Solemn Duty (1997)

by Leonard B Scott

  Charlie held out the phone handset. "Sir, I have the Technical Support Division chief on the line for you."

  The deputy strode toward Charlie and spoke to Dr. Valez.

  "Please stay, Ramona, I want you to help Charlie on this." He took the phone and began talking.

  Eli whispered to Ashley, "Let's get out of here." He waved to Charlie and Ramona and whispered again, "See you two this evening." Once in the hallway, Eli said, "You bring any suntan lotion?"

  Ashley extended her hand. "I want to congratulate you, Tanner. You're a very good agent and it was a pleasure working with you."

  Eli shocked her when he ignored her hand and instead put his arm around her shoulder and began walking her down the hallway. "Come on, I know this great chili place in Old Town that has the best chili this side of Texas. You're goin' to love it."

  "Aren't we going to wait for Dr. Valez?"

  "Naw, she's not a chili person."

  "They play country western music at this chili place?'

  "Of course. But it's Washington, so they also have regular food, and even have a choice between red and white wine for the highbrows that go to the place to slum. Come on pard, I need a beer and-"

  "I know, listen to Garth Brooks . . . wind-down time. Okay, Tanner, but afterward it's straight to the hotel. I have to catch up on my sleep. And yes, I did happen to bring suntan lotion."

  Eli laughed as he walked her down the hall. 'That's my paid, always prepared."

  .

  2:45 P. M. Kwong Ling Corporate Headquarters, Baileys Crossroads.

  At his desk on the top floor of the ultramodern fifteen-story office building, Peter Wong set the phone back onto its cradle and pushed the button under the lip of his desk.

  Seconds later Donna Chu entered the office. He motioned her to a nearby leather chair and spoke as if very tired. "I just received approval to terminate the garbagemen's contract. The elders agree they are a liability to us."

  "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

  Peter looked into her eyes. "Ms. Chu, you were placed as my assistant by your uncle so that you would understand all the facets of our business. This is the unpleasant side. Yes, it means exactly what you think it does: contract workers in our employ are to be terminated before they become an embarrassment to us. You saw the message from our insider. The FBI will be probing our affairs, and the elders feel that warrants cleaning up all our loose ends. I asked you in here because you need to know how I handle such matters. When you are your uncle's chief assistant, you will have to know how such arrangements are made."

  "I don't like it, Peter. I never thought I would have to be involved in something like this. I thought Uncle and the elders were through with that part of the old ways."

  "It's business, Donna. I don't like it, either, but the decision has been made. As regrettable as it is, some good may come of it. I believe the elders may now realize that the utilization of such contractors is not worth the risk. Perhaps you will never have to be involved in such matters again."

  Peter removed a manila envelope from his top drawer. "Precautions must always be taken when working with contractors.

  The Leesburg Mansion house staff has kept me informed of everything the garbage men do and say while at the house.

  Under my direction the staff has also surreptitiously photographed every man. I know, for instance, that the contractors are at present moving to their alternate base in Woodbridge and very soon will be conducting an operation that entails the termination of the soldier we found for them."

  Peter lifted the envelope. "I will give this envelope containing the photographs and location of the alternate base to one of our trusted employees, who will then pass it on to a gentleman who has many contacts in the Washington area. He will make arrangements and subcontract to a group that has the means of terminating our garbage men. It is expensive, Ms.

  Chu. The price of such work will cost one million dollars plus an additional fifty thousand for the gentleman who made the arrangements for us. The work, however, is guaranteed.

  Should one group be incapable of fulfilling its obligation, another will be hired by the middleman, and if they, too, are unsuccessful, another will be employed until the work is complete. In matters such as this we demand complete satisfaction."

  Donna nodded. "I understand. How long will it take for the work to be done?"

  "Within twenty-four hours. It is important that the garbage men be eliminated as quickly as possible. I authorized a higher payment for a speedy termination because in the past year the garbage men requested and received a large quantity of weapons and destructive materials that were necessary for their work for us."

  Donna shifted nervously in her seat. "What happens if they find out we have a contract out on them?"

  Peter sighed and leaned back in his chair. "They would separate and flee the country, making the termination very difficult. Upon his arrival a year ago, Devoe insisted we provide each of his men three separate identities, complete with supporting documentation, including passports. So it is imperative they be eradicated while they are all still in their nest"

  Donna slowly stood and slightly bowed her head. "Excuse me, Peter, but I am feeling ill. I will leave you to your work."

  Turning, she walked out of the office, shutting the door behind her.

  His own stomach rumbling, Peter picked up the phone and began pushing the number keys, knowing he was sealing the fate of twelve men.

  .

  3:45 P. M. I. W. Marriott Hotel, Washington, D. C.

  Unable to rest, Ashley got up from bed, put on her bathing suit and a robe, and left the room. Minutes later she walked through the doorway into the indoor pool area Setting down her athletic bag and taking off her robe, she approached the deep end of the pool and dove in. Fifteen laps later she grabbed hold of the ladder and tiredly climbed out of the pool, hoping she would be able to sleep. Walking toward her things, she suddenly stopped. Just beyond the open glass doors Eli lay on a lounge chair on the outside sun deck. He raised his sunglasses and smiled. , "I give you a seven for style on the dive, but the difficulty factor was only point five. You shoulda done a can opener or a cannonball for more points."

  Embarrassed at being caught in her practically invisible bathing suit, she continued toward her things. After putting on her robe and picking up her bag, she took in a breath, gathering her strength, and strode toward him.

  Eli motioned to the lounge chair beside him and tossed her a towel. "Couldn't sleep, huh?"

  She shook her head as she sat down. "Your great chili gave me heartburn. I see you couldn't sleep, either."

  "I almost was, but Charlie called . . . the news wasn't good.

  The taps didn't work. Seems one of the probables used a coworker's computer when he was away from his desk.

  Charlie suspects the probable sent the message through the Internet e-mail system but he can't prove it. Problem is, they can't prove the agent did anything wrong. She was on-line for only five minutes. She said she only accessed information on new cars. She said it was for a case she was working on-she had copies of the stuff she had printed up."

  Ashley exhaled through her nose and leaned back in the chair. "Lie detector will get her. She can't refuse taking one."

  "You're right, but Charlie said she told them to cram it. She resigned. They can't touch her."

  "She's gone, Tanner, that's what amts. The organization lost their informer so we win even though she wasn't prosecuted."

  Eli wrinkled his brow. "I wouldn't call it a win. I'd call it a draw. The Cambodians are the ones who lost. . . . Charlie told me the Jamaican dirty boys in town will probably get the contract. They're the ones the wise guys and druggies hire when they need a quick but efficient hit in the Washington area."

  Sitting up, Ashley took a pair of sunglasses and a bottle of suntan lotion from her bag. She tossed the bottle over and it landed on his stomach. "All of this makes me glad we'll be back in Columbus on Monday. I am begi
nning to think dull is good."

  Eli set the bottle of lotion aside and closed his eyes. "I learned that a long time ago."

  Her eyes hidden by the dark glasses, she looked at the scar on his neck muscle just above the clavicle. He had a much bigger one on his right breast and almost an identical one four inches below that She sat up again and picked up the bottle of lotion he'd set on the pavement between them.

  "You'd better put some of this on those scars. They're getting awfully pink."

  He didn't move. "It's all right, I'm going back to my room in a few minutes anyway; I need a good nap. Ramona is taking us out to dinner tonight to celebrate our closing the case Afterward I thought I'd go and visit with Colonel Anderson awhile and tell him what happened. Once he gets out of the hospital, he can get on with his life . . . I hope."

  Ashley stole another long look at him and couldn't take it anymore. "Tanner, do you know Dr. Valez likes you quite a lot?"

  Eli rolled his head toward her. "You've been around Millie too long, Agent Sutton. Mona likes all men . . . she likes manipulating us. We let her do it because she's nice to look at while she's doing it"

  "No, Tanner, I mean it. She likes you."

  Eli sighed and rolled his head back, facing the sun. "Give it a rest. I'm not interested. Mona isn't my type. I would always feel like I was one of her experiments and she was secretly trying to change my behavior or something."

  "So, Tanner, you're saying you're a 'here I am, this is what you get guy,' huh?"

  "Yep, Agent Sutton, that's it I'm too old to change, and to tell you the truth, I don't want to. I'm getting it together again, and me suits me just fine . . . even my gut says so."

  "Well, if Mr. Gut is involved I'm sure it's okay, then. If you don't mind, I want to go with you tonight when you visit the colonel. I'd like to talk to his wife. She's been through a lot and would probably like some assurances everything is going to be all right"

  Eli smiled but didn't look at her. "I was going to ask you to drive anyway, partner."

  "Nice to know I'm good for something, Tanner," Ashley snapped. Secretly, she was glad he was playing the game again. Leaning back in her chair, she decided it was time to change the rules a little. "Tanner, in the hotel in Columbus I told you I thought using our first names was unprofessional. . . . I was wrong. You are one of the most professional agents I've ever met If it's all right with you I'd like to-"

  Eli held up his hand as he rose up from his chair. "No, Agent Sutton. You weren't wrong. We should keep things just the way they are. We're going to meet Ramona and Charlie at seven in the lobby, so I'll knock on your door at about ten to You'd better use that lotion on yourself. You've got an awful lot of skin to protect in that little suit of yours. See ya."

  Eli picked up his bag and headed for the doorway. Ashley Sutton looked better than good in her bathing suit, and he couldn't take another second being around her without saying or doing something stupid. The ice queen was obviously melting, and he wasn't sure if he could handle the thawed-out version.

  Woodbridge, Virginia Jean Paul stepped into the living room where his men were seated. He lowered his head a moment as if in thought before looking into their expectant faces. "My friends, Nim informs me we were followed here by one of the house servants from the mansion. I believe it is now obvious our Chinese hosts believe us to be expendable. Each of you is family to me, so I cannot ask any of you to remain with me to finish my duty.

  You have done enough for me over the years, and I want each of you to have an opportunity to find happiness. The old one and I planned for this day, knowing it would eventually come.

  I am going to step outside for several minutes. Those who wish to leave, please do so with my blessing. Nim will provide you the documents and account numbers in each of your names so that you live the rest of your lives in comfort. To those who choose to remain, I promise only extreme danger and little chance of living long in this world. I leave you now to make your decision."

  Jean Paul walked out on the front porch and stood for only a minute when Nim stepped out and joined him. "Jean Paul, none will leave you. The monks taught us life is suffering, and we shall all suffer together. If the Chinese want a war, so be it.

  Come and lead us."

  Jean Paul wiped a single tear from his cheek and strode back into the house. He looked into each man's face and nodded.

  "The Chinese family is strong, but this family is stronger. The men who will come after us will be very good, but we are better. This night I will accomplish my duty with the first squad and half of the third squad. Nim and his second squad will teach the Chinese a lesson in humility, and the rest of the third squad will teach the assassins who come for us we are a family to reckon with. My plan for finishing Anderson remains the same, and the rendezvous point will now become our alternate base. Sary, take your squad and proceed with preparations. Be ready to leave within the hour for our staging location. Nim, I have a folder in my briefcase with a plan for our Chinese hosts.

  Get the folder and we will discuss it once the meeting is over.

  Penn, you and your squad will load the weapons and equipment in the truck to be taken to our new base, then begin planning for your reception of our visitors tonight. That is all for now, my friends. You must pack quickly and be ready to leave within two hours. Tonight will be an evening our enemies will never forget."

  Chapter 17.

  10:30 P. M. Vienna, Virginia.

  Peter Wong turned off the television with his remote and collected his shoes from beneath the coffee table. His wife, Mey, walked toward the stairs leading up to their bedroom and spoke over her shoulder. "Don't forget to check the doors, Peter."

  "Yes, dear." He made a detour into the kitchen to check the sliding glass door that led to the backyard and pool. He turned on the kitchen light and froze. Something hard pressed against his temple.

  Hu Nim cocked back the hammer of his silenced pistol and smiled. "Mr. Wong, you underestimated us. Please yell up to your wife and say you forgot important documents at your office and you must go. I suggest you sound very convincing or my men will have to kill her."

  Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

  Ashley turned off the rental car ignition and glanced at her passenger. "Are you sure he's going to be awake?"

  Eli opened the car door and got out. He waited until she was out of the car and then patted the cell phone in his blazer pocket. "I called the hospital when you and Ramona were in the powder room. He said come on over. His wife is staying with him in the room, and they're both late night people." He smiled and patted his other bulging pocket. "I brought him a present."

  Ashley rolled her eyes and stepped up beside him. "You can't take liquor into a hospital, Tanner."

  "Watch me, Agent Sutton. But I would feel better if you'd put these three cans of beer into your purse."

  She shook her head and started walking toward the hospital's front entrance. "Forget it, Tanner. Rules are rules, and I don't have room, anyway. My weapon takes up all my beer can room."

  He quickly caught up and nudged her shoulder with his.

  "Nice night, Agent Sutton. You ever see so many stars?"

  She slowed her steps and looked up at the sparkling heavens. "It is nice . . . it was a good dinner, too. I don't think Ramona was too happy with you when you told her we had to go. I think she had plans of her own for you."

  Eli shrugged and began walking again. "I like my plan better. I figure when we're finished here we can go over to the waterfront and watch the boats go by on the river at this neat little bar I know."

  "It's a country western bar, isn't it, Tanner?"

  "Kinds, but the beer is too expensive for it to really be considered what you call a real C and W place. It's just nice, and we can do a little winding down and do some comparing of notes before we have to write those reports tomorrow."

  "I didn't bring any notes, Tanner."

  Eli shrugged again. "I didn't, either, but it's still a better plan than just l
etting this night go by unappreciated. I guess I'm saying I would like your company, Agent Sutton. I happen to like your company, and I thought it might be nice for us to do our own celebrating . . . a partner thing."

  Ashley slowed her steps again and looked at him with a smile. "I accept your offer, Agent Tanner. . . . I guess I have to drive us there, huh?"

  Eli opened the front glass door and patted her back as she stepped through the doorway. "Of course."

  Inside, they followed the signs and within seconds were standing in front of elevator doors. Eli shivered as he pressed the Up button. "I don't like these places. I spent more time in an Army hospital than I care to remember. It has its own smell, doesn't it? Smells like an Army hospital."