Common Ground

Part 3


The place was dark. Even at ten thirty in the morning the restaurant's atmosphere made the perfect shade of nefarious. Nate could imagine the many deals made under and over the tables in the place. He could tell Hardison caught the same vibe of the diner just from his reciting of Goodfellas quotes. While Parker and Hardison were finishing their second and third trips to the breakfast bar, Sophie was nursing her coffee. Nate only ordered a water, heavy on the ice. His own flask of whiskey helped fill the rest of the glass. Eliot was the lookout, having to sit and then casually go to the window to check for his old friend. Nate wondered about the man who loved to cook the finer things of food, but he almost never saw him eat so much as toast in the morning.

Eliot came back into the suite the previous afternoon and explained his meeting with the mysterious third man posing as an arms distributor in front of their mark, Degato. Eliot only told them that Michael Westen showed him the ropes on various missions in the Special Forces. A glorified spy for several years until he was burned. Eliot had to explain that a spy being burned is the government's way of firing them. He said Westen is a very trustworthy guy who you don't want as your enemy. And that was all. Nate had accepted over the years of knowing Eliot that if there was something that he deemed important to tell you that he would disclose it. Details were scarce with Eliot Spencer. The unspoken bottom line was that Eliot trusted this Westen, so his team did likewise.

All morning they discussed the several angles to play against Degato. The main goal of their client was money. At least the client was straight up about it this time. Nate had assumed clients wanted money in the past and had been so off the mark. Sophie never let him forget those mistakes, among others. Marcie's father had died of a heart attack while being overworked in one of Degato's casinos. Her father would work eighty to ninety hours a week while he was in his sixties. He died too soon, according to his daughter. She could blame Degato, but there was no way to accuse him of a man's death by heart attack. Even if thirty years of overwork brought on that heart attack. Marcie's father was being buried the following Monday. They had less than a week to get her some of Degato's money. Hardison agreed with the team that is wasn't going to be easy. They would have to ignore the long cons and focus on the short ones.

They were just at the end of their discussions when Eliot came back from the window as he had several times that morning in the diner. This time he sat down on a chair backwards and asked, "You ready?"

Hardison barked, "We was ready more than an hour ago. Where is this guy?"

Eliot smiled. The one that said he knew more than he was letting on. "In the booth behind you."

Before they could look, the man they saw in the video footage on the previous day stepped into view. He wore similar slacks and business coat and a pair of aviator sunglasses. With him stood a lanky, tanned woman dressed more like someone from Miami would. Tight jean shorts and a loose cotton blouse. They both now stood before Nate's team.

"Sorry for the wait. I had Spencer make sure you weren't followed."

"We weren't," Nate said. "And you two had already been here at least a half an hour after we arrived. You were in the booth behind us. You two were...close. You two together, I take it?"

"On occasion," replied the woman. Nate detected a strange accent from her that he couldn't place. She was definitely not American.

"I see you don't miss much. I'm Michael Westen." He reached out his hand to Nate. He knew who the head of the team was. "Ex-spy. Current, whatever."

"Nate Ford." He shook Michel's hand and offered them both to sit. While the two grabbed their chairs, Nate introduced his team.

After they sat, Michael motioned to the woman and said, "This is Fiona Glenanne. If you want anything blown up, she's your man."

Parker snickered. "He made a rhyme."

Nate uncharacteristically acknowledged Parker's quip. He eyed Fiona. "Yeah, kind of like an Irish limerick."

As Fiona nodded to Nate's quick assessment of her, and she noticed the glass that Nate was drinking from. She reverted to her true accent. "Ah, I love the smell of Jameson in the mornin'. A man after me own heart."

Nate grinned back at her. "I knew a family named Glenanne growing up in Boston."

Fiona nodded, going back to her quasi-Miami accent. "Had some cousins move to Southie decades ago."

Nate asked, "You from Dublin?"

"Parts of it."

"Parts?" Hardison asked.

"The parts that are left," Fiona replied.

Nate quickly got down to business and said, "Eliot told us you can help us with Degato."

Michael shot back, "And he also said you can help me with files I need in Degato's office. Fiona can help you with the biometric. When do you want to crack it?"

"Uh, last night," answered Nate. "Parker, you're up."

The blonde reached into her bag-sized purse and took out a manila envelope. She placed it on the table and slid it over to Michael. He grabbed it, confused.

"What's this?" he asked.

Parker replied, "All the files from Dagato's safe that I could photocopy. No money in there, damn. He's got a nice bottle of Blanton's bourbon in there. Probably a collector's bottle. And those files. Those must be ones he doesn't want anyone to know about."

Eliot spoke, "I glanced at them earlier this morning and it contains information about some dummy corporations Degato set up." Michael started looking through the files page by page. Eliot went on. "It's not just one dummy corporation. There's several layered on top of each other."

"Which is how he's been able to filter his funds from this place and the casinos so fast. Not to mention his gun running profits. Those are fairly recent, though," added Hardison.

As Michael gazed through, he looked dumbfounded. He looked up at Parker holding up his forefinger. "Wait a minute. You broke into a biometric safe and took photos of these just last night?"

"Yep."

Fiona mentioned, "Michael said it was an Oyster series."

Parker smiled deviously. "And I cracked it open like one." She laughed. "I love that joke with the Oyster series. Easiest two hours ever."

Fiona looked shocked. "You cracked a biometric in two hours?"

Parker thought aloud, "Well, the safe took me seventy minutes. The rest of the time I took photos. And enjoyed the scenery. Degato has his office overlooking the entire track."

Michael smiled and went back to looking at the files. "I told you about Parker, Fi. You wouldn't believe me."

"Well, Parker, your reputation precedes you," said Fiona.

Parker looked confused. "My...what is what?"

Hardison told her, "They're impressed, hon."

Parker brightened. "Oh. Cool."

As Michael read through the pages, Eliot mentioned, "You know that Degato was ex-Green Beret?"

"Yeah, knew that. He was in Khe Sanh, Vietnam. He fell off the military grid soon after that battle. Something else he hid well was a business in gun running, going back into the early 80's. He was once partners with the late Gregory Hart. Interesting."

"It's starting to track," Eliot said.

Nate asked as Michael turned more pages, "Does it say where exactly?"

Eliot answered, "Not in so many words. But the corporations he used then were based in Abkhazia."

Michael recited the word, "Georgia."

Hardison questioned, "Georgia? Why would he run guns in the south?"

Michael corrected him humorously, "Georgia area in Russia. He and Hart were part of the main runners in the eighties. Though Degato suddenly came back into the States just before the nineties. And Hart stayed in his jungle."

Nate was following the timeline and then added, "By then Degato starts the casinos in the States and then the dog tracks here. What happened to this Hart?"

"Vaughan retired him just recently. Not sure why, but Degato left in a hurry. Closed some corporations. Added new ones here in Miami and Atlantic City. I'm thinking he and Hart had a falling out.," Michael said.

Eliot suggested, "Probably because of the Russian-Georgian conflict."

Michael thought a moment before he said, "Maybe."

Sophie spoke up. "No, that occurred within the last five years. If Degato was controlling guns in the Ukraine up until the mid-eighties, what else would suddenly stop him from running a lucrative business?"

Michael smiled and nodded in agreement. "Glasnost. It changed the way the whole country operated. Degato quit running guns in the Ukraine, starts the casinos here in the States. But no hint of gun running until now."

Nate mentioned, "You said this Vaughan had something to do with Hart's death. Maybe Degato found out?"

Fiona said, "Or Vaughan makes sure to get the word to Degato about Hart's death."

Michael nodded. "Taking over Hart's business. That makes sense."

Eliot said, "Who better to combine an ex-Russian gun runner with an ex-Mossad agent.?"

"Vaughan. That's the angle," said Michael.

Nate brought them back to reality. "There's no way you could prove the guns Degato is giving this Aziz is coming from your Vaughan's army of suppliers."

Sophie said, "Unless running the guns to Aziz gets Degato back with the Russians."

Fiona replied, "With Benghazi and the war in Afghanistan going on, the Soviets are the perfect ones to restart the guns running game again. Especially with their ban of AK-47's."

Eliot laughed and nodded. "I knew it. The deal's with a shipment of Norinco 56's."

Fiona smiled and nodded in admiration at Eliot. "And some FIM-92 Stingers. For the extra kick."

Michael said, "Not light ammo. The perfect bait for Aziz to gain the attention of the Ukraine and gain Degato's old reputation back. All on Vaughan's agenda. This will help." Michael put the file down on the table. "I'll go through these in more detail later. Thanks. Now, have you thought of a con for Degato?"

Nate answered, "Nothing definite yet. We only have until Monday."

Fiona nodded. "A short con, then. That eliminates The Spanish Prisoner."

"And the Cold Duck," said Sophie sadly.

Michael repeated, "The Cold...Duck? Sorry, I'm not up on my con names."

Fiona addressed Sophie, "You're right, that would never work in the time frame either. I believe it involves a private jet." Sophia nodded and smiled. "If I may ask, what is your client's goal?"

Eliot answered, "Pretty much, money."

"Yes, she wants monetary compensation for the heart attack that killed her father," said Nate.

"Caused by being overworked and betrayed by Degato," added Sophie.

Fiona looked down at the floor for a moment and then suggested, "You could do The Egyptian Gambit."

Sophie almost laughed. "There's no time to set that up, either. And we would have to know positively that he is going to have a surplus of cash on him."

"And he will," Michael countered. "As of 1600 today, Degato will have 2 mil on him. What's the quickest time he can have that disappear? Seventy-two hours?"

"Faster," said Hardison said. "More like forty-eight or less."

Fiona said, "You could make it the Russian Gambit. Someone on the inside Ukraine circuit who caught wind of this deal with Aziz. Wants in on the action. That would fit the mark."

Sophie followed Fiona's thought. "And wants a finder's fee to start the business."

Fiona replied, "Say a million or so."

Sophie said, "Brilliant. That would work."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "As long as you do it after the deal. You come in before or during it and my deal with Vaughan is off."

"And you don't want that?" surmised Nate.

Fiona rolled her eyes. "Heaven forbid Michael makes a killer with his own army mad."

"I told you, Fi, I have to follow Vaughan to find out what his game plan is. If this deal doesn't go through, that will be two jobs he's given me that went sour. He'll get suspicious."

Eliot questioned, "You playing both ends? You trying to get back to your old days?"

"Aren't you?"

Eliot shook his head. "No, man. I'm trying to forget those days."

"That's hard to do," said Michael.

"Yeah, especially when you don't try to forget." Eliot's voice became harder. His crew stiffened at the sound, not knowing when Eliot was going to burst.

Michael Westen was calm when he replied, "It's not a question of forgetting. It's about me getting my life back."

Fi sighed. "Oh, Michael, put a new record on. That same one is skipping."

Eliot motioned to Michael. "That life you want back, did it give you so much joy? Because it didn't give me any."

Michael said to Eliot, "You saved lives, Spencer."

"Because I didn't have a choice. I was tired of letting others make my decisions for me. You trained me that way. But here you are getting tangled with men like this Vaughan just so you can get back to a life you can't have anymore."

"It's complicated, Spencer."

"No, it's not. It's simple, Westen. You either love the life you have now, or you don't."

Fiona smiled and turned to Michael. "I like him. And I can't imagine you trained him. Where did that Michael go?"

Michael clearly did not want to enter this conversation. He sat up in his chair and leaned towards the group . "Look, I appreciate the files you got from Degato's safe. I wanted to return the favor in helping with your con. Personally, I would like to see Degato taken down a few pegs. But I have to make this deal so Vaughan can get off my back for a while." He looked at Fiona and said, "Maybe then I can get the life I love back."

Parker let out an audible, "Aww."

Nate then took over. "Guys, let's bring it back to Degato." He looked over at Sophie and asked, "How soon can we set up a mini Egyptian Gambit, or Russian in this case?"

Sophie breathed out. "I figure we have twenty four hours to set it up." She turned to Michael and questioned, "1600 means 4 o'clock today, right?"

"Last I checked," said Michael. Then he warned them. "One thing about posing as an operative from the Ukraine is you have to have someone who actually speaks fluent Russian. You can't fake that. Degato will know the difference."

All at once, Eliot's team looked directly at Sophie.

Without acknowledging their looks, Sophie smiled deviously and leaned on the table to look directly at Michael. " Это звук, как в русском языке? [Does this sound like a proper Russian?]"

Michael smiled and answered back in Russian, "Да. И вы можете даже добавил грузинской акцентом. Очень красивый. [Yes. And you even added a Georgian accent. Very nice.]"

Hardison spoke up, "Uh, wait, what did they say?"

"I'm sure it was nothing about you, dear," replied Parker.

Hardison addressed Sophie. "Yeah, but when did you learn to speak Russian?"

"There's much you don't know about me, Hardison."

"That I actually did know."

Michael smiled and nodded. "I can add fuel to your fire by mentioning to Degato a certain female Russian operative I heard was in town. That would put Degato on edge. He may be able to hide his Russian background but he can't stop rumors."

Nate nodded and went into work mode. "That will help. Ok, Hardison, let's get some background on our Russian diplomat. Parker, get us a car. Something elegant but not over the top."

"Mercedes," Michael mentioned as he glanced at Parker. "Russians love their Mercedes."

Parker feigned disgust. "Man, I always have to steal the tough cars."

Nate went on. "Eliot, I want you with Sophie."

Eliot looked horrified for a second. "My Russian is terrible, Nate."

Michael said, "You don't have to speak. Russian bodyguards only have to look intimidating."

"Mission accomplished," said Hardison.

"Hey, I'll give you intimidating," warned Eliot.

Nate said, "Ok, we'll go back to the suite to get our ears. We have only twenty-four hours to get ready. So...I can't believe I've never said this before. Let's go steal some money."

As the team got up from their chairs, Michael leaned to Eliot and asked, "Does he always say that?"

In unison, Sophie, Parker, Hardison, and Eliot all said, "Yes."

As Michael and Fiona got up, Fiona started to speak, "Michael, when do you want to meet with Sam? We've got the other fish to fry, you know. We can't all have exciting –," She froze suddenly, feeling something on her backside. With lightening speed, Fiona grabbed her pistol that she stashed there and turned to point it at...Parker. "Bad move, babe."

Parker gasped. "Ahh. Ok. Sorry. Just wanted to see if I...uh, nothing. Sorry."

Michael took his hand to lower Fiona's extended aim at Parker and said, "Never touch Fi's guns, hun."

"Got it," whimpered Parker.

Fiona reassured her. "Don't sweat it. Have to admit, it would have been a nice lift. Just the wrong mark."

"Noted. I have to go get a Mercedes. Bye."

As Nate's team dispersed, Eliot came up to Michael. "Good plan. Thanks, Michael."

"Right back at you. Hey, maybe after your con and if you have some time, you, me and Sam can get together. Rumble about those old times. You and I can have a beer each and we'll get Sam a keg."

Eliot did laugh but said, "I don't know. We might want to get out of this heat as quick as we can."

Michael nodded and said, "Well, just think about it. We owe you."

"You don't, actually. But thanks. See you around, Westen."

As Eliot left, Michael kept an eye on Eliot as he departed and then motioned to Fiona. "Go ahead to the car. I'll be there in a few minutes."

She looked concerned for a moment but said, "All right."

Michael went over to Nate and spoke low. "Can we talk private a moment?"

"Sure." He walked to the back of the diner closer to the restrooms. Michael followed him. Once they were out of earshot, Nate turned to Michael and asked. "What's up?"

"How well do you know Eliot Spencer?"

"I've known him for a few years now. I know he has his secrets, if that's what you're concerned about."

"The secrets I can handle. I've spent a lifetime keeping them. I was more concerned with his rage."

Nate agreed. "Eliot can be intense at times. I've read his reports and evaluations."

"Most of those evals came from me. Intense is too tame of a word."

Nate surmised, "Intense enough to include mental disorders?"

Michael considered. "Maybe. Not enough to prove. All I know is that rage saved me and a whole team of SEALS on a mission in Bosnia. Eliot was fresh out of basic then. A kid. But let me tell you, he was the scariest weapon we had. He didn't need a gun."

"Would it matter to you to tell you that he has mellowed out since I've known him?"

"It would ease my mind. Always wondered what happened to him. You have a tight team here."

"And Eliot is a part of that, Mr. Westen."

"I don't doubt that. To be fair, the last time I saw Eliot was ten years ago."

"People can change in that time."

"Boy, can they?"

"Maybe they even find the life that they were supposed to follow instead of the one they were told to."

Michael smiled. "Touché. If I may ask, what actually mellowed Eliot Spencer? Was it a woman?"

Nate chuckled. "Not even close. It was cooking."

"Cooking?"

"Oh, yes. It calms him. And you haven't lived until you've tasted his Moroccan Tagine."

"Maybe some other time. Well, here I was warning you about Spencer's rage and it seems you have things under control."

Nate snickered. "Don't get me wrong. We still have problems like any other team. And we do see glimpses of Eliot's rage from time to time. He tends to take it out on Hardison. Threats, but nothing physical." Nate paused before he went on. "Eliot told me about the dark place he was in before he met his cooking mentor in Belgium."

Michael suddenly laughed. "So that's what happened in Belgium. That was to be an in and out mission. Spencer never came out. I wasn't lead but I authorized it. We never heard from Spencer since. We knew he went off the grid after that, but not what set him off."

Nate replied, "You never know what obstacles will steer you into the life you really want."

Michael gave a knowing smile. "Thanks. Listen, I don't think you'll have a problem with Degato. He's too arrogant not to fall for a beautiful Russian operative coercing him into giving him money. Besides, he–" Michael's cell went off and he looked at the number. He sighed first before answering. "Yes, mom. Yes, I told you I'd be by to look at the air conditioning. It probably just needs a shot of Freon. Yes, I do know how hot it is. I do live in Miami with you. No, I don't have time to take you to Bingo. I'm sure Sam is available. Just dangle a six-pack in front of him. Maybe later today after my mission–my meeting. Ok. Ok. All right. Gotta go, mom. Bye now." He hung up.

Nate smiled. "Nice member of your team."

"She can be a nuisance."

Nate reflected. "There isn't a day that goes by when I don't wish I can call my mom on a cell phone. The roaming charges would be astronomical, so to speak."

Michael chuckled nervously. "I'm sorry. Did I say nuisance? I meant inspiration."

"It's all right. I understand."

"Look, I'm going to head out. Looks like you have what you need."

"As do you."

"Yes. Thanks again. And Parker? She's just as advertised. And you and Sophie...you two together?"

"On occasion."

"I know all about on occasion. Look, could you put a word in to Spencer on meeting with Sam and I for a drink? Sam would love to see him. I mean if you have time."

Nate considered. "We can make time. Eliot is really special to you."

Michael took a moment and then said in a low voice, "I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Eliot Spencer. Sam Axe can say the same."

"So can we," Nate replied. "He's in good hands now."

"I can see that."

"But, hey, I'll let you go. You have Degato to meet later and some Freon to inject."

"Nice to see Spencer's found himself out of the darkness. I'm still finding my way out."

"Maybe you've already found it. Just don't touch the guns."

Michael nodded and held out his hand. "You're a good judge of character, Nate Ford."

Nate said as he shook Michael's hand. "I always say so but my team never believes me."

Michael and Nate let their hands down and Michael put his aviator glasses back on and said, Nate...later."

Nate said back, "See you around, ex-spy."

The End