by J. C. Fields
Joseph’s voice emanated from the speaker. “Good morning, Michael.”
“Morning, Joseph.”
“I have an update for you.”
Nadia appeared in the doorframe of the room at their lakeside condo. Raising an eyebrow, she listened to the conversation.
Joseph continued, “We have confirmation Asa Gerlis is alive.”
Wolfe glanced at Nadia as she moved closer to the computer. “How?”
“Reid met with him in Carmona, Spain three days ago.”
“So, he’s in Spain?”
“It would appear so. He’s grown a beard, his hair is gray and he’s had surgery to change his appearance. Not much, but with a cursory glance, you wouldn’t recognize him. I’ll send you a current picture after we finish talking.”
“Why was he meeting with Reid?”
“I was hoping you and Nadia might be able to answer that.”
Turning his attention away from the computer, he glanced at Nadia. She gave Wolfe a concerned stare. He returned to the computer. “Interesting. We also learned something recently, which is probably related.”
“Tell me.”
“Someone interviewed Bobby Benson in prison two years ago and made him a deal. If he could tell them where I was, his sentence would be commuted. He didn’t have this information until recently. We believe he told Kendra Burges and was released from prison to find me.”
“So, you think Reid never believed you and Nadia were dead?”
“No, I don’t think he ever did.”
“Then it makes perfect sense why he was meeting with Gerlis. He was relaying the information to him.”
“I believe that’s a good assumption. My next assumption would be Gerlis is the one who coordinated the attack on Nadia and me.”
“I would agree.”
“I’m sure Reid is involved with it as well.”
“Makes sense.” Joseph paused briefly. “Where does Canfield fall into this mess?”
“I’m not sure. Did Reid ever deal with Geoffrey?”
“A good question—one I don’t have an answer for. But I plan to find out.”
“If so, it might be the crossing we’re looking for.”
“What do you mean, Michael? What crossing?”
“Thinking back, it all started with Canfield’s untimely death, which I now suspect was a murder. Then, not long afterward, Gerlis fakes his own and the ambush on Nadia and me occurs.”
Joseph remained silent.
“Now we learn Reid’s been contacting my old spotters trying to find me. Why?”
“I would only be able to speculate.”
Wolfe let him think.
After several quiet moments, Joseph said, “I believe you need to stay away from your sheltered home for a while. At least until we can determine how much Reid knows.”
Wolfe thought about the preparations he and Nadia had taken before closing the house down and preparing it for what he feared would be a lengthy absence. “Nadia and I have already taken that precaution.”
“Good. I believe I need to delve into Gerald Reid’s history a little more.”
“Be careful, Joseph.”
“Not my first rodeo, Michael.”
After the call ended, Wolfe looked at Nadia. She seemed to be hugging herself, her arms grasping her shoulders.
“Don’t worry, Nadia.”
She shook her head. “I am not worried about us. I am worried someone will find the house and destroy it.”
One side of his mouth twitched. “That could happen, but it can be rebuilt. If someone locates the path leading to the back, the house is indistinguishable from the surrounding terrain. If you approach from the south, the only feature identifying it as a structure is the front entrance. We placed the netting there. You have to be within fifty yards to determine its artificial. From a distance, you can’t.”
She nodded.
“If and when someone approaches from either the north or south”—he held up his cell phone— “I’ll be notified with this.”
Another nod.
“Even if they gain access to the inside, we didn’t leave anything behind identifying the owners.”
“I know, but it is our home. The only one I have ever really felt comfortable in. I do not want to lose it.”
He stood and placed his arms around her. She returned the embrace.
Taking in the fragrance of her hair, he was silent for a long time. Finally, he said, “Like I told you earlier, don’t worry. Once we get this little issue settled, we can go back.”
“How long will that be?”
“As long as it takes.”
Two Days Later
Tel Aviv, Israel
Uri Ben-David shook the hand of his old friend Joseph Kincaid. “I haven’t seen you in a long time, Joseph. You are looking well.”
“As do you, Uri.”
Located in an isolated section of Jaffa, the safe house resembled a home occupied by a newly divorced male. Threadbare furnishings and spartan décor offered few creature comforts. It was a perfect setting for their meeting.
“I never congratulated you on your new lofty position.” Ben-David crossed his arms and smiled. “National Security Advisor to the President of the United States. Very impressive.”
Joseph snorted. “It’s not that lofty. But the perks are pretty good. I don’t have to fly commercial anymore.”
With the niceties of their meeting over, the Israeli narrowed his eyes. “Now, what is so important that you travel halfway around the world to visit my country, Joseph?”
“A little fact-finding for my boss.”
“You could have called.”
“It’s a little more sensitive than a phone call.”
Ben-David raised an eyebrow and gave Joseph a small grin. “How sensitive?”
“Your counterpart in the US is Gerald Reid, correct?”
The Mossad agent nodded.
“When was the last time you had contact with him?”
Ben-David stayed quiet for several moments. “Why do you ask?”
The ex-CIA man leaned forward. “We have a few concerns.”
“I see.” Ben-David paused. “Reid and I haven’t actually spoken to each other for two years. Our assistants do most of the day-to-day communications. Personally, if I did not have to speak to the man again it would be fine with me.”
“Care to tell me why?”
“The man is distasteful. He is too pompous and has too high an opinion of himself.”
“I’ve heard that.”
“In this business, that can lead to mistakes.”
Joseph nodded.
“The last time we spoke was just before you sent us the DNA on Wolfe and Picard.”
“What did he want?”
“He was looking for Wolfe.”
“Did he say why?”
The Israeli shook his head, stood and walked to the kitchen of the small apartment. He busied himself making a pot of coffee. “There is something I believe I need to tell you about Asa Gerlis.”
Joseph did not respond.
“We were investigating Gerlis just before he faked his own death.”
“You knew about it?”
Ben-David measured coffee into the machine and pressed the start button. “No, not until Reid brought it to our attention.”
“Interesting.”
“I would not use that word exactly. Catastrophic might fit better.”
“What were you investigating?”
“Uh…” With a grim smile, Ben-David said, “He was a mole, Joseph. Planted in our country under the guise of a Polish immigrant.”
Trying not to show his surprise, Joseph sat back in the straight-back wooden chair he occupied. “You’re sure? He was with Mossad for, what, twenty years?”
With a nod, the Israeli reached for two coffee mugs in a cabinet above the coffeemaker. “When we saw the video, we too thought he was dead. The investigation was shelved and everyone involved gave a collective sigh of re
lief. After Reid’s visit, we also had the video analyzed. It was indeed a very well-made fake.”
“Who knows?”
“Myself, the director and the two analysts.”
While Ben-David poured two cups of coffee, Joseph stared at a spot on the wall. As the coffee mug was placed in front of him, he looked at his host. “Did Gerlis ever have contact with an MI6 agent named Geoffrey Canfield?”
“More than likely, Canfield was Gerlis’ counterpart at MI6, just like…”
Joseph finished the sentence. “Reid was at CIA.”
The coffee mug was halfway to Ben-David’s lips when it stopped.
Continuing with his thoughts, Joseph said, “Canfield was Michael’s control during a time when he did contract work for us and a few other agencies in Europe. We don’t think Geoffrey’s death was due to natural causes.”
“Do you think Gerlis was involved?”
“Possibly. Reid may be involved also. We just don’t know.”
After a sip of coffee, the Mossad agent asked, “Why would they target Canfield?”
“Again, we have lots of questions, but no answers.”
Ben-David grinned. “You sound like you still work for the agency.”
“I only have my country’s best interest at heart.”
His response was a chuckle.
Taking a sip of coffee, Joseph peered over the cup. “Reid met with Gerlis in Carmona, Spain four days ago.”
Ben-David almost spat out coffee as his eyes widened. “What?”
Joseph nodded and gave him the details.
After he finished, Ben-David tapped his finger on the table. “Do you think he is hiding in Spain?”
“We don’t know. It would make sense—the attack on Wolfe and Picard occurred in Barcelona, and now his meeting with Reid.”
“What kind of assets do you have available?”
“I don’t have assets. I’m just a consultant to the president.” He paused as he gave Ben-David a mischievous grin. “The CIA has assets available and they are looking for him as we speak.”
“Joseph, we are dancing around the real reason you are here, are we not?”
“Yes.”
“If Gerlis was a mole, then there is the possibility Reid is as well?”
After taking a sip of coffee, Joseph nodded. “Anything is possible.”
“We think Gerlis was originally from Kazakhstan.”
“Muslim or Russian?”
“An interesting point. We originally thought Muslim, but since you mentioned it, he could have been a Russian.”
After a few moments of quiet, Joseph asked. “Or is this about something entirely different?”
“Such as?”
“Think about it. All three men can’t be moles—they could, but I doubt they would know about the other. Uri, what can create a bond between men more compelling than love of country?”
He paused and a smile appeared. “Money. It is always about money.”
“Well said, my friend. If Gerlis was a Muslim mole, I would think he would return to a country where the Mossad could not touch him. Why would he hide in Spain?”
“We could touch him in a Muslim country, Joseph.”
“I realize that. It was a figure of speech. Why Spain?”
“It is a large country with lots of political factions. Plus, wait a minute—”
“Exactly, it has one of the lowest costs of living in Europe. A man with money could live a very comfortable life there.” Joseph sipped his coffee again. “I’ve heard Reid lives on a very palatial estate in Virginia. He works for the CIA. Where did he get the money?”
“It might be a good idea for you to find out, my friend.”
Chapter 24
Missouri
D roopy eyes studied the small stack of hundred-dollar bills laying on the counter. “I’m sorry to hear you’ll be away for a while, Mr. Lyon. What about your lease on the hangar?’
“Would you have an opportunity to sublease it, Danny?”
“Maybe.” The short middle-aged man continued to stare at the money. “So, you’re gonna keep it?”
“At this stage, yes. My lease is paid up through the end of the year. If we find we will be gone longer, I’ll make a decision then. But for now, business as usual.”
He looked up and grinned, his nicotine-stained teeth in full display. “I would hate to lose such a good tenant.”
Michael tapped the money. “This is a small thank you for all your help these past years.”
Danny started to push the money back but hesitated. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to.”
The money disappeared into a side pant pocket before Wolfe could take another breath. “Danny, I do have a favor to ask.”
“Sure, anything, Mr. Lyon.”
“If anyone inquires—and I don’t believe anyone will, but in case they do—tell them the plane is based out of a different airport, now.”
“Which one?”
“I don’t know yet. Depends on the new location for my business.”
The shorter man nodded. “What if I don’t remember anything about you?”
Michael extracted several more hundred-dollar bills from his wallet and placed them on the counter. “I believe that would be a better response.”
“Gonna miss you, Mr. Lyon.”
“We’ll be back, I just don’t know when.”
Back in the hangar, Nadia leaned against the Jeep and watched Wolfe return. “What did he say?”
“I believe he’ll deny knowing anything about us until someone flashes money—or a gun.”
Nadia chuckled. “Will we be back?”
With a grim smile, Wolfe said. “I don’t know. I hope so, but…”
“I know. I’ll pick you up at the Branson West Airport.”
Wolfe drew her into an embrace and they kissed. “Hopefully, by the time you get there, I will have all the paperwork taken care of.”
She put her hand on his cheek and locked her focused on his eyes. “Be careful, Michael.”
“Always.”
“Lyon Enterprises, LLC is the corporate entity responsible for any charges here, Ms. Davenport.”
“I see.” Beverly Davenport, Airport Manager, looked up from the signed contract with a big smile. In her mid-forties, she was trim and athletic, still attractive, but to cover the signs of age, wore more make-up than needed. Plus, her hair appeared unnaturally black. “Twelve-month contract, just like you asked. Mr. Lyon.”
“I will assume I can extend our stay, if needed.”
“Of course. Just give us a month’s notice.”
“Excellent.”
“What does Lyon Enterprises, LLC do, Mr. Lyon?”
With a smile, Wolfe replied. “Consulting.”
Nadia walked into the office and stepped up behind Wolfe, placing a hand on his back. “All done?”
Davenport surveyed the newcomer with distaste as her smile disappeared.
Wolfe looked at Nadia and kissed her cheek. “Yes, my darling, we’re all done here.”
After they were back in the Jeep, Nadia chuckled. “You never call me ‘my darling’.”
He shrugged.
“And the kiss on the cheek—what was that all about?”
“Beverly Davenport was becoming too friendly and inquisitive. Our little display of affection stopped her taking it to the next level.” He smiled. “What’s wrong with a little peck on the cheek?”
Nadia guided the Jeep out of the airport parking lot. She glanced at Wolfe and, with a mischievous grin, said, “I’m French, Michael. A kiss on the cheek makes me feel like I’m your sister.”
He reached over and patted her thigh. “Trust me, I will never treat you like a sister.” He hesitated, but said it anyway, “You just used two contractions.”
“I know. Disgusting, isn’t it?”
They both laughed.
“I need a favor, Joseph.”
Joseph, having returned to Washington earli
er in the afternoon, sat in the spare bedroom of his apartment. “Is the plane safe, Michael?”
“That’s one of my favors.”
“Okay, what can I do?”
“I need a flight plan deleted from the FFA database.”
Silence was his answer.
“I need the one I filed for Branson West to disappear.”
“Why?”
“In case someone gets too inquisitive.”
“Reid?”
“Or someone he’s hired. After our discussion with Martin Benson, I think there is a better than fifty percent chance they know where my house is. Or, at least have an idea of the general vicinity.”
“Okay, I get it. I have a resource who can take care of it.”
“JR?”
“Maybe.”
“Sorry I asked.”
“Michael, just know I will handle it. You don’t need to know details.”
“Got it.” After a slight pause, Wolfe continued, “What happened to Canfield’s body?”
“If I remember correctly, it was cremated. Why?”
“Was there an autopsy?”
“I’m sure there was, but I don’t remember any details. I can find out. Why?”
“Just trying to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense.”
“Okay. Don’t worry about the flight plan. Consider it gone.”
“Thanks, Joseph.”
Wolfe ended the call, closed the laptop and stood. He wandered through the condo looking for Nadia and found her on a sofa reading.
She looked up. “Will he take care of the flight plan?”
Wolfe nodded. “I need some air. I’ll be on the back deck.”
She smiled and returned to her reading.
Cool, crisp air greeted Wolfe as he emerged onto the suspended platform off their kitchen. This high above the cove, Michael could see across the lake numerous points of lights marking the presence of other residences. He looked up at the night sky ablaze with the Milky Way ribbon. A muted silence hovered over the water. Only the sound of wind whistling through tree limbs and waves hitting the shore below could be heard.
