Epilogue

Harry sat behind his desk in his office. It had been a long working day. Only one point remained on his to-do list when someone knocked on the door.

"Enter," Harry said.

Lucas came in and asked Harry "You want to see me, Harry?"

"Yes, Lucas. Please, sit down," answered Harry inviting and pointed at the chair before his desk. "Lucas, I'll ask you this just one time. Are there more secrets in your past you have to share? You should know, before you answer, this will be the only chance you have to come out in the open. I will not tolerate anything that should be revealed in the future. Have I made myself clear?", Harry questioned earnestly.

Lucas answered wholeheartedly, "Entirely, Harry, and, no, there's nothing else to confess. I'm relieved and glad that this chapter of my past is closed, finally. It had weighted heavily on my mind. Thank you so much for your support and understanding, Harry. I can't express how much I owe you. Now I have a question, too, Harry. Do you trust me anymore?"

Harry asked back, "Do I have your loyalty, Lucas?"

"Unconditionally, Harry, " answered Lucas like a shot.

"Then we have no problem," assured Harry him paternally. "Debriefing in the morning. Now, clock off, Lucas."

After Lucas had gone Harry recalled the last days in his mind. In the end it had all turned to good account. The Chinese agent was promising. It might be that they could turn him after they have learned all information he could disclose. The threat of Vaughn Edwards was resolved plus they had gained valuable intelligence through him. Albany was as secure as before. He had known that this file would someday bring trouble upon them. The reasonable precautions Malcolm and he had taken so long ago were as secure as possible. They had laid false trails to hide the real file. Nobody other than he knew about the hiding place. He was glad that they had not needed the fake files this time, but if Lucas had not trusted him with his history who knew what could have happened? It was ironic, that the file contained nothing but hot air. The researchers never went beyond the primary research stage. The weapon would never have worked and was only useful as deterrent with potential. Much ado about nothing to quote Shakespeare. However, best of all was that he had still his best man as Section Chief. Never change a winning team. Now, he would call Malcolm. It had been a while since they had a leisurely chat together, and he had to give the all-clear. Perhaps he was free this evening. Harry reached for the phone.

Maya had awoken in the hospital after the disturbing experiences she had suffered. After an examination it was clear that she had a concussion, a broken nose, and several bruises. Just to be on the safe side she had to stay for a few days under observation in the hospital. Lucas visited her and brought with him the things she needed during her hospitalisation. She did not feel lonely after all. He told her about the death of Vaughn Edwards and the arrest of the Chinese agent. During the visit he repeated the offer of a new identity to her as agreed with Harry. Physicians were needed in Australia. It was her decision to take the opportunity, or to leave it. She said she would think about it. Some time later he bid her goodbye.

The following night Lucas slept deeply and dreamlessly for the first time since his return from Russia.

The End