by Roger Rapel
‘Okay Jim our suspect agent is called Martin Kowalski; yeah I know, with a name like that, he should be Russian, his parents came from a long line of immigrants, from an eastern bloc country, Poland I think. Your guy is called Trevor Jones-Smyth; he is over here now on some alleged intelligence mission. As said they have met that guy pointing to the photograph who looked South-American and probably Columbian, we haven’t fully identified him yet, he’s probably an intermediary anyway, but it’s getting closer to a big deal as all the indications are pointing that way.’
‘Okay Jim I want you to go to Miami next week with Carole-Anne and get close to the suspects; get as many photo’s as you can of them together, we will equip Carole-Anne with some covert photographic gear as well; whilst you use your sunglasses. Don’t push getting to know them, although if the situation presents itself then take the opportunity.’ ‘Won’t your guy know Carole-Anne; the surveillance team may have sent pictures of me and her together?’ ‘No she is not well known in the section that he works in, and certainly we don’t think in the time that the team were on you, they had sent back any photo’s also when we swooped they never had any cameras and their phones were clear,’ ‘wow that is a bit risky isn’t it?’ ‘That’s the name of the game Jim; make the best of what you have got.’ ‘Have we got any form of back up?’ ‘Only my telephone number, if you suspect things have gone wrong; let me know and I will get a local agency to get you out.’ ‘Now this is real James Bond stuff,’ as they both laughed. ‘Just be careful Jim, enjoy yourself as well, but be careful. I know you will enjoy Carole-Anne, I know you will.’ Jim smiled as he nodded ‘she’s a nice girl.’ Barney nodded as he said ‘she speaks highly of you Jim.’ They wrapped up the meeting when Barney stated that Carole-Anne would book the same hotel as Kowalski once she knew it. They shook hands as Jim returned to his room to study the photos.
Jim then called Yvonne he explained his meeting with Barney including the taking out of the surveillance team. Yvonne was not surprised as she reiterated his need to be careful. She then went on to talk about Jones-Smyth, he was in the states on a mission which was confidential; the part about him going to Miami was not in his brief, so if he turns up there, it will confirm he was involved in the drugs importation; endorsing my suspicions.
Jim then called Jackie saying he was going to be at least another week before heading home. He then asked her if she had anything in mind for a gift; anything special she had always wanted. ‘I just want you back safe and well, but if you really want to buy me something, a nice watch would be nice, something for special occasions.’
Jim then went window shopping checking out the jewellery sections in the department stores. He returned to the same store he had been to on his previous trip; where he bought Jackie the bracelet and necklace. The assistant recognised him instantly as she said ‘you back again sir?’ ‘Yes mam; I’m after a nice dress watch for a special lady; she was most impressed with items I bought for her last time.’ ‘Well thank you sir; you’re in luck we have a good selection of watches and I am able to offer you a good discount as a returning customer, follow me.’ Jim went to the other side of the large square counter where he looked through the big glass display, the assistant slid back the door on her side and took out a couple of watches, two gold and two silver, saying ‘I can offer you 25% discount on these, but unfortunately only these as they are now coming to end of line, so we have discounted them for returning customers.’ Jim looked at them and knew Jackie preferred gold. One of the ones shown he was sure she would like, so he bought it. The gold face was encrusted with gems that sparkled in the light. The assistant took the watch to the counter as she adjusted the time and set the date. She made a phone call with her back turned to Jim. He couldn’t hear what was being said; she must have trusted him as she had left the other watches on the counter. She returned, handing him the watch as she explained the operation of the hands and the date adjustment, then said ‘good news sir, due to your previous purchases the manager has agreed a 33% discount.’ Jim looked at the heavily made up, 50 year old assistant who smiled at him. ‘Thank you so much for your kindness.’ ‘Oh it has been my pleasure sir,’ as she smiled at him.
Jim handed over his credit card then signed the receipt after she had slid the machine across the face of the card impregnating the details. She very carefully and slowly wrapped the watch in gift wrap paper and then very neatly tied a bow of pink ribbon and placed into a small carrier bag. She handed it to Jim as he smiled; he took her hand as he kissed the back then thanked her again. The assistant was all aflutter smiling at him. Jim smiled back then he left the store. The assistant stood with her hands clasped together as she watched Jim leave, her mind was way up in the clouds. Then she was brought back down by another customer.
On the way back to the hotel Carole-Anne called Jim making an excuse about later; he knew from her voice that she had received her monthly visitor, she reminded him of the way Jackie sounded when all she wanted to do was sit hugging a hot water bottle.
Jim then went back to the hotel and called Barney asking if he wanted a drink, but he declined the invitation. Jim was alone so went to the hotel restaurant where he sat and ordered a meal and a bottle of wine. The restaurant was busy with both residents and non-residents. The waiting staff and wine waiters were rushing around with what seemed like ordered chaos.
Jim was sat people watching, when he saw an attractive woman sat on her own reading a book as she ate her meal, she was dressed as if she was meeting someone or going onto a show after the meal. Jim finished in the restaurant. He went to the bar and ordered a scotch, a single malt to compliment the meal and the wine; he sat in a lounge chair and relaxed. He then saw the woman from the restaurant sat at the bar. He couldn’t help himself, so he went to the bar. He stood next to her looking at her very expensive dress and jewellery. ‘Good evening; may I compliment you on your dress, it is very nice, you off to a show?’ She looked at Jim with a sort of down the nose look and didn’t answer. ‘Oh sorry, I was just paying you a compliment.’ He then turned and sat back down at his seat. The woman turned and walked over to him ‘Sorry, compliment accepted; it looks like I have been stood-up’ ‘Oh please join me; sorry I’m not dressed for the occasion, just having a casual day.’ ‘Thank you; if I may join you that’d be nice.’ ‘I’m Jim and you are?’ ‘Christina.’ ‘Nice name; where in the states are you from?’ ‘Ohio, Cleveland.’ ‘Okay, as you guessed from the UK not far from London.’ They chatted about different things as Christina began letting her defences down as she became more comfortable in Jim’s company.
Christina explained that she was always being hit on so, had developed an outer shell which she used to bat off those who tried it on with her; at least that’s what she told Jim.
Jim should have guessed it, but he didn’t, he was too wrapped up in her classy nature and well healed appearance also her looks, she was ravishing, he was being sucked in and he was enjoying the ego inflation.
He never knew it, but he was being groomed and professionally so; her sultry looks with deep blue sparkling eyes were burning into his, giving him a stirring his loins which had made him nearly drop his guard. All he could imagine was him in bed with her; she was openly flirting with him and getting him worked up. She made an excuse as she went to the toilet. He watched her as she swayed her hips for him provocatively; her long shapely legs and high heels accentuated their shape. He thought fuck me what a body; I think I’m in there.
Then he thought with a loud bang in his head, this had been too easy, what the fuck, then he thought honey trap, why hadn’t he seen it coming? Why had he let his guard drop? He quickly called Barney of his suspicions. ‘Okay Jim no problem let’s just see if she is on the other side. See how far she will go push her a little, get her phone number. If she wants to bed you on the first date then you will know; no one does that these days, not if they are as classy as you say she is.’ ‘Okay she’s on the way back; speak soon.’ Jim took a picture of her using hi
s sun glasses; the light was just good enough. She commented on the phone call. Jim just stated a work commitment for tomorrow; she began pumping him for information about his work. He just went with the legend he had been given. But she kept on at him through a series of questions in a roundabout way. Jim then knew he so nearly fell for a honey trap; he looked at his watch and gave a false yawn and said ‘you will have to excuse me I have a busy day tomorrow, nice meeting you; look give me your number perhaps we can have a bite to eat somewhere later in the week if you’d like that?’ ‘I’d love to Jim’ as she wrote down her number handing it over; she placed it into his hand as she gave a meaningful, but gentle squeeze. ‘Till later Christina, this has been a pleasure, if I wasn’t so jet lagged I would invite you for a night cap.’ He smiled at her as she leant over and kissed him on the cheek. ‘Maybe next time we can have a night cap in my hotel?’ ‘I would like that.’ She smiled coyly as she stood up, seductively smoothing her dress. ‘Till later Jim, I look forward to it?’ Then she left the hotel knowing he was watching her swaying her hips. Jim watched her thinking she looked like Marilyn Monroe with her sexy walk and nice hips.
Jim got to his room and thought fuck me what a body, as he down loaded the picture from his sunglasses camera. Fuck me I could have given her one. He then emailed Barney the picture and her contact number.
Jim knew his weakness was a good looking woman, but he had now entered a different world, one he was not used too. He never had to watch out before; now he was in the world of double dealing spies and secret agents; this was so surreal. He could have unwittingly blown something, as he smiled thinking she could have blown me. He was just glad he had woken up to the threat in time.
Jim then lay on the bed contemplating how close he had come to being caught in a compromising position, with a threat being made to disclose the photos to Jackie; his life would have been in tatters and his cover blown. No more Yvonne, no more trips abroad and above all no more expenses. The thoughts were racing around his head.
He then called Carole-Anne enquiring how she was, she was none too pleased at his late call having been woken up, but confirmed she was okay.
He lay on the bed as the alcohol and latter ends of the jet lag began to take its toll as he fell asleep not waking till the morning.
He called Jackie enquiring if she was okay, she confirmed she was, but was still worried about him. Jim talked for some twenty minutes; then she had to go to a meeting.
Jim showered and went for breakfast, albeit he couldn’t get over the sweet cakes and muffins on display, albeit he had taken a liking for waffles and maple syrup.
He looked around the restaurant looking at the guests; they were all sizes and cultures. He was trying to spot any likely suspects; everyone appeared to be busy chattering and eating so he gave up and just relaxed.
Barney called him, ‘hey Jim lets meet; I’ll pick you up outside the hotel in twenty minutes okay?’ Jim acknowledged him then went back upstairs and changed into something more in keeping with a tourist, a pair of slacks and bomber jacket.
Barney arrived in a black SUV, he wound down the electric windows, ‘hey Jim, jump in’ Jim opened the door and climbed in as he shook hands. ‘What’s up?’ Jim enquired, ‘Just need to brief you on some movements that have occurred.’ ‘Did you check out that woman’s details I sent you?’ ‘Yes, she is one of ours; she was used to see if you would fall for a honey trap.’ ‘You bastard, she was gorgeous I could have given her one.’ ‘Ha ha Jim, you were nearly served up on a plate, but it was to show how easy it is to be lured into a trap, not everything is as it seems.’ ‘Fucking hell she really played the part, she looked really up for it as well.’ ‘No Jim; you wouldn’t have got her into bed, but she is a cracker isn’t she?’ ‘My god Barney, I can see how easy it could happen, especially after a few drinks.’ ‘Anyhow that’s now past; I want you and Carole-Anne to sit down and work through your history, the hotels you stayed in whilst on holiday, what you did and who you met, the works, because if you get separated and you’re asked questions I want you to confidently know that each other will give the same answers; not that I think it will happen, but just in case. You’re purely down to monitor although it’s best to have all bases covered just in case.’ ‘Okay we can work on that.’ ‘I may get someone to test you as well, before you go, so get your heads together, not just kissing either.’ ‘I’m just keeping up Anglo-American relations.’ As they both laughed.
‘Okay Jim the serious stuff, when you’re in Miami they will have watchers out on the ground, this is a multi-million dollar deal so, they will take no chances, just remember, life has become cheap, so don’t put your head above the wall to be shot at.’ ‘Okay, thanks Barney, good stuff!’ ‘Right, Jones-Smyth has made contact with another Columbian; then he spoke with Kowalski. The wiretap is working well, they have discussed meeting in Grand Beach Hotel which is where Jones-Smyth said he had booked a room, so I suggest you book one as well, you can be just another tourist couple.’ ‘It doesn’t sound cheap?’ ‘No it isn’t but, it’s on Uncle Sam.’ ‘I’ll get Carole-Anne to book it; she can use her covert business credit card.’ ‘Okay anything else?’ ‘Yes, yesterday was to show you how you have to be aware at all times, don’t let your guard down, because the moment you relax, you can be sure someone will be there to reel you in.’ ‘Okay I have that firmly in my head, but fuck me Barney she was tasty.’ Barney laughed ‘yes she is very tasty and happily married, so your luck is out.’ ‘What a shame.’ ‘Anyway your plate is full I suspect, with Carole-Anne?’ ‘You ain’t kidding she is a handful and no mistake.’ ‘Okay Jim, just remember sort out the legend with Carole-Anne and once you’re in Miami the game is fully on. Forget James Bond, this is for real; people to the cartels are very dispensable, just remember, they pay off who they want, and they get what they want; so make sure you sweep the room every day and make sure you leave nothing out that can identify who you really are.’ ‘Okay I think I’m up to speed, I will call Carole-Anne later and start to go through our timings.’ ‘Okay Jim I’ll drop you back now, we will have that beer before you go to Miami.’
Barney dropped him off at the hotel then sped off in the archetypal SUV of the secret service. Jim went to reception checking for messages; the package sent by Yvonne had arrived; he signed for it then went to his room; he went through the sweeping procedure, which was almost second nature now; but this time, there was a slight reading as the needle hovered between green and amber; he walked around the room, he couldn’t get any real fix, then he realised it was emanating from the adjoining room, he held the device against the wall, the meter went into amber nearly touching red.
He couldn’t think straight, was he the target or was it next door, or was the device next door installed so it picked the conversation in his room. He called Barney, and just said ‘all the indications are going into to the red; so better just watch and see, before making any sudden investments.’ Barney acknowledged him and said ‘keep quiet about it, as to go public could cause a blip on the horizon.’
Jim went outside the room and into the corridor walking towards the lift, and called Carole-Anne asking if she was okay she confirmed all back to normal. Jim made a time for a get together at Maddy’s.
Jim went back to his room and opened up the package and looked at the professional business cards, he peeled off a couple and placed them in his wallet.
Jim met Carole-Anne at Maddy’s where he discussed the meter reading indication and the implications of his finding. Had the device been placed in the next door room to listen in on his conversations?
Carole-Anne needed to meet with Barney to discuss the finding, as it could have far reaching consequences; there could be another leak or another freelance agency involved. ‘Okay let’s get back to my apartment and do a full sweep, I have an extra sensitive metre which will pick up any device there or close by.’ They finished their drinks then walked back to her apartment, Jim grabbed her unexpectedly and stood her up against the wall of a b
uilding and kissed her. She tried to stop him, but he had the advantage of surprise. This wasn’t passion this was his chance to view the street and check on any suspects following them. He held Carole-Anne tight as he said ‘just keep still, I think we are being followed.’ Jim confirmed they were; he had picked out a two man team, one on their side-walk the other on the opposite side. ‘Okay let’s cab it somewhere; until we can contact Barney.’ Carole-Anne nodded as they waved down a passing cab. Carole-Anne directed the driver to the Italian restaurant where they had eaten previously. Before entering Carole-Anne contacted Barney, giving them their location. She received his instructions; which was to do nothing make it look normal, just carrying on as usual don’t take any notice of the followers. Barney indicated he would get them identified.
Carole-Anne passed on the instructions from Barney to Jim as they went inside and were shown to a table. Jim didn’t like the situation he would have preferred the followers to have been taken out, but not his call.
They sat and ate their meal, Carole-Anne said ‘I’m off tomorrow remember, so where shall we go?’ ‘Okay, how about somewhere on the coast, what about Chesapeake beach? Get up early and go, we can use your car what do you say?’ ‘How do you know I have a car?’ ‘Haven’t you?’ ‘Yes, but hardly ever use it, it’s easier to cab it; I keep it in the underground car park. Okay Chesapeake it is, but we will have to make an early start because the traffic in the morning is horrendous anywhere around Washington.’ ‘What’s early?’ ‘Be away from here by 6am at the latest.’ ‘What?’ ‘It’s your idea not mine.’