’m willing to take.”
“How do you plan on even finding him?”
“I know someone who might know his whereabouts,” Cain said.
“Who?”
“I’ll worry about that. The less you know the better. If Sanders finds out what I’m doing you won’t have to cover for me.”
“I don’t like this. If you don’t tell me anything how will I know if you get into any sort of trouble?” Lawson wondered.
“Easy. If I don’t come back within a week I’m probably dead.”
Cain left Lawson’s office and started walking down the hall. He took out his cell phone and scrolled for Guntur’s number. He figured Guntur might still know where Raines was or how to get in touch with him. He helped Raines disappear once before, Cain thought it likely they still had connections. Cain dialed his number as he left building, dodging oncoming walkers as the phone rang.
“Hello?” Guntur answered.
“Remember me?” Cain asked.
“Of course I do, Mr. Cain. Pleasure to speak with you again.”
“I’m sure.”
“What can I do for you?”
“Eric Raines,” Cain said.
“What about him?”
“I need to find him.”
“Why come to me?” Guntur asked.
“Because I think you know where he is. Or at least know how to get in touch with him.”
“I’m afraid I can’t help you with that request, Mr. Cain.”
“Guntur, don’t make me fly halfway around the world just to beat you to a bloody pulp. I’m not asking you to set him up for me or anything. I just want to meet with him. You get in touch with him and let him decide. I need some information that only he can provide. I’ll meet with him on his terms, whenever and wherever he’d like. You relay that information to him and I’ll make sur
e you’re taken care of.”
“Of course, Mr. Cain. Why you not say so before?”
Cain rolled his eyes. He knew Guntur was a master bull shitter who could talk out of both sides of his mouth, depending on who was the recipient. But Guntur obviously knew how to play the game which was why he was so good at what he did.
“So you do know how to contact him,” Cain stated.
“You did say there would be something in it for me? How much you say?”
“You just get him. You do that and you won’t regret it.”
“Excellent, Mr. Cain. I will call you when I hear something.”
“I’ll be waiting for you,” Cain told him.
Cain walked the rest of the way home, hopeful that Guntur would have some positive news for him within the next couple of hours. Once he got back to his apartment the team of guards dispersed when they saw him. They were directed to only be there while Cain was gone. Heather greeted him with a kiss as he came in.
“Anything good?” she wondered.
“Huh?”
“At the office. Good news?”
“Oh. Umm, I’m not sure yet. There’s a couple of leads they’re working on but I have something of my own I’m waiting on,” Cain replied.
“When will this be over?
“Soon I hope,” he told her, taking her in his arms. “I’m sorry again.”
“I swear if you apologize to me one more time…”
Cain let out a slight smile, amazed at how perfect she was. He was equally amazed at how fast Guntur got back to him. He didn’t expect a return call for at least a few hours but he called back about forty five minutes later.
“Hope you have good news for me, Guntur,” Cain said.
“Indeed I do, Mr. Cain. I have word from Mr. Raines that he is willing to meet with you.”
“Where and when?”
“You are to take a flight tomorrow morning to Heathrow Airport in London,” Guntur told him.
“Where do I go after that?”
“From there you will be contacted on a direction. Mr. Raines has arranged the details. Even I do not know more than that. Do you agree to these terms?”
“I do,” Cain answered.
“Very well. I will inform Mr. Raines of your acceptance. He looks forward to your discussion.”
“As do I.”
Cain put his phone down after he hung up and sighed. It wasn’t out of frustration though, more of feeling like he was actually getting somewhere. He hoped Raines would be able to help. He turned and looked at Heather, who was reading a magazine, and wondered what he was going to do with her while he was in London. Leaving her at home could be dangerous and he didn’t trust tasking Sanders with her protection. Taking her with him could be as equally dangerous, though if she was with him he could at least keep an eye on her. After thinking about it for a few moments he thought there was only one way to go.
“Pack your bags,” Cain stated.
“Huh?”
“We’re going to London.”
“What? Why?” Heather asked.
“We’re going to meet someone.”
“Do you know this person?”
“I’ve met him a few times. He might have the information that I need,” Cain told her.
“Why not just call him and ask?”
“Doesn’t quite work that way. First, he’s actually on the agency’s most wanted list, and I’m supposed to kill him on sight.”
“Oh wow. But you’re not?”
“No. So I can’t risk the agency finding out, never know if they have phones tapped or monitored.”
“Oh.”
“So why are you supposed to kill him?” Heather wondered.
“It’s a long story.”
“So why are you taking me with you?”
“I can’t leave you here if I’m there. The best way I can protect you is if you’re always with me. I don’t think I’d be able to stand being on a different continent knowing you were in danger. I’d worry too much.”
“Guess I’m growing on you, huh?” she said with a smile.
“Guess so,” Cain replied, returning the smile.
Heather initially felt a little nervous about going on a trip with Cain. She loved going away with him but this was business, not a romantic getaway like Hawaii. After a few minutes she felt a little better about it, not quite as anxious, knowing that she was better off being by his side. Being by herself while he was in a different country might have been a little hard for her to take, especially under the current circumstances.
London—Cain and Heather flew into London where they were met by one of Raines’ associates. They were directed to proceed to a train station where they boarded the train on their way to Liverpool. From there a car was waiting for them and drove them to a popular restaurant. Cain and Heather were lead to a door in the rear of the restaurant. They entered the private room and saw Raines sitting at the rounded table. He had food already prepared for all of them as he waited for their arrival. The men that brought Cain and Heather to the room left once their visitors were inside and closed the door behind them. They sat down at the table, eager to hear what Raines had to say.
“Nice place,” Cain stated.
“Yes, it is. Good food and the service is outstanding. I didn’t anticipate you bringing a friend but there is more than enough for everybody.”
Cain and Heather hesitated as they weren’t really up for eating. They were more interested in what came out of Raines’ mouth, not what he put into it. Raines could see they had reservations and tried to make them more at ease.
“Please now, you must have something,” Raines told them. “After I went through all this trouble to welcome you, you have to sample the fine cuisine.”
Cain and Heather relented and put some food on their plates and started eating, hoping their eagerness to please him would result in some information to their liking.
“I must say I was intrigued when I heard you wanted to have a meeting,” Raines began. “I was caught a little bit off guard. I had thought our business was finished.”
“So did I. But I didn’t know who else to turn to. I figured you were the best option I had,” Cain responded.
“Had I known you were bringing a lady with you I would’ve tried to make your journey a little easier,” Raines said, looking at Heather. “And you are?”
“Heather,” she answered.
“Ahh, yes, I remember the name. The woman so concerned about your well being when you were in Syria. Am I to assume you two are a couple?”
“That’s not why we’re here,” Cain told him. “Our relationship is irrelevant.”
“Maybe so. I just like to be well informed. The implication is clear anyway, whether you confirm it or not. Unless she is an agent, which seems unlikely, she wouldn’t be here otherwise. Which also begs the question of why you‘ve brought your girlfriend with you? Seems highly peculiar.”
“OK. Can we get down to business?” Cain asked.
“Absolutely. What can I help you with?”
“A problem’s come up relating to my work in Russia,” Cain told him.
“Yes, several groups of rebels and militia are now scrambling to find a new supplier,” Raines joked.
“That’s not the problem I’m referring to.”
“So what is this problem you speak of?”
“It seems as though someone, somehow, found out about my work there.”
“And you thought maybe I had something to do with it,” Raines stated.
“It crossed my mind.”
“I hope you immediately crossed it off your mind.”
“Well, you are the only person who personally witnessed what happened,” Cain said.
“I sincerely hope you are not considering me as a suspect. I assure you that if I wanted any harm to come to you I would’ve killed you myself on at least four different occasions. In Russia, Syria, that bridge in Indonesia, and Honduras. So you see, if I wanted you dead, you would be.”
“And I understand that. Which is why I didn’t put much stock into you being the one,” Cain said, tossing the Kurylenko file on the table.
“What is this?”
“The man who supposedly is after me…Dmitri Kurylenko.”
“Kurylenko?”
“Andrei’s brother,” Cain replied.
Raines looked at the file and picture of Kurylenko then quizzically looked back up at Cain. It wasn’t quite making sense to him either.
“I worked for Andrei Kurylenko off and on for over two years. I never heard him say anything about a brother,” Raines told him.
“There was no mention in any of his files either.”
“Very strange.”
“I met a contact in Russia, a man named Alexander Yushkevitch, who led me to an apartment that was rented by Dmitri. I went inside and after a few minutes a sniper tried to eliminate me through a window.”
“How unfortunate.”
“Do you know Yushkevitch? Maybe he worked for Andrei at some point?” Cain asked.
“I can’t say I’m familiar with the name. If he did work for Andrei then I am unaware of it.”
“Well, before the business at the window happened, I found these,” Cain said, putting a couple pictures near Raines.
Cain had given most of the pictures he found over to Lawson but he had kept a couple for himself in case he needed them for anything.
“So you think Kurylenko took these?” Raines asked.
“Apparently they had fingerprints on them that were traced to a small time hood named Darrin Ackers. It’s believed that Kurylenko hired this Ackers fellow to take the pictures and send them back to him.”
“But you’re not so sure?”
“It doesn’t make sense. Kurylenko hires someone like Ackers? Dmitri apparently used to work for the SVR, I’m sure he’s got better contacts to use than this guy.”
“It does seem like shoddy work. Unless he assumes this man will be found rather quickly and doesn’t want to burn one of his normal contacts on such a low level assignment.”