Mike crossed his heart and said, “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.” Reggie grabbed his shirt collar so he and Grady could huddle to make their plans.
Greg sat on one of the benches and set his cell phone to a timer and called out, “I’m going to not only time you on a variety of exercises but I’m going to take notes and video so we can go over things, responses and the like. I’ll give you a few more minutes and then we’re going to begin.”
Crosby, Kai and I gathered around as well, and it took us all of two seconds to choose Crosby as our leader. He smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t let you down.”
I mustered up a dirty look and responded, “You’d better not, we’ve our reputation on the line.”
Kai nudged me and said, in a serious tone, “Jensen, we have to win, this is for Dear Leader.”
Crosby held up his fist in a mock gesture, and said, “On three, to Dear Leader.”
Kai and I said in unison, “Uh-huh.”
Greg signaled to us to come over to the table and laid out a map of the airfield, including the hangar where the B2 would be so the public could enter and view her.
“Okay,” Greg began, “best as I understand, and this is why I want to take a trip up to Bradley and check it out, the B2 is going to be inside the hangar and under guard by a minimum of six Air National Guardsmen armed with M16’s. The Stealth will be roped off and the public will not be allowed to get any closer than thirty feet to her. At least it’s the intel I’ve received.”
Reggie rubbed his nose and said, “Then Laura’s hunch is on the money and Jelly’s got another plan in the hopper.” He waved his hand in the air, and added, “We have to be on the lookout for diversions, such as explosives similar to what they’ve been excelling at around here.”
Mike ran his hands through his hair and said, “I have a hard time believing they’d do something on such a level with so many people. I get they don’t give a damn, but still.”
Greg looked up and said, “Mike, it doesn’t have to be big, it’s a diversion, only to pull the guards off the B2.”
“But aren’t those guys trained to stay with her no matter what?” Grady asked.
“It’s what I intend to find out,” Greg said as he tapped the map.
“I’m surmising if there are multiple explosions, some will leave their post, say half.” Crosby shrugged and added, “And with four well-armed fighters on their team, it might be enough to overtake whoever is left, especially with the element of surprise on Jelly’s side.”
I stated, “If we’re right, then we will take the element away from them.”
“If there are multiple injuries such as what we had with the bridge explosions, the B2 will be left unguarded as will many other things,” Reggie said.
“It’s going to be nearly impossible to stop what we don’t know,” Grady agreed.
Greg threw up his hands and said, “We can’t give up stand back and let them fly away with the Spirit.”
Kai grabbed Mike’s red flag and waved it in front of Greg’s face and declared, “We’re not giving in without one hell of a fight, Lieutenant!”
“Alright then, let’s get busy with this practice of ours. The lean-to can suffice as a hangar— use your imagination guys. Red team, it’s up to you to figure out what you believe blue team’s strategy is and how best to defend against it. Remember, we’re playing our own war games here to see if we can come up with what they might potentially do in reality,” Greg suggested.
We play-acted for about an hour and every scenario we went through ended the same way, the B2 rolled out of the hangar minus two individuals. Every single time the virtual stepladder was pulled up into the Stealth, there were only two crew members aboard and it was generally agreed upon one of those was, Nari Kim.
We sat down at the table, truly puzzled, drank some water and munched on some apples and continued to stare at the map Greg had left for us to pore over.
Crosby traced over the hangar area with his finger and spoke up, “LT, I believe your assessment is correct—the answers will come to us when we walk the grounds.”
Greg nodded and replied, “I agree, Crosby, so I think we ought to take a couple of days to clear our heads, reconvene Thursday for a brief practice and drive up and check it out afterwards.”
“Do a thorough walk through?” Reggie asked.
“Armory included?” Mike inquired.
Greg pointed at Mike and said, “Good call. I’ll include it on the list when I call the colonel to coordinate our visit.”
Grady said, “Our badges ought to allow us access to wherever we need to go—we’re there to help.”
Greg smiled and said, “I’ll be sure and mention it.”
Reggie nodded and said, “I think the colonel will recognize it.”
“Reggie, he’s gonna think the men and women under his command aren’t capable of handling a girl and her pals and he’s gonna wonder why he needs our help,” Mike explained, and added, “And Greg’s the guy to smooth it all over in advance.”
Reggie pointed to his chest and said, “And I’m not?”
Mike answered, “Greg’s the PR man, Reggie—it’s what he does.”
Crosby spread his arms out, referee style and said, “Will you two chill out and please allow Greg to go and do his job without interruption while we cover our assignments.”
“I believe it’s lunch time and Greg said we need a couple of days off. And apparently for good reason, so let’s make use of the time and use it wisely.” I got up and began walking back to my car.
Kai was next to get up and follow, and I nearly bumped into him as I turned around to go back to speak with Greg.
Kai reached for my hand. “You forget something?”
“Yes I did, I forgot to ask if Annie could cover the story and keep an eye on Adelaide.”
Kai smiled and said, “I’ll wait while you go.”
I turned and said, “I’ll be back in a minute, promise.”
I quickened my step and approached Greg and said, “I forgot to ask about Annie.”
Greg rolled his eyes and said, “I’m afraid to ask what she wants.”
I let out a little sigh and said, “It was my idea so you can blame me. Hear me out though because it’s a good one.”
“All right, Jensen, go ahead,” Greg said.
“Since Adelaide insisted on going along to see the B2 and all the forces of nature couldn’t possibly keep her at home, I thought having Annie babysit her was a good plan.” I raised an eyebrow.
“What an excellent idea since I’ve been trying like hell to come up with an alternative one of my own and haven’t.” Greg paused and asked, “What’s the hitch, there’s always one where’s Annie’s concerned.”
“She gets to write the story,” I said in a tiny voice.
Greg closed his eyes and replied, “You drive a hard bargain, Jensen. What choice do I have, I can’t take anyone off this detail to watch Adelaide and keep her safe. Wow, this is an opportunity of a lifetime for Annie.”
“Those were her exact words, Greg, and she’s forever grateful to you. Those were her other exact words. Oh, and she’s going to dedicate her first novel to you,” I said.
“She’s writing a book about this?” Greg queried.
“She said the material is too fantastic to pass up and she’s planning on interviewing you,” I replied.
Greg covered his eyes and said, “I’m going into witness protection when this episode is over with so she can’t find me.”
“Have fun over the next few days Greg. See you on Thursday.” I waved as I ran to catch up with Kai.
I looked back to see Mike, Reggie and Crosby alternately bowing and blowing kisses to me. Greg still had his face covered even though I knew deep down he adored Annie. She would be over the moon he had granted her permission to come along. I was thrilled to break the news as soon as possible.
I caught up with Kai and took hold of his outstretched hand. Regardless of what the n
ear future held, we were momentarily safe and I intended to make the most of the next couple of days.
Chapter 37
First things first, Puppy Kai and Koa needed to be walked and then I had to contact Annie and let her know Greg had given his permission for her to cover the air show and whatever other ensuing incidents not listed by the show coordinator’s on-base office. I had to emphasize to her the crucial portion of her job was to keep an eye on Adelaide and the story coverage could be accomplished simultaneously.
I reached into my pack, fished for my car keys and tossed them to Kai who had sprinted ahead. They landed by his feet, next to the back of the car—he hit the button to unlock it and out leapt a couple of excited pups.
“Laura, hurry up, I’m being mauled!” Kai laughed as he rolled around on the grass with Kai and Koa crawling over him.
I went to the front door and retrieved a couple of tennis balls and threw them into the field. We stowed our gear in the back, locked up the Pilot and spent the next half an hour tossing the balls, walking and relaxing and taking in the fresh air and doing our best to push coming events to the back of our minds. I had sent a text to Annie to give her the exciting news. I received one in return filled with smiley faces and little books, indicating the novel about this was most assuredly already underway. She was determined to celebrate but I told her Kai and I needed some alone time. She sent back a smiley face.
“Kai, Annie didn’t exactly say she’d respect our alone time over the next few days.” I showed him the text.
“It’s a smiley face.”
“Look at the next one.” I handed him the phone.
“The little devil icon. It does suit her.” He handed it back to me.
“She’s up to something. I can feel it in my bones.”
“She’s been up to something ever since I’ve known her,” Kai said.
I chuckled and tossed the ball again to the pups, then asked, “Where would you like to go for dinner?”
Kai thought for a minute and said, “There’s a great little place on the water, quiet and tucked away. No one will find us there.” He reached over and gently massaged my shoulder.
I shyly glanced at him and said, “Someone will discover your quiet hideaway.”
He pulled me close and whispered, “No they won’t, I have my ways. Don’t forget I’m FBI.”
“I’d like to see a movie,” I said.
“Ah, a full blown date, I like it,” Kai agreed. Kai pinched his nose and said, “No romance.”
I laughed and said, “Okay, no romance. How about either Bridge of Spies or The Martian?”
“Oh, that’s easy, Bridge of Spies!” Kai kissed me on the cheek, bent down and picked up the tennis ball Koa had dropped at his feet and threw it in the direction of our cars. We watched as Koa ran full tilt after the ball with Kai right on his tail, his interest being more in keeping up with his brother than the actual tennis ball.
By the time our casual stroll brought us back to our cars, we realized the others had left. Our intended half an hour had turned into an hour, but no matter, we were on our own clock for the next several days.
After the pups jumped in, I walked to the driver’s side and asked Kai, “What time are you picking me up?”
“This really is a date,” he responded.
I crossed my arms and said, “You didn’t expect me to meet you there, did you?”
Kai grinned and answered, “Of course not, Jensen. It’s fun to watch one eyebrow go up while the other stays down. I’m not quite sure how you do it, but it’s cool. I’ll pick you up at seven. Okay?”
“It’s perfect. It gives me time to feed the boys and get dressed. Besides, I don’t even know where there is.”
Kai was about to get into his car, when he turned and said, “I forgot, dress casual.” He waved from his window and was off.
I was planning on it, I thought as I returned the wave and eased into my seat and put my cell phone in the center console. The text icon was in the upper corner indicating a text was waiting to be read. It was from Annie reiterating she wouldn’t crash my date with Kai, she respected us needing some time alone over the next bit of time and she would give me a call in the morning. I texted her back and thanked her, but sincerely doubted her crafty side. While I was thinking about it, I sent a text to Adelaide to let her know she was on my mind and would give her a call as soon as I arrived home, and I wanted to know how her doctor’s appointment had gone. I received a reply back almost immediately saying she was looking forward to speaking with me and if I had an extra few minutes, she’d like me to stop over. I checked my watch and saw I had plenty of time and let her know indeed I did and would be there shortly.
I arrived at Adelaide’s in less than twenty minutes to find her sitting in her rocker on the front porch, wrapped up in her winter coat even though the temperature remained in the low sixties. She held a mug in her hands and was chatting away with the officer who’d been assigned by Grady to keep a watchful eye on her.
I stepped out of my car and cheerily greeted them, “Getting some fresh air while it’s still warm?”
Adelaide squinted and replied, “I’m still feeling chilled but the fresh air is doing me some good. My doctor said it would be better than being cooped up in the house all day. Am I being subtle enough for you?”
“That’s fairly subtle,” I replied. “Are you asking, in a roundabout way, to go for a car ride? If you are, I do have time to take you and Chloe for a short ride. And if you’re up to it possibly a walk.”
Adelaide’s eyes brightened, she patted the officer’s shoulder and whistled for Chloe. She whistled again and inched forward on the rocker and realized Chloe was at her feet, with her ears perked awaiting a command. Adelaide smiled and said, “Must be the cough medicine making me a bit foggy, but at least it’s working.”
I stepped up onto the porch and said, “Adelaide, please let me help you and if you don’t want me to hold onto you, at the very least let me walk next to you.”
Adelaide bit her lower lip and said, “You can walk next to me.”
I nodded and remained half an arm’s length away from her side as we took the one step down from the porch and the few steps over to the passenger side of my car. I looked over my shoulder to the officer and noticed his nod of approval. This was an historical moment, it marked the first time Adelaide had ever permitted me to assist her. I didn’t know if I ought to feel proud or sad. While I was holding the door for her I realized my eyes were misting.
Adelaide peered up at me and inquired, “Something in your eyes?”
“I think it’s pollen,” I responded as I rubbed them, closed the door and walked around the back of the car.
I got in the car and Adelaide said, “I don’t think it’s pollen but it’s okay, dearie, now please take me to the reservoir. It’s lovely there this time of day and the pups can go for a romp while we take a stroll and chat.”
“Righto,” I said and with no hesitation, put the car in gear and headed down the hill to the reservoir.
Adelaide put her window down and said, “My doctor said I shall live a long and healthy life especially if I keep my distance from faux docs. He also said it’s a good thing I’m aware of what medicines will kill me and I ought to carry a card of some sort in my wallet indicating exactly what they are. May I have your help listing those out, Laura?”
I kept my eyes on the road and replied, “Absolutely, Adelaide. Did you happen to tell him who the individual was who was impersonating a doc and what his real intentions were?”
“Absolutely not. It didn’t seem appropriate to have Kim Jong Un’s henchmen wanting me dead to be in my permanent medical history,” Adelaide replied.
“Superb thinking,” I said as I pulled up to the split rail fence at the reservoir.
“Beautiful spot isn’t it,” Adelaide said. She looked at me and added, “I’ll get out by myself, seeing as the water has rejuvenated me.” She leashed Chloe and walked around the fence to the water
’s edge with a slight spring in her step. I followed behind with both Kai and Koa on leashes. We walked in silence for a few minutes. We listened to the ducks and enjoyed the gentle afternoon breeze.
“Are you prepared to go up against these people?” Adelaide asked me point blank.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were reading my thoughts,” I quietly answered.
“There would be something wrong with you if you weren’t fearful, but you dodged my question.” Adelaide stopped and stared at me.
“Greg has us very well prepped and it’s part of the reason he wanted us to take some time off, to clear our heads and relax a little before we resume practice again,” I answered in a serious tone.
Adelaide nodded and asked, “Are you anxious about your date with Kai tonight?”
I stopped so short I almost ran into her and asked, “How in the world did you know about it?”
Adelaide smiled and said, “Kai texted me and asked for some pointers about you. I think he’s nervous and doesn’t want to blow it. He adores you, Laura!”
“He asked for pointers about how to date me or how to act around me on a date?” I paced in a tight circle.
Adelaide clapped her hands and said with delight, “He came to the right person because you’re both nervous nellies and if you don’t calm down, neither of you will make it through dinner!”
I shouted, “I’m perfectly relaxed Adelaide! I haven’t been on a date in years and haven’t a clue as to what I’m going to wear and why wait until dinner to throw up, I could do it right now!”
Adelaide reached up and put her hands on my shoulders and whispered, “Dearie, take me over to your house and we’ll go through your closet together and pick out a lovely outfit and it will be perfect for dinner and the movie afterwards.”
“You would take the time, Adelaide?” I asked.
“Of course I would. It has to be something so if you spill food in your lap, out of nerves, it won’t show when you stand up,” Adelaide said.
“I won’t order anything with a cream sauce so if I do spill it, I can easily wipe it up or hide it with my napkin.” I took a breath.
Case of the Mouse Trap Legend Page 20
