Chapter 7
Visitors
„So far, everything is going according to plan."
Compared to the events that took place all this years ago Red's clear statement was non-exaggerated.
His earlier debate with Cooper had drawn him deep down into the realm of his painful memories again.
The day it all started, his daughters birthday. The day his world began to fall apart.
Takoma Park, July 20th. 1988
„Can't you keep still please? Both heels at the wall, can't mark it correctly otherwise. Straighten your head." His tongue was caught between his lips in concentration as he penciled a line just about the parting of her wild blonde locks.
„Daaad, finally ready now?" His daughter was eager to look at it.
„Yeah, ready. Step aside. Wow, look at that! It has to be about a foot."
His daughter rolled her eyes. „You overplay every time."
He chuckled cheerfully: „Maybe a little."
She took the pencil out of his hand and dated the top line at the wall of her room. The one he just had drawn.
July 20th 1988.
It was obviously quite a bit above the other marks they did all the years before.
My goodness, they grow so fast.
„Only a few weeks and you'll catch up to your mother."
„And to you." she grinned up to him.
He took her in his arms and hugged her tightly. „Can't wait! Once again, my pretty big girl, happy birthday."
„Daaaad, you're embarrassing."
„I know." he sighed and released her slowly. „Let's find out how your mother is doing with your cake and if she needs any help. Shall we? Your guests will be here shortly."
„Ok." She rumbled down the stairs to the kitchen. „Dad, are you coming?"
The house was filled with life a few hours later. A mob of different aged children running about the place while the grownups chattered noisily, enjoying coffee and cake.
The last visitors showing up were Carla and Jennifer.
„Hi girls! You're late. I hope there's some birthday cake left." he teased them when he opened the door and let them in.
„Sorry, folks, I was held up. Jen, why don't you look for the birthday girl and hand her your present. And check if there's some cake left." Carla wanted to sound jolly and good-tempered but he noticed her puffy eyes and her tired appearance instantly.
Jennifer was already on her way to the screaming bunch of kids welcoming the new visitor.
„You look like shit." He gave her a brief hug, pecking her forehead in compassion.
„A word from you and I'll beat the daylights out of him."
„Thanks, I may take you up on it some time." she smiled agonizingly.
„Come in, want something to drink? I think there's some punch left for us."
The yeasty afternoon passed fast and it finally got somewhat quieter with the first guests leaving. The beginning evening promised to be even more pleasant, the summer heat consistently decreasing.
The doorbell broke into the cheerful atmosphere.
„I'm going!" his daughter jumped to her feet and stormed by him towards the hallway, eager to welcome a surprising and delayed congratulator.
She was back moments later, disappointment written all over her face.
„It's for you, Dad."
„Huh? I don't expect anybody." He frowned while he lifted himself off the comfortable sunbed in the garden.
Two handsome and very young men awaited him at his doorstep. Both dressed in black off-the-peg suits and black ties, their gaze sober and reserved. He knew this had to be work related and hoped his vacation was not canceled any second.
He closed the front door behind himself to avoid unwanted listeners.
„Gentlemen, what is leading you here on this beautiful evening. Wasn't it end of the work day already?"
„Unfortunately not, Agent. And it's gonna be a long night." The older one flipped him a badge. DIA. Defense Intelligence Agency. „We are sorry to trouble you at home. We didn't know you had guests.
We are leaving in a moment, but we were ordered to make sure you'll receive this." The young man reached inside his jacket, pulling out a white envelope with his name on it and handed it over.
The sender identification showed a seal. Department of Defense.
„What's this about?" he asked perplexed „I'm on vacation. Still ten days left."
„I'm sorry, Sir. We don't know any details. We had been sent here solely to serve you this summons. Make sure you'll be on time tomorrow morning, 8:00! Pack everything necessary for some days. We'll pick you up. Good evening, Sir." Both men turned on their heels and headed towards a black limousine with government registration plates.
They left him staring at the crisp white cover, the bright colors of the emblem emitting something threatening.
He turned and twisted the letter in his hands, anxious to open it. What on earth was this about? His work never got him even near to purpose of national defense. He was responsible for white-collar crimes mostly. Ok, he started his career with some intelligence operations. Insignificant ones, appropriate to a freshman. Years ago.
FBI was operating under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice. What could DoD want from him at all?
Finally he took a heart and ripped the envelope open. It contained a neatly folded single sheet. He read nervously: with permission of authority in charge ...
subtracted from all operations ...
all leave canceled for an indefinite period ... concerning national safety issues ... investigating possible case of treason ... ordered to report for duty ... sworn to secrecy.
The letter finalized with the possible consequences for refusing this order and featured the autograph signature of the Secretary of Defense in person.
Fucking hell!
He really learned nothing specific from this lines, worded in general terms. He still had no clue how he could be helpful concerning matters of national security but at this time tomorrow he would know a lot more.
„Honey, why do you take you so long?"
His wife had come after him as he didn't come back for some minutes.
She noticed his confused expression. „What's wrong?" she stepped closer, touching his arm.
He folded the paper, shoving it into the back pocket of his jeans. „Nothing to worry about." he lied. „I have to leave tomorrow morning. Duty calls."
She draw back her hand.
„What? Can't be! You are on vacation! The first time in months."
„Canceled." he shrugged „I'm sorry, sweetheart."
„How long?"
„I really don't know. A few days for sure. Maybe more."
„Great! Why can't you be a teacher or something like that." she was fuming. „I'm feeling like a single mother more and more."
„Hey, that's unfair. You knew what I did for living when you decided to marry me. Please, I don't wanna fight with you. Especially not today and not about my job. Ok?" He gave her his most charming look, trying to calm her down. He failed.
„No. No, it's not ok. I really was looking forward spending some time with you. That sucks!" she briskly returned to their guests, leaving him alone with his confusing thoughts.
He sighed heavily and headed for the bedroom, getting ready to pack his stuff.
