Alex Rodgers was working on the latest part of his next book. He knew it was going to be a runaway best seller the first one so he was trying to get the outline of the next 3 books down so that he did not have to face Gina the Dragon Lady anytime soon.

Alex had stopped typing in mid sentence. Alex has been please how this boring assignment has gone so far but complacency it a killer. Hmmm, got to go play with the pistol range fairly recently too. Kate was so surprised when I put 3 in the ten column. I was showing off again. I got quit doing that she is suspicious of me as is now. Alex mentally beat himself up over that one. Never again, Alex promised himself. I got to quit thinking this assignment was nothing! It will kill both me and my protectee.

Alex stretched then moved to the kitchen. Listening to the hum of the refrigerator, the ticking of the clock, and the assorted noises one would associate with modern living. People get so used to the noise Alex mused. The days have run into months and here it is mid May. Hard to believe it has only been over 4 months since I got my in. So far I had to fight off a angry mob figure, a sadistic Home invasion robber, a vampire, a touchy FBI agent, and now I am content to await the next phone call.

It was 3 in the morning Alex decided sleep might come tonight. So he crawled into bed and soon was deeply asleep. In the morning Alex got dressed and waited for his visitor to arrive. Alex was looking into Kate's mother's death. Alex knowing full well this might get him in trouble decided he needs to find out what is the problem with this case. Why can it not be solved. Or more importantly is it being prevented from being solved.

At 1 PM there was a knock on the door. His guest has arrived.

"A stabbing Rick is that not a little pedestrian for you?" The person known as "Dr. Death" said.

Alex responded," This is about a murder case which is over 10 years old. I would appreciate if you would use your vast knowledge to see if there is something the previous ME missed. I just want a second opinion. I know the possibility of finding something new is astronomical."

Alex gave the file to the top pathologist and shook his hand warmly as he departed.

Alex said," Please keep me informed."

Martha eavesdropping said, "What was Dr. Death doing here?

Alex said," Doing some consulting."

Martha warned her son, "It sounds like you are looking into Det. Beckett's mother murder case without her permission. You are digging up her past without her authorization. There will be trouble.

Alex scoffed, " Why should I get permission if nothing is found yet. Only if something comes up then I will approach her."

Alex thought when does a spy ever ask for permission? The idea is ludicrous! Information is to taken and used why ask permission? It kind of defeats the purpose of gathering intel! I could just imagine going to the Iranian Mullahs and asks for their atomic secrets! Alex chuckled to himself. Man that burro ride over those hills took forever plus dodging the search parties too. All the while transporting the Chemical Engineer which was creating the Hexofluorine gas for the centrifuges. Yes it was an adventure...

Alex was disguised as Pashtun trader riding a burro for 150 miles of scrub desert. Dodging patrols filled with Republican Guard troops. Finally after many days the objective was in sight. A very much out of the way state of the art reprocessing plant. Alex waited until night fell then moved into position.

Alex moved silently to the 15 foot chain link fence with Constantine wire plus movement sensors spaced 15 ft apart across the the whole length of the fence.

Alex set up his catapult which can launch him 25 ft in the air and so he would land outside the sensor range. Alex a trained gymnast knew he needed to have a very shallow trajectory so he could land safely. The margin for error would be very small. Alex has been trained to use this equipment since he stayed with his family as circus performers. Alex credits his Grandfather for the training.

Alex launched himself off the catapult moved to a tuck position then twisted for his rolling landing. He was in. Alex quickly moving to the side of the building. A guard unaware of Alex had stopped 5 ft from him. Alex regulated his breathing then ascended to a ventilation grating 20 ft in the air. Alex carefully removed and suspended that grating then flipped crawling into the shaft. Alex was in. Alex then carefully replaced the vent grating.

First objective was reached. Placing thermite explosives in the ventilation shafts and fans so that the cooling of the building would be compromised and the explosive gases would build up then at the precise time another trigger explosion would happen and the facility would be worthless! But that gives me only 20 mins to locate the object for retrieval and exit the building! Alex crawled through the ventilation shaft until the map showed the location to drop out of the shaft. It was a unused storage closet. Alex quickly changed clothes and now he was a Col with the Republican Guard which was doing a routine inspection of the building. Exiting the closet he resumed acting like he was inspecting the facility. Showing the right credentials and a cool almost sadistic manner Alex approached the director of the plant.

Alex spoke to the director in a very authoritarian manner. Alex demanded to see the head Chemical Engineer. Alex had papers for his arrest and to be transported to the Head of the Mullah council for Trial! The Director complied with Alex request as the first of the explosions were taking place. In the amidst of the noise and confusion Alex lead the Traitor out of the Building. He bullied a guard allowing him to commandeer a Police security vehicle. At the check point he ordered the men there to head back to the plant. There was sabotage taking place. They need to secure the building. Let no one out!

The squad leader took his orders serious and moved all his men from the check point to surround the building to let no traitor escape! Alex then commended the Man in charge and pinned a medal from the Supreme Allahtoya himself! Alex then left the compound heading into the deep desert. Pulling out a burst radio a signal was sent that the package was needing pick up. At the designated landing area the helos were standing by and Alex plus the Chemical Engineer were transported to Bahrain. Alex got a message from Home base while enroute that satellites registered a massive explosion and there were no survivors! The Old Man was very pleased with me that day. That had it all excitement, terror and explosions ah those were the days Alex thought.