“What?”
“Laird, so distraught over the death of his wife, sought revenge. He would have it, though it would take ten years to see it through.”
“Why so long?”
“Granted, this is a story, a rumor really, but I was told Laird sent his then ten-year-old daughter, Tia, away to boarding school because she was the embodiment of his dead wife, and looking at the child was too painful. But the schools weren’t normal schools. Tia was trained in the martial arts, learning Aikido first, and then mastering the ancient art of Ninjutsu. She also studied economics, finance, and apparently took to computers like a duck to water. When she returned home after her ten-year absence, her father sent her to exact revenge for her long dead mother.”
“You’re joking. That’s completely absurd.”
“Doubt me at your own peril. I’ve met her, and like I said, I now realize what I was seeing in those jet black eyes of hers. It wasn’t compassion, or the recognition of the bond of womanhood we share, fighting our way through this male world. No. It was quite the opposite. On the day we made the deal for the computer components, I realize now I was seeing only death.”
“Wow,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “That’s some story. Let’s say I believe you, and the father is some recluse and the daughter a hacker and a killer. I still need to answer to Interpol. Where do I find them in Cologne?”
“Wait, Peter; there’s more. You must understand this Laird was once quite a brilliant man. Some say he was just a misunderstood genius. Others think he got what he deserved. I fall in the latter category, but CCP made a fortune before Laird’s wife was murdered and he’s been sitting on it ever since. Like a miser, he counts his pennies and checks the balance sheets daily. He’s quite the paranoid, and fears for his life, choosing to operate in total secrecy. His daughter is his protector, but in addition to her, I saw three other men on the day I met her. One of the men I recognized as a former MMA fighter. Tia’s a serious threat in her own regard, and her bodyguards are serious men. Don’t underestimate her or them.”
“Believe me, I won’t. I know better than to underestimate any woman. Now, if Laird is tight with his money, tell me about this deal you brokered for the daughter? How’d she pay for the components? Does she have money of her own? Is Laird involved with whatever the daughter is doing?”
“All I know about the deal is I was contacted last year by intermediaries. I was told someone was seeking help in acquiring some very fancy computers and other components. I thought it sounded like an easy payday and charged my people with acquiring the merchandise. We were successful, and so I set the delivery date. When I learned the buyer was a woman, I thought hey, a kindred spirit, you know? I had my people do a little digging on the buyer, and they turned up everything I just told you.”
“So, why didn’t you believe the stories? You’re a cautious woman.”
“I’m very cautious, and I did believe the stories until I saw her at the exchange. There she was, this beautiful, tiny Asian woman, maybe Japanese. I just couldn’t believe she was capable of the things I’d been told. Looks can be deceiving, and I of all people should know that. Anyway, she had the cash, and I made the deal. I don’t know where she got her money, but I doubt dear old Dad made her a loan.”
“Anything else on the daughter?”
“Other than she’s the one Interpol should be after, not me.”
“But there’s no proof of her involvement in any of the hacks being investigated. All evidence points to you, not Cologne.”
“Check your so-called evidence again,” Jenny said. “It’s leading you away from the real target. I guess she’s so good at what she does she’s fooled the computer nerds at Interpol. Is that really so hard to believe and accept?”
“No, it’s not,” I said, extending my hand and standing. “Thank you for your help.”
She stood, her robe falling open, her silk pajamas clinging to her skin.
“Leaving so soon?”
She moved a step closer, her breast pressing against my body, stroking my arm with her hand. “Is that enough for your Interpol agents in the van or do you require more?”
“Can you tell me her address in Cologne?”
“I can do that. You’ll find her office in the city center at thirty-three Portalsgasse, but must you go? Do you have to leave so soon?”
“Yes,” I said. “But thank you again. Consider us even.”
“Oh, how I wish you wouldn’t leave so quickly!”
“Like you said, I needed help. You’ve helped. I don’t want to involve you further.”
“Are you worried about me because I’m a woman, Peter?”
“No, I know you can take care of things. I just don’t like the idea of bringing trouble to your door to save my own neck, but I did, and I’m sorry for that.”
“I’m glad I didn’t kill you. I knew I was right about you.”
“Right about what?”
“You’re a good guy, Peter Heely. I thought so back then, and now I know for sure. Peter Heely, or whatever your name really is, come see me anytime. If I can help you, I will.”
I leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
“Thank you.”
“Why, Peter,” she said, blushing.
“I just wanted to thank you properly.”
“Before you go, there is one more thing I should tell you.”
“What’s that?”
“After my people acquired the hardware, I was contacted by a Russian looking to make a deal. He offered me twice what Tia was going to pay. I don’t know if that helps, but I thought you should know.”
“Yeah, I think it does help. Thank you.”
“So long, Peter Heely. My man will show you out. Oh, and if you do call on me again, just ring the bell next to the black iron door, okay?”
*
Back inside the van, speeding toward the airfield, Valerie spoke first.
“Sounds like you’ve cultivated a valuable asset.”
“Yeah, Dad,” Leecy said. “Jenny was everything you said Jens would be, and more.”
“That’s great work, Granger,” Wakefield added. “I thought we were going to lose you, but in the end, we got more than we thought we’d get from her. Robert was able to track down the components Jenny sold to Tia.”
“That’s right,” Robert broke in. “Turns out, the timing of the deal she made with Tia coincides with the theft of twenty prototype computers special-built for MI5 to use in the war against cybercrime. They were stolen last year. I informed the home office, and they agree you’re on to something here and have given the go ahead, as have your boys back in Langley.”
“What’s so special about this stuff?” Zach asked.
“Don’t know, really. It’s rumored to be next generation processors, or chips, coupled with some new really powerful security software, apparently very hush-hush.”
“Oh,” Zach said. “I see.”
“Whatever,” I said. “What did they make of the Russian angle?”
“Nothing new, I’m afraid. The Russians have long been rumored to be involved in all the hacking business. Just last week, a report surfaced that Russian hackers read your President’s emails. Stories like that pop up every other day but eventually die out, because there’s nothing to support the allegation.”
“I’m guessing that’s what we’re going to have to do if Jenny’s going to be cleared?”
“Spot on,” Robert said. “We’ll wipe Jenny’s slate clean when you deliver this Tia and, if possible, make the Russian connection.”
“I knew there was a catch.”
“That’s not the only catch,” Valerie informed me. “We’ve got seventy-two hours, then they arrest Jenny and her crew.”
“With that in mind,” Wakefield said, “our plane is being prepared for takeoff and we’ll be wheels up and in Cologne before sunrise.”
“I must say,” Robert began, eyeing me in the rearview mirror as he spoke, “just brilliant work in there.
I guess there’s something to be said for experience and all that. I don’t know if a younger, less seasoned agent could’ve kept it together under those circumstances. How’d you manage?”
“He’s the great and powerful Ron Granger,” Ryan said from the back of the van. “Half-breed assassin. CIA legend. I thought everyone in this business knew that.”
The tension was palpable. We’d grown accustomed to his occasional outbursts and voicing displeasure with his position within the team but to do so in front of a non-team member was a serious breach of protocol.
Robert diffused the tension; smiling a smile so bright it illuminated the dark interior of the van.
“Now that you mention it, I have heard of Ron Granger. So, that’s what you look like. Forgive me for saying so, but based on your reputation I thought you’d be more, well, Native American-looking.”
“Don’t give it another thought,” I said, looking over my shoulder in Ryan’s direction, but he was looking out the window. “You can’t believe everything you hear anyway. But to answer your question, I manage by trusting my teammates, as any good agent should.”
“You mean trusting your wife and daughter,” Ryan chimed in again. “The rest of us just sit back and watch most of the time.”
“Ryan!” Wakefield barked. “Remember where you are, who you’re with, and the reason we’re here.”
“Ten-four, Boss.”
“The infamous Granger clan,” Robert said, glancing back at us in the rearview mirror. “Stories about you three have been making the rounds in the intelligence community for over a year now. Pleasure to finally put faces with names.”
“Like Ron said, don’t believe everything you hear,” Valerie said.
“We’re just doing the job,” I said.
“Wakefield’s the real glue,” Leecy added. “Can’t have a great team without a great leader.”
“Why don’t all of you run a gear check, okay?” Wakefield said. “We’ll be boarding the plane in fifteen minutes. Police the van and leave nothing behind. Ron?”
“Yes, Tammy?”
“Wash that puke-stained sweater in the sink of the airplane as soon as we’re airborne or throw it in the trash.”
“Yes, Boss.”
*
Washing my sweater in the sink, I decided saying nothing to Ryan was the best choice for the team and what little remained of the team dynamic.
As I pushed open the bathroom door, I saw Wakefield huddled with Ryan and walked quickly past them toward the front of the plane.
“Wakefield wants to talk with us,” Valerie said as I retook the seat next to her. “Got concerns. She’s having Ryan move to the front of the plane so we can talk privately in the rear. She asked that all earpieces be turned in to Zach. So whatever we’re about to discuss is serious, and off the record.”
Touching my shoulder, Wakefield said, “You two come with me.”
Following Wakefield down the aisle, we handed Zach our earpieces. I noticed Leecy seated next to him and wanted to say something. Now wasn’t the time, but I did recall having talked to Valerie before about Zach and Leecy’s burgeoning relationship.
At the time, Valerie explained it was only natural for the two youngest members of this elite CIA squad to find something in common with each other.
I’d understood that. They were both just a couple of kids. Zach was a nineteen-year-old graduate of MIT, and Leecy was a soon to be eighteen-year-old graduate of Yale. She’d accomplished that feat while attending part-time and taking online courses between missions. Those two kids were anything but normal or average; they were exceptional, but it didn’t mean I had to be enthusiastic about what I saw happening. They were too young to get involved on a serious level. I made a mental note to have a talk with Zach.
“Have a seat,” Tammy said, gesturing toward the couch in the aft section of the plane.
She sat down in the chair opposite us and began.
“I’ve given serious thought to the upcoming operation in Cologne. Taking the information Jenny gave us into consideration, I’m thinking about benching Leecy for the duration of the mission.”
I tried to resist the urge to defend my child. “Justification?” I asked, as softly as I could.
“Till recently, our unit has been the most successful A.D.D.T. unit in the field. We’ve batted a thousand, but our missions have been devoid of one vital component.”
“A real threat,” Valerie said.
“That’s right,” Wakefield said, nodding in agreement. “We’ve done our job accessing the data and assessing it. We’ve been proactive, and preempted threats before they could take shape thanks to our tactics and technology, but this time the threat is real. It’s dangerous and deadly, that is, if Jenny is to be believed.”
“I fail to see the problem,” I said. “That’s the job, isn’t it? Take down the threat?”
“Yes, but setting aside Leecy’s preternatural abilities and intellect, we’re left with a kid that’s months shy of her eighteenth birthday.”
“Still don’t see the problem.”
“Jesus, Ron, why are you making this so difficult? When I was her age I was in high school. I think we need to take that into account before we send her into a situation where she might engage a trained killer.”
Valerie stepped up.
“This type of mission is exactly what Leecy’s been preparing for. To bench her now would be unfair.”
“Rather than focusing on her age,” I added, “why don’t you justify your concern by telling us she’s not ready because she’s deficient in some area of her development or training? Why don’t you do that? Because you can’t. She’s more combat ready than Hodges, Franks, and Ryan combined, and scored higher on her marksmanship skills than Valerie. But if you can point to a deficiency she has that I’m unaware of, I’ll agree with your plan.”
“I’m sorry,” Tammy said, leaning toward us, “did I just wake up in a world where you two are in charge of this team? No, I don’t think so. And I don’t need to justify my decisions to either of you. This meeting was a courtesy, nothing more, because of our history,” she paused, glancing at me. “I’ll take your comments under advisement when making my final decision as to Leecy’s status, but know this: whatever I decide will be final.”
“I apologize for coming across like I was challenging your authority,” I said. “I guess I was a little taken aback by your concerns.”
“Me, too,” Val said. “I didn’t expect that from you. You’ve never voiced any concern about Leecy before, but I can understand your thinking even if I don’t agree with it. I mean, don’t forget, I was doing this stuff when I was her age.”
“Yeah, I know,” Wakefield said. “I know it’s in her blood, but she’s my responsibility and the agency has big plans for her. I don’t want to bring her along too quickly.” Holding my gaze with hers, she added, “I know what can happen when people are rushed into situations before they’re ready.”
I tried to shake off the stare and the comment.
“So, is this coming from you or from your bosses?”
Smiling that Cheshire Cat-like grin of hers, she said, “You know the answer to that and you know my hands are tied if they give me the order, which they haven’t—yet.”
“What are you going to do?” Val asked.
“That depends on how this thing plays out on the ground, which brings me to my next topic for discussion.”
“What’s that?” Val asked. “The plan?”
“Yeah, I have a few ideas, but I want to hear what you two are thinking.”
“Well you both know me,” I said, “and how I like to keep it as simple as possible. I say we stick with what’s working and take the direct approach.”
“And what’s that exactly?” Tammy asked.
“I’ll knock on the CCP front door.”
“Justification?” Tammy asked, smiling.
“I can pose as Peter Heely, mercenary for hire, using my relationship with Jenny as pretense,
and it will double as verification if Tia checks me out.”
“That’s thin,” Valerie said.
“Okay,” I said. “Then I can also use Tia and her father’s paranoia against them by suggesting through my many underworld contacts I’ve learned they’re being spied on, and who knows, maybe they really are. Maybe the unconfirmed Russian angle works to our advantage.”
“Risky,” Tammy said. “If you play that game and come up empty handed or they call your bluff, you’ll be back on the proverbial chopping block.”
“I agree, but I think the odds are in our favor, given what we know about them. Maybe someone is still looking to kill the old man. Maybe the daughter’s purchase of the stolen computer components and the money she got from somewhere to pay for the components has landed her in bed with people that want to keep tabs on her. Regardless, if they aren’t being spied on and haven’t been hacked I can play it out long enough for Zach to actually hack into whatever system they’re running.”
“That’s one too many maybes for my taste,” Val said.
“Me, too,” Tammy added.
“I concede it’s high risk, but I’m not hearing anything better from you two, and given we only have seventy-two hours, we don’t have time to stake out the place and find a weak spot.”
“That’s also true,” Tammy agreed.
“You’re right. I can’t believe I’m agreeing with this,” Val said, “but with the time constraints we’re under I don’t see a faster, safer way to get inside.”
“Okay, we’ll play it from the hip for now,” Wakefield said. “Adjusting on the fly as we progress.”
“And Leecy?” I asked.
“I just said nothing’s set in stone. We’ll have to see what happens when boots hit the ground.”
“Okay, fair enough.”
Bloody Truth: A Granger Spy Novel Page 5
