Chapter 2 –The Assignment

I had tried once again to contact Percy on the number that Tammy gave me. The voicemail was still full. That's it I decided. I would try again at the end of the week.

I found my way to the right address or so I thought. It was just a regular looking office building. Talk about cloak and dagger.

I entered the door and we went through a normal security screen then I was directed to an elevator. I thought it odd that it was on a different wall from where the other two were. When I got off however, it was like I was transported to a different world. Everything was shiny. Everyone was in suits and moving along.

"Agent LaSalle?" "Yes" I responded wondering how she knew who I was. "I'm Elly Johnson. Welcome. Do you need coffee?" "No, I'm good" I responded while still looking a little shell shocked.

"We're still waiting for a couple of folks. Why don't you go on into Conference Room B over there and find a seat."

Seated, I looked out the window. There were cars everywhere I thought as my mind wandered off. I knew her laugh as soon as I heard it and l looked around to see Sonja Percy enter the room.

I stand open mouth. Waiving that shy waive until I finally got her attention. She gave me that classic Percy smile and made her way over to me. "Chris LaSalle" she exclaims as I hugged her tightly. "What are you doing here?" "I was sent here from NCIS is all I can tell you."

"How long have you been here?" "I flew in Saturday afternoon. I've tried to call you for three days Percy" "Oh great, I never checked out all those calls. They're usually just trying to sell me something. I just got back in Country last Tuesday and spent several days sleeping then got out briefed Thursday and Friday."

Just then in walks the Director and another suit that I don't recognize.

Sonja's View Point

Parking is always ridiculous out here. I don't mind walking but getting all wet is not my idea of a good start to a day.

I can't believe that I'm being reassigned so soon. Haven't been back a week and still can't sleep. I can't wait to see what I'll be doing this time.

No big deal. Elevator way over there? WTH? "Oh lookee here! I think as the door pops open. Look at the suits. Guess I'm under dressed. "Hey is this the White Cloud Briefing?" Gee there are quite a few people in here.

Oh you are kidding me I think as I look across the room. I just know that that isn't Christopher LaSalle. Stop girl. Now don't run. Don't get excited. Be cool. I hold myself back from running to his seat.

"Chris LaSalle" I say as he embraces me. "It so good to see you. What are you doing here?" "I'm on assignment." "Me too. Here, sit down."

Just then in walks my boss and Director Vance.

"Good Morning everyone. I'm Leon Vance director of NCIS. This is assistant Director John King from the FBI.

"This is Elly Johnson who has been assigned as the Project Operations Officer. We'll dispense with the pleasantries right now. We are going to pass out the briefing books and get started".

90 minutes later

"Okay everyone. We are going to take a lunch break here. There are boxed lunches right across the hall. Remember to leave what you have heard this morning in this room."

"So La Salle, how are you?" Percy asks. "Better now that I see you. The D.C. people are still reeling from Clay's death and Abbey leaving. Getting the director back was no picnic for them either. He looks better in person than on the screen. I heard they broke him up pretty bad. Now that they are all back together, you can see they are still off their game."

"So where are you staying?" The Waterfront" "You're kidding that's just about 2 miles from me."

"So do you have plans for tonight" I ask? "How about dinner?" "Hey that sounds great. I know this place where we can both eat. They have dancing too."

"Hey I have to go by my office after we are done" Percy says. "Why don't I pick you up about 5:30 then I can go home and change."

"Looks like everybody's heading back. We better get going."