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Political correctness:
Doyle uncovers an elaborate game of lies after Bodie is believed drowned during a high profile political case.
Chapter 1
The man looked at the unmoving body in front of him. "I thought you said he was good", he berated his assistant. "The man shrugged nervously more than a little afraid of the man in front of him. "Well you need to get me a replacement", his boss ordered, and he better be good or else you can have a part in my little show."
The assistant nodded vigorously now terrified. He knew he would not survive five minutes in this mans' show.' But who could he get that would satisfy his boss.
He paced up and down in agitation before stopping and smiling widely. There was someone he knew of who deserved a particularly hard time. He'd already started the campaign of annoying this person and maybe recruitment in his boss's private army would be a fitting end to his revenge.
Getting hold of this person might be a little difficult but if he was careful everything would turn out just right. Adam reached for the phone ready to make the first step in making his bosses order come to pass.
"3 weeks later…
George Cowley arrived with squealing tyres to the scene of the C15 operation conducted by his top agents..
All he'd been told was that something had gone wrong. He hurried along trying to see any obvious signs of trouble. There was nothing until he reached the bridge leading across the water, on top of the bridge lay agent 2.9 otherwise known as Kyle Walker.
Murphy was kneeling over Kyle. "Report", Cowley barked at Murphy. "He's been knocked out sir, semi conscious, I've called the ambulance." Murphy's voice was flat and devoid of emotion like something more terrible had happened, something he didn't want to think too much about. Cowley felt puzzled Kyle wasn't seriously injured so what was the problem.
Cowley lifted his head and saw 4.5 pacing along the waters edge his agitation clear for anyone to see. There were divers there as well searching the water. A strange feeling crept up Cowley's spine, Doyle was visible but not Bodie.
Cowley moved forward and came abreast of Doyle. But the agent kept pacing until Cowley reached and grabbed his arm. "4.5 what's wrong, he asked," where's 3.7.?"
Doyles look was tortured as he looked into his controllers eyes, he then looked back at the river, as though searching and George Cowley suddenly had a fair idea exactly where Bodie was to be found.
"What happened", he demanded. "I don't know exactly Sir", came back the reply though the eyes never left the river. "There was an ambush. I radioed Murph then stayed with Mr. Falken while Bodie gave chase."
Cowley squeezed Doyles arm and walked back to the bridge to get answers out of Murphy. "Murphy , what happened, Cowley demanded. "Doyle radioed for assistance. Kyle went over the bridge while I took the route down there across by the boats. Thought that'd give me a clear view of the assailants. However one of them had the same idea had me pinned down, so I couldn't see much. I heard the splash though." Cowley still didn't know what had happened to 3.7.
He knelt beside the semi conscious Kyle. "2.9, report," he barked hoping the tone would snap the agent into a response.
"Sir, he slurred, saw Bodie chasing a man," since you wanted them alive he was only firing at him to herd him toward me", he paused and rubbed his head.
"Yes", demanded Cowley. "Well he dived right into me and hit me before I really knew what had happened, cracked my head hard against the ground. My head was swimming but I could hear Bodie and the man fighting. I was not really conscious but I heard this huge splash and just caught a glimpse of 3.7 and the assailant falling from the bridge."
Cowley straightened up 3.7 was a good swimmer so he should be alright but the divers had obviously found no sign of either Bodie or his assailant.
Cowley began to wish that certain foreign powers didn't call CI-5 every time there was trouble.
3 days earlier...
Minister Roger Coulton looked up from his desk as one of his colleagues entered.
"Roger, this is the attaché from the embassy, Mr Aidan Elick ". Mr Elick, Roger stood and shook his hand. " I brought him here because he has a slight problem and you maybe able to help." Roger plastered a smile on his face, "What can I help you with Mr Elick.
"As you know Mr Coulton certain officals from my country are due to visit to your country starting this evening". Roger nodded, yes he knew this. "Well good security arrangements have been made but one of these officials' has reason to believe his life will be in danger while here. "He'd like to make further arrangements."
Roger looked puzzled. "The secret service is handling all aspects of this visit, he told Mr Elick," they can help with problems". "The secret service is handling security for the planned meetings Mr. Coulton, this official wants to see some personal contacts while he's here. These contacts are I believe not strictly legitimate and the only reason we are finding out about them is that this man is in fear for his life."
"The secret service is not interested in these' contacts", queried the minister.
"Well I gather that they are important enough that our official want to deal with other agencies", Mr Elick replied tactfully.
.
"Anyway," Mr Elick got the conversation around to what he wanted, " I heard about this CI5. They seem to have exactly what we need"
Roger knew now why his colleague had brought this man, he was a personal acquaintance of CI5 controller George Cowley. "CI5 are busy people, Mr Cowley won't just accept any assignment.", he told Mr Elick. "I accept that but if they do take this case they will be getting information on a man who works for this government but is prepared to trade important information to foreign countries".
He's already given up some prior information on upcoming trade deals that the UK is broaching with certain other countries. This led to competitors getting the jump on us and offering a better deal.
There is a rumour that this man is now willing to sell military intel as well as economic information, stopping that sort of thing does come under CI5's mandate", Mr Elick mentioned.
That afternoon Roger went to see George Cowley. "Look George, this official wants to visit contacts while in London." Legitimate Ones," asked Cowley.
Roger shrugged. " I gather a few of them are ,well less than desirable. But the point is George that this official believes one of these contacts has put out a contract on him. He's pretty sure which one of them is responsible and is offering to sell him out to us, if we can protect him, during these visits."
George Cowley nodded, contacts could be valuable and getting someone who was prepared to deal covertly with foreign powers was always worthwhile. "Alright, I'll arrange for two men to act as bodyguards." "Ah George, Roger put in, Mr Elick requests your best or he won't deal, he wants approval of who you send."
Cowley scowled it was up to him who he detailed for protection not some attaché .
"Mr Elick won't be disappointed with who I send," stated Cowley," but this had better not be a waste of my time Roger". Roger felt the definite threat there, George Cowley didn't like people who used his acquaintance for there own purposes.
Twenty Minutes later George Cowley studied his top team. Doyle, looked relaxed his hands placed behind his back while he waited to see what the summons was about.
Bodie looked tired, he'd probably been out partying or with some girl. Cowley made a point to have another chat with 3.7 about controlling his social life so it didn't interfere with work.
"Right gentlemen, lets get down to business". He told them both about the job,
"babysitting", Bodie looked displeased. Cowley glared at 3.7, "Well nothing may happen but there is the chance someone will try and make a hit on this guy."
"Are his contacts that valuable", queried Doyle. Cowley looked approving at least one have of the team could ask a sensible question.
"We believe so", stated Cowley hoping Roger was playing straight with him.
"Now I have to say there is one specific order."If someone does come after him, I don't want you to kill them,. You can shoot to wound but these assailants will only be agents of someone and we want their boss."
"Oh great, muttered Bodie, they can kill us but we can't do likewise." Cowley's scowl deepened. "I expect you to use your judgment, if you are placed in a situation where you need to shoot then do so with minimum damage, if possible. But, he growled, I won't be happy if I hear one of these guys were unnecessarily shot." Cowley fixed Bodie with a glare, most of the time it was him that disobeyed orders.
"Yes sir", replied Doyle shooting a quick warning glance to Bodie. His partner should know better than to antagonize George Cowley. Cowley's eyes moved to Bodie. "Understood Sir," replied Bodie.
"Good it's settled then, dismissed" Cowley ordered.
Bodie marched out first followed by Doyle. Cowley shook his head , Doyle and Bodie were a good team, one of his best, but it didn't mean he wouldn't get rid of one half of the team if necessary. If Bodie didn't behave himself on this mission then he was going to have words with the operative, serious words.
Doyle looked at his silent partner, "pushing your luck a bit weren't you", he remarked.
"Yeah, acknowledged Bodie, but it's us who have to act as targets for some diplomat sneaking about. What would happen if we died because of this man, not a damn thing, that's what!
Doyle didn't say too much knowing sometimes Bodie just needed to rant before he settled down to his job. "Were you out late last night"? ,he asked his partner hoping to draw the conversation into other areas.
"No", Bodie stated. Doyle looked at his partner in disbelief. "Well you look like you were up half the night, I think the Cow thought so as well." "Well I wasn't", Bodie grumped.
Doyle studied his partner again before venturing, "Something the matter mate".
Bodie looked at him there was silence then, "no". The response was short abrupt and said butt out clearly. Doyle said nothing more.
1 DAY later
They drove to the rendezvous with their client.
"My home is at your disposal gentlemen", Mr Garand Falken told them.
Bodie's eyes widened taking in the pool, gym and other facilities. When a pretty maid offered them a drink Bodies eyes lit up studying her lithe form. Maybe this protection business had its benefits after all.
"Don't get too comfortable mate, we are working", Doyle warned as Bodie lay by the pool. ""This place is a fortress mate, Bodie stated, "yes", acknowledged Doyle.
He was beginning to wonder about this job. So far Mr Falken hadn't gone anywhere, just sitting around doing paperwork and making calls.
He certainly didn't need protection in this place as it did have a state of the art security system. Doyle wanted to be a diplomat if this was how they lived.
He saw Falken go out of his study and walk to the doors to the pool. He stood there concealed slightly behind the curtains. Doyle watched his face, he was studying something intently. Ray moved over a few steps so he could look at the same angle.
Ah nice view of the maid bending over. Then she moved but Falken's eyes didn't move with her. Doyle realized he was studying Bodie, intently, his gaze measuring.
Doyle didn't think too much about the study, maybe the guy just needed to know they could handle trouble if it came.
Roughly 1 hour later Falken interrupted their so far peaceful day. "I'll be going out in roughly an hour gentlemen. I am meeting someone who I value highly but other people do know about this meeting, so I'd be prepared, just in case."
"We're always prepared, Mr Falken, reassured Doyle.
They sat next to Mr Falken in his Mercedes ."which one of your contacts is the one you think has ordered the hit, asked Doyle. Falken looked like his mind was elsewhere, "What…, "Oh well there's this guy we talk to for information about new Government laws or deals regarding overseas business. " Bodie frowned not liking the sound of that type of deal. "Oh its' not state secrets or anything", Falken looked rather uncomfortable at the glare on Bodies face. "Insider information, Doyle stated, "so you can stop deals happening that aren't favourable to your country or undercut deals so you can get into the action first."
Falken nodded. "Look its common practice these days gentlemen".
"Yeah but if you start selling information where do you stop", Bodie stated.
"We are not enemies of your country gentlemen", he insisted. Bodie still glared.
"Anyway this man got greedy wanted more for his information. We say no it's not worth more, maybe look for other sources of information." He gets scared thinks he's going to get dropped". Doyle looked at Falken. "Let me guess you threatened to tell on him." Falken nodded.
The guy had to be a fairly important figure in the government to get important information, losing your position and facing criminal charges wasn't something one faced lightly."
"Most Government offical's wouldn't know where to go to hire professional hit men ", Bodie pointed out.
Falken shrugged. "Someone always knows about those sort of people", he told them.
They continued on for another 10 minutes then pulled over. Bracketing Falken Bodie and Doyle accompanied him to the front of a smart building. Bodie scanned the area, "a bit open isn't it", he stated. "Yes, we'll only be here a minute", he told them.
"A minute is all it takes", countered Doyle also looking around them.
An attractive woman hurried down the stairs then and Falken's face lit up.
She regarded Bodie and Doyle. "do I need to be worried", she asked. "It's alright Marsha, they're just looking after me."
"Do you mind if we move on now", stated Doyle. They retreated to the car. "Just one of you now gentlemen", Falken stated, indicating the space beside him.
"I'll take the front", Bodie stated. "You take the front, Falken pointed to Doyle.
Doyle obeyed leaving Bodie to sit next to Falken.
Doyle was puzzled Falken must have picked up that Bodie didn't think much of him. So why choose him to sit in the back. Was he antagonizing him on purpose, not a good thing to do to your bodyguard.
The car made its way down the road, Falken and the girl were talking in a different language in the back seat, probably some deal they didn't want them to know about.
The car stopped, "thank you", stated Falken kissing the girl on the cheek. She bowed then departed. "Right gentlemen I think I'm in the mood for lunch", Falken announced, "the regular, Humphrey ", he told the chauffeur.
They stopped at a very pricy restaurant. "Do you think we can put it on expenses?" Bodie asked his partner after one look at the menu. "It's on me gentlemen" Falken told them. "Have what you want".
Doyle chose some of the more modestly priced dishes but Bodie went for the most expensive thing. "Drinks?" Falken offered. Bodie looked ready to accept but Doyle stated, "we're on duty", "right" acknowledged Falken.
He downed a few drinks and finished up his lobster. "Its back home for now gentlemen tomorrow we go to the meeting with the man I suspect has hired the hit."
The spent the rest of the day in the house and as evening fell the agents discussed this case.
"There's something about this whole thing I don't like" Doyle told Bodie. "Which part the expensive dinner or our shabby accommodation", Bodie looked around the sumptuous house with a raised eyebrow. "That's it mate, this is too good to be true, something smells I can feel it."
"Maybe", yawned Bodie, but wasn't it a friend of Cowley's who put him onto this case."
Nobody would cross the Cow," Bodie sounded definite. "You push your luck a few times", Doyle accused. "Yeah but pushing my luck and totally double crossing him are two different things mate", Bodie told Doyle seriously.
"You're right", Doyle acknowledged. "I'll stand first guard", Doyle continued," you look really tired.. "Yeah I've been…" Bodie stopped talking. "Been what", Doyle prompted confident Bodie was going to tell him what was bothering him.
"Nothing", Bodie responded in his sullen tone. "Come on mate, something's up with you", Doyle spoke confidently.
"It's nothing really, just stupid, Bodie replied. "Tell me", Doyle demanded. "Promise you won't go to Cowley", Bodie stated seriously. That made Doyle think that it had to be more serious than Bodies comment of 'nothing really' indicated. "I won't tell the Cow", Doyle promised.
"I've been getting these strange calls", Bodie told his partner. 'The phone will ring then stop, then ring, stop, that type of thing." "Have you answered any of these calls, Doyle asked. "A few times but there is never anyone there". They always happen at night and the calls are not long enough for a trace.", Bodie explained.
Doyle frowned he didn't really like the sound of what Bodie had told him. There were many people in both of their lives that wanted them dead, Bodies calls could be the start of a pressure campaign. Cowley really needed to be told but Doyle had just promised not to say anything. "Look mate this could be the start of something bad", Doyle began.
I know mate", Bodie responded seriously, "I'll be careful I promise and if it gets more serious I'll go to Cowley", Bodie saw reluctance in Doyle's eyes and put on an innocent smile. Doyle just glared, "as long as you're still alive to go to Cowley", he warned. Bodie looked insulted, "Come on I can handle a little bit of pressure", he stated. Doyle looked into his tired eyes, "really", he asked. "Yes", Bodie responded bluntly. "Any ideas what the calls are about", Doyle prompted. "No", Bodie firmly replied.
Doyle knew Bodie well enough to pick up on the fact he was lying. But he didn't make any further comment. He bide his time and see what happened.
They both got through their stints at keeping guard without anything happening and soon morning made its arrival known with bright vivid sunshine.
Falken was in a serious mood at breakfast and said very little.
Bodie and Doyle gathered from his mood that he was pretty definite about the upcoming meeting being sabotaged. "Why even meet this guy, Doyle asked, why not just forget about the information." Falken shook his head, "because this deal is especially lucrative ", he replied as though stating the obvious. "Yes but how do you know the guy won't try and sell you false information. Maybe that would be a more fitting means of revenge than a hit", Bodie told the diplomat. Falken looked a little flustered.
"There are always others he can sell to but if he gives me wrong information then none of the others will ever deal with him again", Falken had an air of finality in his voice like he didn't want to discuss this any more. "Wouldn't killing you put them off even more", Doyle really didn't have a good feeling about this job.
"Might make some of my competitors very happy", Falken snapped. "Gentlemen you are here to do a job. Now we leave in an hour so I suggest you make yourselves ready." Falken turned away leaving Doyle and Bodie staring after him.
"I think you're right mate, Bodie sighed, "something stinks". "The Cow has given us this job, Doyle mused, "it wouldn't be the first job where he hasn't told us everything.
Lets just get it over Bodie, then we can request that the Cow doesn't send us on this type of job again", Doyle began the process of cleaning his gun. "You really think the cow would listen", retorted Bodie as he mirrored Doyle's action.
One hour later they set off for Falken's meeting. Doyle felt his mind snap into work mode clearing out any stray thoughts of girls lingering. He sneaked a glance at Bodie, noticing his mask had also slipped into place. He also looked relaxed and ready to handle trouble if any came their way.
Falken's driver stopped at a quiet place by the river. A low bridge reached lazily across the river. Doyle and Bodie scanned the area warily. "I don't like your choice of meeting place very much", Bodie muttered.
"It's quiet and there are no chance of watchers", Falken retorted," naturally my contact doesn't want to be seen talking to me."
Bodie looked over at the boats tied up by the river. "Someone could be hiding on one of those", he stated. Falken looked unconcerned, "those boats are hardly big enough to hide a mouse Mr Bodie, let alone a gunman."
Bodie and Doyle bracketed Falken as he slipped out of the car. Both kept a wary eye out for trouble. Soon a car was seen coming toward them, it stopped flashed it's lights twice, then continued on toward them. "That's the signal gentlemen, here comes my contact", Falken stated needlessly.
The car stopped beside them and they waited for the doors to open. Doyle tried vainly to see through the tinted windows.
Bodie had been in many dangerous situations before as a soldier and his 'trouble is coming' feeling was screaming at him loudly. He kept his eyes focused on the car .
Suddenly the doors burst open and a man leapt out firing wildly. The shots all went over the heads of Bodie and Doyle who'd pushed Falken to the ground seconds before the door had opened. Bodie was about to shoot the man responsible in the chest when he remembered Cowley's orders. So he shot at the guys legs instead.
The guy jumped sideways rolled and sped away weaving in an uneven line.
"Damn", swore Bodie. "Let's call for backup mate", Doyle stated as he saw another car approaching fast. Doyle radioed there standby Murphy.
Coyle and Bodie huddled Falken behind the car. "You stay with him ,I'll lead them away, Bodie told Doyle.
"Bodie", Doyle started to protest, "No time for discussion", Bodie stated and began to fire wildly at the second car. Doyle shook his head knowing exactly how Cowley felt when Bodie disobeyed an order.
The occupants of the second car swerved as Bodie shot out their wind screen then tyres. They screeched to a halt and came out of the car firing. Bodie noticed they were not very good shots. "Give it up now", he yelled. He got no response so shot at the petrol tank spilling the petrol over the ground. "Come on give up or I'll turn you into grilled steak", Bodie muttered.
The men got up and made a run for it weaving wildly toward the bridge. "2.9", they're coming your way", Bodie yelled into the radio. He had to dodge to avoid getting hit by the fleeing men but their shots were mostly off target. Bodie felt frustrated he was a marksman and could easily hit one of the men, but orders were orders and deep down Bodie really respected George Cowley.
So he fired at their legs hoping they'd lose balance and fall into the river.
They seemed though to be better at balancing than they were at shooting.
Finally Bodie heard the click as the assailants ran out of bullets. He was confident Murphy would get the first man and that only left him two of them.
Bodie changed his plans when he saw 2.9 lying on the ground and one assailant fleeing. The other one though calmly waited for his arrival.
Bodie threw a punch at the guys jaw but he ducked under and settled for grabbing Bodie around the waist. Bodie kicked him hard, hearing a grunt and a swear word.
"You've failed", Bodie told him coldly. "The man you want is safe now".
The man smiled strangely, "I have the man I want", he stated and lunged at Bodie knocking them both off the bridge and into the river.
The water was murky as well as cold but it wasn't going to stop Bodie getting the better of this guy. He grabbed him around the neck and kicked for the surface.
His captive was kicking out hard with his legs and reached up to with one hand to grab Bodies arms. But Bodie held on tight determined to bring his captive to the surface. He felt a sort of stinging in his leg though. Everything began to swirl after that and Bodie was only vaguely aware that they had surfaced on the far side of one of the last in that long line of boats.. Murphy though was gone obviously leaving to provide Doyle with assistance.
So nobody observed Bodie being carefully placed into the back of the boat tied up and wrapped in a tarpaulin. Then the man quietly started his boat confident the agents were all occupied elsewhere. He spirited his captive away thinking of the money he'd get upon delivery.