Chance

by Carolyn M Bowen

  “I don’t know, but we’ll be talking to the commander tomorrow,” he said. “Let’s get a good night’s sleep so we can ask questions.”

  He held her close until she drifted off to sleep. They both could use a break, a permanent one, after the Cuban experience, he thought.

  They took an Uber ride to their new home, where two cars were garaged for their use, as needed. On their entering the exclusive neighborhood, Isabella’s eyes were glued to the window, taking in the upscale scenery as they motored by.

  When arriving at their destination, he removed their backpacks from the trunk and paid the driver. From previous experience with the company, he knew everything they needed, clothes, shoes, and personal products, would already be in place. He hoped they did a superior job selecting Isabella’s, for her personal style was above average, even with the limited selections in Cuba. The good news was, her heritage wouldn’t stick out in Atlanta, for it was a melting pot of ethnicity from around the world. She could still wear the colorful clothing patterns she enjoyed and dine at Cuban-owned restaurants—if she didn’t get too friendly and blow her cover.

  Walker opened the door with a key from under a planter and allowed Isabella to enter first to take in their new residence. She walked slowly through the large foyer into the oversized living room and stopped. “How many people will be living with us?” she asked.

  “This is our home. We’re the only people staying here,” he said.

  She turned to face him with a look of disbelief. “Then it’s true American’s live like royalty.”

  “Not all Americans,” he said. “Much like any country, there are people not as fortunate.”

  “But this is for us?”

  “Yes, for this assignment.”

  “I’d rather us have our own place than be tied to your government.”

  “I agree.”

  On the dining table was a fresh floral arrangement and documents supporting their mission. They looked at the paperwork then at one another, wondering how they could accomplish their assignment.

  Command called midmorning, and Walker put him on the speakerphone so Isabella could hear and participate in the discussion.

  His first question was if Isabella planned to remain in the States. She answered, “Yes,” knowing the consequences.

  He explained that documentation for an alias was being created for her with the name Isabella Walker. She’d still have the credentials to practice medicine and that had to be her cover as she and Walker investigated a case with Chinese connections in Atlanta.

  Walker was the new owner of a security technologies company that would place him in the direct path of their person/s of interest. The Chinese businessman also lived in their affluent neighborhood, where they could keep a closer eye on his activities. The documents supporting their mission would be sent encrypted after their phone call. Command suggested Walker take online courses in new technologies to broaden his knowledge. He agreed.

  With command’s statement about Isabella being deported if she didn’t agree to working with the agency, Walker and Isabella didn’t ask any questions. They needed to think through their predicament before showing their hand. The good news was, Isabella would be able to practice medicine. He was surprised an unexpected harbinger of goodwill was offered. He hoped their new home would add to her delight. On the other hand, he wasn’t sure about her taking his name as an alias.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Upping the Stakes

  Sydney Jones was trying to put the past behind her and with a three-month-old it wasn’t easy, especially when he was the spitting image of his father. Her way of overcoming the feeling of betrayal was seeing her son, David Asher, as a gift. He made her smile and she loved him dearly.

  Back at work now—with Daniela, a full-time nanny from Barbados living in Atlanta, now caring for David—she was taking on new cases at the firm. She’d gotten more studio work since meeting the executive producer after introducing Nancy Lynn. On occasion, she’d accompany him for special events and enjoyed being in his company.

  Although she felt he was what he seemed, she asked her private investigator for a background check. She was cautious after her past mistakes in trusting the wrong people. The results were pleasing; a smart, good-looking man with no past entanglements was a breath of fresh air.

  She met Nancy Lynn a couple times a month to check in with her. She was still renting her condo, although her income had risen considerably from her last movie deal. There were more in the works, according to the executive she sometimes dated.

  She hoped Nancy Lynn would be smart with her money. Perhaps she should mention her new CPA and investment banker the next time they met. She didn’t want her to end up with pennies and broke after her glory days in film.

  Sydney was always looking over her shoulder, prepared for a fight or flight. When she took her son outdoors, one of the security guards from the firm accompanied her. She was afraid of being distracted when with him, and fearful of not seeing a threat to his life. Her son’s safety was her greatest concern.

  Her fear about retaliation from across the ocean was abating. Lt. Thomason assured her the Chinese Black Society was not involved with their investigation of Nancy Lynn, nor the hit man sent to silence her. They were keeping their hands clean, staying off the radar of the US government. Sydney wanted to believe him, but there was something impeding her belief that it was over.

  Her firm was referred a personal injury case, one of their specialties, with a technologies company in Atlanta. Having a rock-star attorney with a computer science background, it was an almost everyday occurrence. Her only concern with taking the case was that the company’s parent company was a Chinese national group.

  She was aware of the courtship between Atlanta’s global marketing groups and Chinese businesses. They were star companies to attract to the largest metro area in the United States.

  She needed to suck it up and get over being marked to die by a hit man from Beijing. They’d take the case as a reputable company doing business in Atlanta and supporting the local economy.

  She talked to her CEO, McNally, to let her know she wanted to overview everything relating to the case. There’d be no surprises when they went to court.

  The legal suit was brought by a subcontractor who was injured doing a job at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The plaintiff was suing the general contractor, Beijing Jīn Róng Group, for loss of work, medical expenses, and damage to reputation as a technology’s expert. He said adequate information wasn’t made available by the contractor about the grid system at the airport, thereby causing the accident. Without an accurate blueprint and diagrams of the working environment, injuries could be expected.

  Sydney couldn’t wait to read the deposition from the Beijing Jīn Róng Group and the private detective’s report. Her next question was why the city of Atlanta would allow Chinese companies to perform technical work at the busiest airport in the world. American companies thrived on doing these types of jobs. She was glad her star attorneys weren’t biased; or at least, didn’t show it. On this case, she was going to have to step back and believe in the legal system to right all wrongs.

  Information flowed slowly about the case. The firm’s private investigator, Ray Jenkins, was busy digging up dirt on the plaintiff, to show some negligence on their part. As part of his investigation he interviewed the attending physician, Dr. Isabella Walker, regarding the injuries the worker sustained from the accident.

  She was reluctant to speak with him and referred him to the hospital administrator for approval to discuss a patient’s confidential file. He went through the procedures and was denied access to the doctor and the patient’s records. Sydney wouldn’t be pleased.

  He made the dreaded call to Sydney and expected the worst. He wanted to please her, for she was one of those people you wanted to make happy. He was surprised
when she said, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll let you know when the plaintiff puts medical personnel on their list to call during the trial. Then you can legally get the information.”

  She made him feel good, when he had failed her miserably. What was there not to love about this woman?

  Feeling loved was not what Sydney was feeling now. The mention of the name Walker made her boil. She could feel the flames from the soles of her feet to her blushed terra rosa-colored face. Who is this Dr. Isabella Walker? Could she be related, even married to Walker? A coincidence? She thought not.

  Yes, she wanted every detail about this case, and the Dr. Isabella Walker who examined and treated the plaintiff in a trial her firm was defending. Her desire to win the case just skyrocketed. Damn Walker and the Chinese for reminding her of the past. They’d best get prepared, for her firm would be ready to defend this case.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Spies and Lies

  Walker and Isabella were becoming like a loving, married couple, sharing the ups and downs of their day with one another. Their stay in the Metro Atlanta exclusive community was easy compared to the experience in Cuba, with a military presence on every corner.

  He’d taken the online technology courses command had “recommended” and was slowly infiltrating the Chinese company he was assigned. Living in the same neighborhood helped, especially with Isabella’s outgoing personality, inviting neighbors over for backyard parties. She was becoming fast, best friends with the wife of the man they were assigned to watch.

  After her day at the hospital, Isabella came home a little off her normal cheerful self. He asked what happened. She said, “An investigator from Sydney Jones’s law firm came to the hospital today to ask me about a patient I treated.”

  “And, what happened?”

  “I told him I couldn’t discuss medical records because of patient/doctor confidentiality. I informed him any questions should be directed to the hospital administrator.”

  “Did he contact the administrator?”

  “Yes, and the administrator told him no without a court order. But I have a feeling that’s not the end of it.”

  “You’re probably right; Sydney Jones doesn’t take no for an answer.”

  “Thanks. That’s kind of what I thought, because the investigator acted put-out.”

  “Who is the patient, and why is Sydney Jones interested in his records?”

  “The patient was injured on a job at the airport,” she said. “He had severe burns on his upper body and face. Apparently, she’s not representing him but the company he worked for.”

  “Do you know what company?”

  “No, but I’m sure it’s in his records. I was busy providing medical attention and didn’t review it.”

  “If you don’t mind, check his file. The technology company we’re surveilling has a job at the airport to retrofit their system.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

  “No, I wish I were. You may be called as a witness about his medical condition, and I don’t want you involved, for your own safety. If possible, stay far away from any court proceedings.”

  “I’ll talk to the hospital administrator to see what options he suggests. Maybe he can take care of it himself.”

  “Do, for if it’s the same company we’re investigating, they play hard, to win. You know what I mean?”

  “Yes, I’ve read your reports to command.”

  “Then it’s settled. You do what you can, and we’ll hope for the best.”

  Walker had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. When Isabella mentioned Sydney, he had conflicting emotions and a feeling of doom if Isabella got mixed up in her case. How well he knew, Sydney played to win.

  He did as command directed and had no contact with Sydney. Yet, they’d assigned him to Atlanta, where they could accidently meet. Being diligent in sticking to directives, he’d stayed away from her favorite restaurants and shopping mall.

  Exasperating was the word coming to mind, for he had no idea what she’d do if they met and didn’t want to find out. He guessed it was time to tell Isabella about Sydney in case of a worst-case scenario. And, knowing her, she’d push the limits. By now, she knew Isabella was the attending physician and she’d want to know more.

  When Isabella came home from the hospital, Walker greeted her, noticing the tiredness around her eyes. She’d had a rough day and he wondered what caused it, hoping it wasn’t about Sydney’s case.

  Isabella went to change into something more comfortable and he waited until she returned and poured her a glass of wine. She’d brushed her hair, releasing the bun she wore for work, and her auburn hair framed her face. She was a beautiful sight, and he wondered what she’d do if not stuck with him on this mission. Most likely she’d date a doctor or medical professional like herself. He figured once in the States, the sky would be her limit. And, it would’ve been, if not for the CIA’s matchmaking.

  Isabella sat on the kitchen bar stool and turned to kiss him. Her show of affection was heartwarming. He was a lucky man, even if they were stuck together by chance.

  She moved slowly away while looking him in the eyes. He melted with the sadness showing on her face. She’d lost a patient that day she thought would make it. She did everything medically to revive him and she failed. He held her tightly while she cried, thinking she faced life and death every day in her job. She shouldn’t have to when she returned home.

  He made their dinner while she sat on the stool and talked. Talking was therapeutic, for by the time the meal was ready, she was smiling again.

  He decided now wasn’t the time to discuss Sydney and their past together. Isabella had already experienced a hard knock today, and he’d not add to it. They enjoyed the rest of the evening together, turning in to bed early. He made soft and gentle love to her, hoping to take her mind off work.

  Walker was getting closer to collecting the information command wanted about the Beijing Jīn Róng Group, the technologies company they were investigating. He’d contacted one of the consultants they’d called in for support in the personal injury case they were being sued over.

  Being an American company, they felt he would add credibility to their defense. After having a beer together at a local watering hole, the consultant told him the technology company would be in the clear, as they’d taken safety precautions on the jobsite. The contractor suing for personal injury should’ve made an onsite visit, as was called for in the job announcement, prior to sending workers to the jobsite. Updated blueprints and schematics were available from the contractor. Due diligence was what was required and expected of the subcontractors. A seasoned professional contractor would have known. Hell, a newbie would’ve not missed the addendums to the contract, for it was where money was made or lost.

  The consultant shared his feelings about the Beijing Jīn Róng Group. Although his meeting with the president had been cordial, he had an underlying sense of danger. They were interrupted several times during the meeting, and as they were speaking Mandarin, he was unable to follow the conversation. Something had upset his colleagues, and his meeting was cut short so he could attend to the matter.

  Walker was glad he’d met Ryan at one of the local technology summits, for he was a reliable source for information. He just wondered who or what upset the president. In the back of his mind, Sydney came to mind.

  Sydney was reading the latest report from her private eye about the personal injury case her firm was handling. She’d asked Ray Jenkins to do a background check on Dr. Isabella Walker.

  The opposing attorney was doing an exceptional job of keeping her off the witness stand; she wondered why. The hospital administrator would be their medical expert instead of the attending physician relating to the case. If necessary, she could always subpoena her during the trial, if beneficial for her client.

  She was more interested in Dr. W
alker for personal reasons. And the answers were on the pages in front of her to read. It had been over a year since Walker left Atlanta to an undisclosed location. She had questions to ask him about his abrupt leaving, the dropping of the charges against him as the murderer of Roxanne, and why he hadn’t contacted her if he was in town. Their baby was another matter, an unnecessary disclosure if he was tied up in some shady, clandestine deal that could put him in danger. She and David Asher were doing just fine without him, and sharing him with Walker wasn’t something she was inclined to do—at least not now.

  She was as prepared as she’d ever be to learn the truth about Isabella Walker. Did Walker move on and fall in love with another woman while he was gone?

  The report said she was from Spain, educated at the University of Barcelona and married to Dan Walker, owner of a security technology company in Atlanta. On closer inspection of the photo included, she believed Isabella looked more Cuban than Spanish. Isabella no doubt had an MD to practice medicine at the hospital, but it was doubtful she was from Spain. The report looked like something the CIA would concoct for one of their agents—or maybe two, her and Walker.

  If Walker was investigating her client as the government, Isabella’s involvement could jeopardize their cover. She decided to walk softly around any involvement relating to them. It could get dangerous, and she had David to think about. She and the attorney handling the case would stick with the facts the Chinese company provided and let the legal system work.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  A Bundle of Surprises

  Walker was completing the last security check for their CIA assignment, delaying the last notes for personal reasons. The personal injury case involving their mark wasn’t settled. Sydney’s law firm was handling the case, and Isabella could still be involved. He wanted them to be out of the way before the government stepped in to arrest the company’s leader for cyberterrorism. He had the evidence, and had tampered with their system to stop their cyberattacks from stealing US company proprietary secrets without leaving tracks.