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The instant Robin sees Michael standing in her doorway she is unable to keep the floodgates from opening. Realizing that she's unable to contain nearly two weeks of pent up grief, worry and anxiety Stone steps closer and wraps his arms around her, closing the front door with the back of his heel in the process. With her emotional state eating away at him with guilt he just stands there holding her tightly as she cries it out.
"It's okay, I'm here." He says softly to her.
A moment later he pulls back from her slightly taking her face in his hands. He wipes away a tear from her eyes as his lips meet hers. As the passion between them rises he bends down, picks her up and carries her into the bedroom. Afterwards at her request, Robin listens intently as Stone tells her what he's been through the last two weeks.
"You ate a snake?" she says horrified.
"Didn't have much choice at the time." Stone replies as their naked bodies lay intertwined.
After a long pause passes between them Stone begins gently stroking her hair. Before he can ask what's on her mind she speaks up.
"I knew something was wrong when William showed up here last week. I immediately feared the worst; at his suggestion I kept myself as busy as possible trying not to think about you or where you were or if you were even alive." Robin says getting a little choked up at reliving those memories. "Every night before I cried myself to sleep I prayed for you."
"It was my fault, I lost my head during the firefight and went off after our target half cocked. I'm so sorry I put you through that." Stone says feeling guilty once more.
Robin kisses him deeply then lays her head down on his chest with his arms wrapped around her.
"Was there ever a doubt in your mind that you'd make it back?" she asks.
"I couldn't allow myself to think that way, the moment I believe I'm not capable is the moment I fail." Stone replies.
She looks up at him and says. "Don't give me that military training text book reply crap."
"It's not crap, it's true. Years of training sinks in and . ." Seeing the look on her face Stone lets his sentence trail off. "Okay, there was one point where I didn't see a way to escape and I wasn't going to allow myself to get captured again."
"What were you thinking at that point?" Robin asks not sure if she really wants to know the answer.
"Luckily I didn't have to think, I saw a way out at the last second. Once I made it out of the city I knew I'd eventually make it home."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that, just don't scare me like that again okay." Robin says.
"I'm so sorry, I know the last few weeks have been pretty rough, first our blown vacation then this."
"Well I've got an idea, it won't make up for everything that's happened but it's a start."
"What's that?" Stone says his curiosity piqued.
"Join me in a hot bubble bath." Robin replies.
"Oh I think that can be arranged."
Within minutes they slide into the warm tub immersing themselves within a mountain of bubbles. After another period of erotic lovemaking Robin lays on top of Stone, still covered by bubbles, as he gently massages her neck and shoulders.
"God you look sexy with wet hair." Stone says brushing a wet lock off of her face.
"Hmm, I thought your heart was going to pop out of your chest it was beating so fast."
Stone exhales deeply catching his breath then suddenly hears a muffled rumbling.
"What was that?"
"I haven't eaten tonight, I was so nervous with the thought of going to see Amberly that I skipped dinner. Robin says.
"Well let's get something to eat then, I'm sorta hungry myself." Stone says getting out of the tub.
"I think there's some sandwich meat in the fridge." Robin says as she watches Stone dry off and wrap a towel around his waist.
"I'm sure I can do better then that." Stone replies tossing her a towel as well.
A few minutes later Robin gets out as well, dries off and wraps her hair up in a towel and secures another one around her chest. She walks into the kitchen to find Michael cooking a large omelet; however the foremost thing that attracts her attention is the bruises marked up and down his back. Overcome with grief with what he recently endured she walks over and places her hand gently on his back; she also notices the healing wounds on his shoulder and right side just above the waistline.
Having just about completed the ham and cheddar omelet, Stone cuts it in equal halves and dishes it up on two plates just as he feels Robin's gentle touch on his back. He pauses wondering what she's thinking as she slides her arms around him from behind laying her head against the back of his neck.
"I'm okay sweetie." He says softly, taking her hands in his. He turns around holding her tightly as he sees the concern in her eyes.
She embraces him tightly in return and kisses him just as her stomach growls again.
"Have a seat." Stone says just as the English muffins pop out of the toaster.
Robin takes a seat atop one of the bar stools as he serves up the food. They share the meal talking briefly all the while Stone admiring her creamy skin. Once Stone clears his plate he begins kissing her shoulder up to the nape of her neck and continuing on to her earlobe. As Robin savors the attention she feels him pull the towel off her head letting her still damp hair down. As he begins to run his fingers through her hair she finally decides to give in and turns to face him meeting her lips to his.
"Let's go already." She says giving in to the sensual temptations.
"Bedroom." Stone mutters as she playfully bites his lower lip.
"Sofa." She replies.
"Right on." Stone replies.
He picks her up off the bar stool and carries her over to the sofa quickly realizing his towel is no longer secure around his waist. He sits down on the sofa with Robin in his lap, before Stone can make a move she undoes the tuck securing her towel around her body. They spend the next hour erotically exploring each other's bodies as if it were their first time together.
Early the next morning Robin drives him to his apartment, before he gets out of her car she hands him his spare set of keys.
"Thanks." He says taking the keys from her. "Did I tell you last night that you were incredible?"
Robin blushes slightly as a smile creases her face. "Many times and the same goes for you."
Stone leans over and kisses her then gets out of the car; within twenty minutes Hudson arrives to take him to headquarters. Having already showered at Robin's that morning Stone is changed and ready when his friend arrives.
"So did you enjoy your evening?" Hudson asks as Stone gets in his 300ZX.
Stone cannot help but blush himself and subtly says. "Oh yeah."
"That good huh?"
"Just the drive the car Will."
When Stone arrives to work he is greeted with several smiling and relieved looking faces from his team. Although early for his debriefing he walks over to Hayes' office and seeing that her door is open he enters without knocking.
"Reporting for duty Director Hayes."
"Shut the door and take a seat." Hayes says sternly.
Realizing he's about to be grilled for his carelessness during the operation he takes the seat waiting for whatever consequences come to him. Hayes doesn't speak for a moment as she rises from her desk and walks over to the window to collect her thoughts. Having never seen her so eerily quiet Stone begins to wonder just how much trouble he's really in.
Finally Hayes resumes her seat and looks at him dead in the eyes. "First of all, are you alright?"
Knowing Hayes as well as he does Stone realizes the situation isn't as bad as he was making it out to be, otherwise she wouldn't have asked about his well being.
"Aside from a rough couple of weeks, yeah." Before she can respond Stone voices his responsibility in how badly things went in Colombia. "I'm sorry about Ellison, it was my fault."
"Don't do that Michael!" Hayes says abruptly. "Matthew . . " she stops suddenly exhaling deeply as she compiles her words. "Okay yeah maybe you lost your head somewhat after you split from Banner and the others but I was listening to the radio chatter. You made sure Banner and the others had backup before splitting the force and if I didn't approve I would have belayed your order to pursue. Ellison and everyone else there knew the risks involved; we just got caught with our pants down. You are not responsible for those casualties."
"Thanks for backing me up but it doesn't make it any easier to live with." Stone replies.
"I know, it never does."
"So I hear you guys took an interesting route home."
"To say the least, I took your team and we went looking for you. By then I'd sent the plane on to Gitmo to get the wounded out. Of course when we made it back to La Calera the place was crawling with local law enforcement so we had to pull out." Hayes explains.
"I know, Hudson told me. I don't blame you for making that call."
"Thanks." Hayes says.
Stone spends the better part of the hour in Hayes' office filling her in on his trek home and the Intel he acquired on the Talon.
"I'll put Watts to work on the Talon lead." Stone says.
"Okay, any idea how he happened to know we were coming?" Hayes asks.
"There was a cartel boss there, apparently he is a long time client or friend of the Talon's. I never saw his face or caught his name but I'm guessing when we placed the order to the Talon he was aware that Dinua was a rival cartel to this friend of his." Stone theorizes.
"So that means he'd never done business with Dinua and therefore assumed someone in their organization was a mole and set the trap." Hayes adds.
Stone exhales a deep long breath. "Yup, he got us by the balls on that one but if Watts can find a file on this Falcon Brock then I'm sure we can track this guy down."
"Let's make it happen."
"In the meantime what's next?"
"You don't take a break do you?" Hayes asks.
"No I had a very enjoyable evening last night." He says with a grin. "Besides it's my job and Croft is still out there running loose with a missile on his shoulder."
"Well speaking of that, Alan Sharp. Hudson told me you were able to extract some information from him."
"Not me personally but . . ."
"Save it, I don't wanna know." Hayes says responding to the smirk on Stone's face. "Good work though."
After discussing the Intel Sharp provided Stone asks if they know who Croft's target is yet. In response Hayes pulls out a file and lays it in front of him on the desk.
"All our analysts believe the target is this man, Dr. Ethan Thayer." Hayes says as Stone looks over the file. "Next week he's giving a presentation of his stem cell research at the Atlanta Medical Center."
"Stem cell?" Stone asks curiously.
"It's a new theory circulating around the medical community. Scientists are discovering the possibility of using embryonic stem cells to cure diseases. From what I've heard the science is in its very early stages, last year Thayer received a grant from a pharmaceutical company and has been further researching it since. Next week he presents his findings in front of a hundred people. Most of those in attendance will be from the medical community, investors and the city's most influential people; I've also just learned that the Governor is planning to attend as well." Hayes explains.
"The Governor is attending and our analysts still think Thayer is the target?"
"Our analysts don't see a motive for the Governor to be the target." Hayes replies.
"Oh c'mon, there's always someone with a grudge against a political figure." Stone replies with a slight smirk. "I take it this event doesn't take place indoors?"
"Correct, I want you and your team investigating this further. In the meantime Grant has already been advised of the situation and is meeting with the FBI and the secret service as we speak."
"We running the show down there?" Stone asks.
"The investigation yes, security will likely be run by the FBI or secret service. Delegate assignments to your team as you see fit and keep me updated."
"I'm on it."
Stone immediately finds Watts and gives him his new assignment.
"Search for known assassins under the name Falcon Brock, he's the Talon's father." Stone says.
"That's it, you don't' have an age or description, distinguishing mark or something?" Watts asks.
"He's deceased, killed by the CIA years ago."
"Not much to go on."
"Sorry, look I know it's like looking for a needle in a haystack but if anyone can find it you can. Work some of that magic you used to find the Talon's website." Stone says encouraging him.
"Don't worry, I'll find it. The CIA lead is a good place to start anyway." Watts replies facing his computer.
"Good, while you're doing that I'm going to give the rest of the guys their assignments."
"Singling me out again huh?" Watts says with a dry smile.
"You bet!"
Within moments of summoning the rest of the team to a designated conference room Stone begins to brief them on the situation.
"Okay guys it looks like we have a lead on Croft, or his likely target that is." Stone says as he briefs the team on their new assignment. "Drake I want detailed blueprints of the medical center where this is taking place as well as a layout of the surrounding areas."
"Understood." Drake replies.
"Anderson, get me all the info you can on Thayer and his staff. Intelligence thinks he's definitely the target, let's try to find a motive."
"I copy, you thinking if we can find the motive we can find Croft's employer?" Anderson replies.
"It's a good bet." Stone says then turning to O'Bryan. "Patrick I want you to find out what other convention centers in Atlanta could host this event indoors. Once you have that list then do some background checks on the parties that booked them and let me know if you find anything suspicious. Then once Drake gets the layout of the land I want you to collaborate with him and compile a list of the most likely firing positions. Remember to take into account the weapon system Croft will be using versus the event's location as well as the most likely escape routes. Let's try to anticipate Croft's moves as best we can."
"Got it." O'Bryan replies.
"You have your assignments, let's reconvene here tomorrow at eleven with your results." Stone adds. "Dismissed."
As they file out of the room Hudson remains behind a moment.
"Kyle working on the Talon lead?" he says.
"Yup."
"Lunch?" Hudson says.
"Sure."
The next morning the team, minus Watts, regroups to present their findings. Drake volunteers to go first pointing out the blueprints of the medical center pinned up along the wall as well as a computer generated layout of the surrounding area. Given his specialty as a sniper he points out his most likely preferred firing positions. However given the weapon Croft will be using he rules them out; mainly because he would stick out like a sore thumb.
"Hypothetically if he did use one of these positions," Drake says pointing them out. ". . . his best means of escape would be a helicopter."
"Well every time we've encountered Croft he's had aircraft standing by for his escape, it's a possibility. Although in this case not only would he still stand out but we'll have Condor on station within the area. In the event he does escape by air he won't get away this time." Stone says. "What about alternative positions?"
"Well the presentation isn't actually taking place in the medical center, it's actually just across the street at the botanical gardens." Drake says pointing out the spot on the computer. "There's a glass awning covering the stage where the speakers and podium are situated but the guests will sit from there as far back to the edge of the patio, which isn't covered."
Noticing that the patio area where the event will be held is located on the third and highest floor of the botanical gardens building, Stone realizes that Croft will have to fire from that level or above which only eliminates two levels of searching.
"I'm guessing by the look of this area that there's no level too high for Croft to fire from, correct?" Stone says. Stone only receives perplexed looks in return from Drake and O'Bryan.
"The tallest building within the capable range of Armbrust is twenty five stories. But then you have to figure in line of sight not to mention this is just a rough composite of the area." Drake says referring to the computer layout. "There's no telling what's been changed down there, what areas are under construction, what buildings have public access versus limited or special access only."
"We'd really need to be down there to take all this into account before we can rule out what areas he can't fire from. Then we can better determine where he could fire from." O'Bryan adds.
"Good point, as soon as we're done here I'm sending you two down to Atlanta." Stone says. "Steven take your composite with you, first rule out the locations he couldn't fire from due to line of sight. Also find out if any buildings are under construction within range, those are likely easily accessible and should be considered highly probable locations."
"Got it." Drake says.
"Gage, what have you got on Thayer and his staff?" Stone asks.
"Nothing substantial, no criminal records found on any of his staff. On paper he seems to have long standing ethical relations with everyone on his research team." Anderson replies.
"Then go back further, start looking into his previous business relationships as well as the other doctors that work at the hospital. You might even check into the board members of the pharmaceutical company that gave Thayer the grant. Find out who was most directly responsible for approving the grant and see what you can dig up." Stone explains. "Also check to see who else is doing research in the same field, find out who else applied for this grant. Maybe some disgruntled competitor who lost out to Thayer hired Croft to kill him."
"I'm on it."
"Patrick, what about the other convention centers?" Stone asks.
O'Bryan rises and pushes his report forward to Stone; he explains that only three parties whom booked local convention centers came back which sketchy background checks.
"The background checks came back fine but there's something about these three that I can't put my finger on." O'Bryan says.
Stone looks over the report noticing out of the three listings in question, two are company meetings and one is a wedding. Stone advises O'Bryan to research them further in person once he arrives in Atlanta.
"In the meantime I'll have Watts dig a little deeper and see if he can put his finger on it." Stone adds with a smile.
Once he dismisses the group he sends Drake and O'Bryan home so they can pack for their trip with orders to return ASAP. He then informs Hayes on their findings and that he is sending Drake and O'Bryan to Atlanta to investigate further. Within the hour she makes the arrangements for the two Shadow agents. When they arrive back at headquarters Stone hands them their travel plans and tells them that a car is waiting to take them to the airport.
"Give me a call tomorrow night, that'll give you a full day to get started." Stone says shaking each of their hands as they leave.
Later that afternoon Stone and Hudson accompany Hayes to Director Grant's office for an update on the Atlanta situation. Grant informs them that Secret Service has been assigned to run security for the event.
"With the Governor attending and the fact that we have a man with a missile on the loose headed for Atlanta they'll take every precaution." Grant explains. "They have agents planning to meet with Thayer tomorrow; hopefully they can convince him to postpone his presentation until a suitable and more secure location can be arranged to hold the event."
Stone relays his team's progress thus far on the situation and that two of his men are on their way to Atlanta to investigate further. He further briefs his superior that within a few days they should have significant progress in their attempt to determine where Croft will take position. He also informs Grant that they're checking for possible leads with the parties who booked out nearby locations that could host the event. For a moment Grant doesn't see the connection then realizes that Stone is looking for Croft's employer. If said employer books up all the other suitable establishments, especially the indoor ones, it therefore forces Thayer to give his presentation outdoors, giving Croft the greater chance of escape with the use of a long range weapon.
"Good work Michael." Grant says.
"Thank you sir but we haven't caught him yet." Stone replies. "Is the Governor still planning to attend?"
"From what I'm told the Secret Service have advised him of the situation but he has yet to back out for the time being. The good news is that even though the Secret Service is running security O.S. has been tasked to search for Croft during the event." Grant adds.
"Good, I already told Kim that I wanted to requisition Condor for this mission, provided we got the green light." Stone adds.
"Good idea given his previous escape method." Grant replies. "Consider it approved."
Shortly after leaving Grant's office Stone is paged by Watts over the PA system.
"Whose the man!?" Watts says excitedly.
"You found something?" Stone says curiously.
"Former assassin known as the Falcon, real name Frederick Brock, was shot and killed by the CIA." Watts says reading the profile. "Next of kin: his ex-wife, now deceased and son, Damon Brock or as we know him, the Talon." Watts adds pulling up the last known picture of the Talon in his early teens.
"Alright Kyle, good work. Anyway to track him down?" Stone says.
"Hey I'm a genius not a god but I'm still working on it."
"Awesome, let me know if you come up with anything. Oh one other thing, I need you to run through these background checks again. Patrick said there's something funny about three of them so find out who booked these rooms and dig up what you can." Stone says handing him O'Bryan's report. "I'd start with the wedding booking but check all three thoroughly, there has to be something that connects us to Croft's employer."
"Will do." Watts replies.
After that Stone takes the elevator down to R&D to see Weiss; he informs Weiss on the situation in Atlanta and asks if he has any new tech that they could use against Croft. Weiss initially suggests placing a few MATTs, which is the R&D designation for their Mobile Auto Targeting Turrets, around the area to shoot down Croft's missile.
"There's one problem with that idea." Stone says.
"You mean placing military weaponry on site at a local hospital?" Weiss replies realizing the obvious.
"Well that too but our suspect can us this weapon system within a thousand yards or less. Those MATTs won't be able to target a projectile quick enough from that range."
Weiss simply scratches his head thinking of other possibilities but it is Stone who comes up with the next idea.
"I was thinking of using the Viper helmet to scan the surrounding area on the thermal setting. The weapon itself wouldn't show up until after its fired but if we look for certain body language then . . " Stone stops, realizing his idea has a thousand in one chance of being successful. Suddenly he notices a big grin on Weiss' face. "What?"
"I may have something that might work for you. For months I've been trying to design an X-ray setting for the helmets, thus far all attempt have failed though."
"You're kidding, X-ray? And you're not talking like the typical hospital X-ray you talking like . . "
"Like full blown Superman stuff, well to be honest not even that. It would be more like a digital blueprint. I'm sure you don't want me to explain the actual science to you but we're still scratching the surface." Weiss replies.
"Yeah thanks, well lemme ask you something Jack," Stone says pacing a few times. "Is any of your division working on any high priority projects for Grant or Hayes right now?"
"No, the only project we currently have a deadline on is a month away and my team is well ahead of schedule on it."
"Okay, then I want you to pull as many agents as you need to try and get this X-ray thing hammered out. Thayer's presentation is Friday, the Secret Service is trying to persuade him to postpone but we don't think he'll agree." Stone orders.
"Understood, I'll pull the entire division if I have too."
The following evening just before Stone is about to head home for the night a call is patched to him from communications. He picks up the line to find Drake on the other end. "What did you find out?" Stone asks.
"We spoke to the Secret Service agents that talked to Thayer, he refused to postpone the event. As far as our mapping project goes we did find a hotel nearby that is currently undergoing a major renovation." Drake explains. "There are still several open floors in the hotel however, after talking to the hotel manager I found out they're renovating three floors at a time. Currently floors seven through nine, out of a total of twelve, are under construction."
"Okay so we'll make sure to have that building swarming with local police." Stone replies. "What about the rest of the surrounding area, what percentage can we rule out as nonfunctional for Croft?"
"I don't have an exact percentage for you, we really need Watts down here to crunch those numbers."
"Unfortunately I can't spare him at the moment, send him an updated copy of your composite marked with the areas you've ruled out." Stone replies.
"Okay, if I had to guess I'd say thirty-five to forty percent of the area." Drake adds.
"Personally I'm not concerned with the actual number but I'll need to give Grant and update before we head down there so he can pass it along to the Secret Service."
"When is the cavalry coming?"
"The day after tomorrow." Stone replies.
"That's only gonna leave us one day before the event Friday to scout the area as a team." Drake says.
"The event isn't until seventeen hundred hours, we'll be there early the day before."
"Still that's cutting it close."
"That's why you two are down there, get as much done as you can in the next three days." Stone adds.
"Copy that, I'll contact you if something new comes up." Drake replies.
Stone switches over to another line after talking with Drake and calls Weiss to check on his progress.
"We're still working on it." Is all Weiss says.
Stone finally heads home for the night, on the way he receives a call from his cousin Amberly. Having totally forgotten to call her since his return from Colombia, Stone kicks himself in the head as he answers the call.
"Hey! Wow I actually expected to get your voicemail. Are you alright I haven't heard from you in weeks?" Amberly says.
"Yeah I'm okay, sorry I meant to call you when I got back into town this weekend." Stone replies.
"Well what are you and Robin doing for dinner tonight? I made lasagna and have got plenty if you want to come over."
"Robin's out of town but I was just thinking about what to do for dinner myself."
"So I guess we'll see you in a bit?" Amberly says.
"You bet."
That night when Stone finally makes it home he receives a call from Robin. After learning that she's in Madison, Wisconsin for the night she tells him that she'll be home tomorrow afternoon. They make a date for tomorrow night once Stone tells her that he'll be leaving town later this week.
The next day Hudson finds Stone sitting as his desk going through the digital composite of the Atlanta medical center area.
"Stumped?" Hudson says as the digital city layout rotates slowly on the computer screen.
"For now, I'm just going through it all again. Memorizing the layout, hoping to spot something I didn't see before." Stone says looking through the reports as well as the layout composite.
"Well why don't you take a break and come down to the gym with me. I was thinking of getting in some sparring." Hudson says.
Realizing his mind could use a change of pace Stone agrees and follows his partner down to the gymnasium. After an hour workout and a half hour sparring they hit the showers. On the way back upstairs Stone is paged over the PA system with instructions to see Watts. Eager to find out what Watts has found Stone quickly hurries to the young agent's desk. When he arrives at his desk, with Hudson tagging along, Stone is shocked to learn that the Talon was married!
"The marriage was annulled just before their first anniversary." Watts explains pulling up a profile of Brock's wife on the screen. "Her name is Serena Devernaya, currently living in Astoria, Oregon."
"Russian!?" Hudson says curiously.
"Yup, born in Minsk. Immigrated with her parents to the U.S. when she was eighteen, she became a U.S. citizen within the next year and currently works as a legal secretary."
"Print that out for me Kyle." Stone says as he picks up the phone on Watts' desk.
"What are you doing?" Hudson asks.
"I'm going to Oregon to talk to this woman."
"What, Michael we're supposed to leave for Atlanta the day after tomorrow!" Hudson exclaims.
"Right, which gives me through tomorrow to meet with her. Don't worry I'll make it to Atlanta with time to spare and even if I'm a little late you can handle things until I arrive." Stone says as Watts hands him the printout. "This woman might have information that could lead us to Brock, I'm not passing up that opportunity."
After reporting the new lead to Hayes Stone is granted permission to fly to Oregon and meet with Mrs. Devernaya. Stone drives home to pack a bag for the rest of the week; within minutes of his arrival another agent arrives in an unmarked car to take him to Reagan National Airport. After passing through security with his government credentials Stone boards a plane headed west. Before boarding he calls Robin, regrettably having to break their date as he informs her of his early departure for Atlanta via the west coast.
"So when can I expect to see you again?" Robin says having just landed at Dulles less than an hour ago.
"Our operation in Atlanta goes down late Friday afternoon, if all goes well hopefully I'll be home late that night or sometime Saturday at the latest." Stone replies.
"I'm beginning to hate it when you say if all goes well."
"I'm sorry I really wanted to see you tonight."
"It's okay, I know it must be important. Just make sure you're here this weekend, I work again tomorrow evening but I'll have the whole weekend off." Robin explains.
"You got it."
Stone gets as far as Des Moines, Iowa that night; he catches the next plane out in the morning and arrives in Portland, Oregon early in the afternoon. After securing his rental car he drives the seventy minutes to Astoria and after a little searching he finds the listed address for the former Mrs. Brock. He steps out of the rental car into the cold misty air; he puts on a light jacket and walks up to the two-story house that backs up to the bay. He rings the doorbell twice and after getting no response he walks around the house; he peers into several windows making sure no one is inside. Stone returns to the front porch, unsure whether he should wait for Ms. Devernaya to return or if he should come back. Suddenly Stone spots a local police cruiser pulling up to the house with its lights flashing. Stone casually walks towards the cruiser with his hands slightly raised as two officers step out of the vehicle with their hands on their weapons, still snug in their holsters.
"Afternoon officers." Stone says curious as to the reason for their presence.
"Sir step away from the house." Demands one of the officers.
"I'm not sure why you are here gentlemen but I can assure you there's no danger. I'm a United States Federal Officer, I came to speak to the woman who lives here." Stone replies.
"Are you armed?" the second officer asks.
"Yes, if you'll allow me to reach into my back pocket I'll be happy to provide you with my ID."
With their permission Stone slowly produces his credentials, one of the officer's checks the government codes with the computer in their cruiser. Within a moment he returns and hands Stone his ID back.
"Sorry Agent Stone, we got a call from a neighbor claiming someone was poking around the house, I guess they thought you were going to break in."
"No problem at all. The owner isn't home so I did take a peek through the front windows, just making sure the place was secure. I guess I'll have to come back later, I'm hoping she can lead me to a suspect my agency has been tracking."
"Well sorry about the trouble again sir, good luck finding your suspect." One of the officers adds.
"Thank you."
Stone finds a restaurant to have an early dinner then afterwards he drives back to the house. This time he knows right away that someone is home; he spots several lights on from within. He walks up and rings the doorbell again and within moments someone answers. The woman is about five foot eight inches with brown hair, Stone recognizes her immediately as Devernaya from the profile Watts pulled.
"Serena Devernaya?" Stone asks.
"Yes."
"I'm Agent Michael Stone, I'm a U.S. Federal Officer." He says holding his ID up to the glass door. "I'd like to ask you some questions, may I come in?"
She lets him inside and leads him to the living room. "What is this regarding Agent Stone?"
"Oh please you can call me Michael." He says as he takes a seat on the sofa.
"Where I'm from it's not customary to address someone you just met by their first name."
"Fair enough, I believe you were once married to this man?" Stone says producing a sketch of the Talon.
Devernaya exhales exasperated. "I knew one day someone would come here looking for him. Yes I was married to him for less than a year."
"Can you give me his full name?" Stone asks just in the event that Damon Brock is an alias. However her answer matches his. "What can you tell me about him?"
Devernaya begins to explain the details of how she and Brock met and got married. "I thought he was a computer salesman, he was always building and working with computers then he would leave for days, sometimes weeks at a time on sales trips. I didn't have any doubts in my mind that he was lying until one day while he was home I went to run some errands. I had come back to the house because I'd forgotten my checkbook and that's when I overheard him talking on the phone. I don't know specifically what he was talking about right away but I did hear some unusual, even incriminating words being used for a computer programmer.
"Such as?"
"Money, exchange, weapons, ammunition and customs."
"What happened then?" Stone asks.
Devernaya goes on to explain that she interrupted her husband while he was on the phone. "He tried to feed me some lousy cover story but I didn't buy it, as we were arguing I noticed his computer screen had a list of dates, times and locations. Each listing had different dollar amounts as well as the weapons listed."
"How do you know they were weapons?" Stone asks.
"Agent Stone, I'm from Russia and my father was in the military there. I know what an AK-47 is."
Stone cannot stifle the smile that appears across his face. "Very good, go on."
"I was completely shocked, two weeks after that I had the marriage annulled and kicked him out."
"When he left did he threaten you or hurt you?"
"No in fact he begged me to stay, I told him if he ever truly cared about me then he'd leave me alone." Devernaya adds. "Apparently he really did love me but he lied about who he was. Not to mention the fact that he was an illegal weapons dealer. I haven't heard from him since, which was . . . seven years ago."
"When your marriage was annulled did you live here, in this house?" Stone asks.
"Heavens no, we lived in Seattle then. I moved here six weeks later and went back to using my maiden name."
Just then a young boy comes stomping down the stairs and runs into the living room. Stone immediately rises from his seat, as does Devernaya as she introduces the boy as her son, Simon. "This is Mr. Stone, can you say hi?"
The young boy is shy but utters a quiet greeting to the stranger.
"Hi there, good to meet you Simon." Stone says offering his hand.
Simon apprehensively takes Stone hands shaking it as he looks to his mother. Devernaya asks her son to play in his room while she talks with Stone. As the boy obeys his mother Stone takes notice of several pictures scattered around the room. Most of them featuring Serena and Simon together with no one else; as Simon runs back upstairs a chilling fact dawns on Stone.
"Is Simon . . ."
Stone doesn't even get the chance to finish his question. "Yes, Damon is the father."
"Does he know?" Stone asks.
"No and I thank God for that. I found out I was pregnant two weeks after he left.
"Ms. Devernaya do you know where I could find your ex-husband?"
"Is he's still selling weapons?" Devernaya asks.
"Yes ma'am." Stone replies.
"I can only guess he travels constantly, when he would go on his so called, business trips he'd go from one city to the next and so on. However his computer company was obviously a front so you might check into that; he always came home for awhile so he must go somewhere." Devernaya explains. "The only place I can think of where he might go is the cabin. His father left him a hunting lodge up in Canada, at least he told me it was his father's."
"Where in Canada?" Stone asks.
Devernaya thinks for a moment trying to remember if Brock ever told her. "Oh, Slave Lake, Alberta. The small one, I don't know exactly where though, I've never been there."
Stone writes down the info on a small pad he brought inside with him then asks about the name of the computer company front. Within a moment Devernaya retrieves that piece of information as well from her memory.
"Crimatech, I think."
"Thank you so much Ms. Devernaya, you've been extremely helpful." Stone says standing up from his seat. "If there's anything else you can remember or think might be helpful or in the event that he contacts you; please call me day or night." Stone says handing her a card with his name and number. "That number will take you to my agency's main switchboard, just give them access code on the back and they'll patch the call to me wherever I am."
"Your welcome, I hope you catch him." She says.
"Me too, he's a very dangerous man."
"If and when you do capture him you won't tell him about Simon, correct?"
"Of course not, would you like me to let you know when we have him in custody?" Stone asks.
"Yes please."
"Okay, well again thank you for your time and help." Stone says shaking her hand.
Stone drives back to Portland and boards a plane heading back east. When he finally settles into a hotel room that night he calls Hudson to report his progress.
"Where are you?" Hudson asks.
"Oklahoma City, looks like I'll probably beat you to Atlanta tomorrow." Stone says kicking off his shoes as he lies on the bed.
"What did you find out?"
"We've got a few more leads, I'll tell you later though I'm exhausted. See you tomorrow."
Atlanta, Georgia – After landing just before noon Stone makes his way, via escort, to the private hanger designated for the incoming O.S. aircraft. Minutes after he arrives an unmarked sedan pulls up and Stone spots Drake and O'Bryan in the car. Stone gets in the backseat and greets his friends as they wait for the rest of the detachment to arrive. While they wait Drake shows him the updated composite of the medical center and the progress they've made. While pleased with their work Stone realizes with the amount of places left open to Croft to fire from it will still be like looking for a needle in a stack of needles. A few minutes later the Learjet lands and taxis over to the runway. Once the plane comes to a complete stop the door opens and Hayes, the second half of Shadow team and other agents begin unloading.
"You're not going to believe this, not only did Devernaya corroborate the Talon's real name but they have a son." Stone says to Hudson and Hayes. "Although as far as she's aware he doesn't know of the child. Also we have a lead, she said his father owned a hunting lodge on Slave Lake in Alberta that he left to Brock. It's a possible place to check out."
"Good work." Hayes says.
"Thanks, she also gave Crimatech as the name of the computer company he said he worked for when they were married. It was likely a front but still a lead."
"Did you say Crimatech?" Watts asks overhearing him.
"Yeah why?"
Watts pulls his laptop out of it case and sets it on top of one the requisitioned SUVs. He quickly boots up the computer then brings up the mercenary for hire website, pointing to the upper right corner of the screen.
"It's the web link to the criminal for hire site." Watts says.
"Dang, is there any chance you can use that data to find out who designed the site? It may not lead us to Brock himself but it may prove fruitful." Stone asks.
"Yeah we can certainly try."
"Then put that on your to do list Kyle." Hayes adds.
"Hey where's Weiss?" Stone asks suddenly realizing he's not among the passengers.
"He's on his way in a C-130." Hudson explains.
"Is he bringing the bikes?" Stone asks.
"You bet, also I talked to him briefly this morning before leaving and he said he thinks he's got the X-ray tech figured out? He said you'd know what he meant." Hudson explains.
"Awesome."
The team checks into their hotel rooms then Hayes and Shadow meet in a conference room on the first floor of the hotel.
"Anderson any luck?" Stone asks.
"Nothing, I cross referenced everyone associated with Thayer all the way back to when he was in medical school. Nothing on paper suggests a motive, I could interview a few people but it would arouse suspicion if I'm asking every candidate if they have a beef with Thayer." Anderson replies.
"Watts any luck with those three bio's I gave you?"
"Came up empty, whoever hired Croft has kept their nose clean."
"This isn't looking good." Stone says just as his cell phone rings. After briefly speaking to the caller he informs Hayes that Weiss just arrived and has requested his and Hudson's presence.
Back at the airport Stone and Hudson meet up with Weiss, they walk up the loading ramp of the plane to find the two Viper bikes secured inside.
"Mike, Will I'm glad you're here." Weiss says greeting them. "We did it, we added the X-ray scanner to your helmets. It'll allow you to see through walls and view the skeletal structure of anyone your looking at." Weiss says handing the agents the Viper helmets. "We're still looking to expand the technology but for now this will have to do."
Stone and Hudson put on the helmets and cycle though the scanner; within seconds they're looking at Weiss' skeleton displayed in a 3D digital image.
"This is so weird." Hudson says.
"Good job Weiss." Stone says.
"I know this doesn't change the odds much for you but . ."
"It's great, we'll take any help we can get." Stone says interrupting him.
"By the way, those are the only two prototypes, we haven't had time to update our normal field equipment with the program yet."
"We'll be careful." Hudson says knowing where he was going with the statement.
"Well everything else on the helmets is the same as before, have fun guys." Weiss replies.
"We're not here for fun Jack, we've got an assassination to stop." Stone says as he switches off the scanner mode and mounts the Viper.
The clamps are removed from the bikes as Stone and Hudson turn the keys, bringing the bikes to a roar. They speed off down the ramp heading for the medical center.
On the way there Stone calls Hayes from within the helmets voice control system and informs her about the new scanner Weiss adapted to the helmets.
"We won't be able to see the missile itself but it's the best we've got. At least we'll be able to search the windows for any suspicious activity." Stone says.
"Okay, I'll probably see you down there. I'm en route myself to meet with the head of the Secret Service team down here. I've got a couple of your boys with me, hope you don't mind." Hayes adds.
"Not at all, let us know if you need anything from us."
Stone and Hudson ride up to the top level of the hospital parking structure and spend the next half hour testing the X-ray scanners. Not expecting to find Croft this early in the game Stone decides it's a good idea to check out the area in case Croft already has his position set up and ready for him. Unfortunately though the two experience no such luck, in addition the mass amount of windows within range of Croft's target area they realize the chances of spotting Croft tomorrow are slim. They regroup with Hayes in the hospital and learn that the Secret Service field commander has asked her to take his place in the mobile command center.
"The Secret Service has invited us to their briefing tonight. I've already told them that I want our best sniper up there with their own men." Hayes says looking at Drake. "Watts will be with me in the command center working logistics and serving as my backup. Anderson and O'Bryan will be patrolling the inner perimeter undercover and Stone you and Hudson will be our pursuit team on the Vipers." Hayes explains.
"Understood." Stone replies.
"The rest of you will be assigned positions along the outer perimeter, if our target runs we'll close a net in around him. You'll report to Stone and with any updates regarding our target." Hayes explains. "Last but not least Condor and its crew will be patrolling the skies in case the target escapes to the air."
"When do they arrive?" Stone asks.
"They're due in within the hour, in the meantime I suggest you all make yourselves familiar with the local area as well as the city streets and highways. If Croft succeeds he'll not only kill Dr Thayer but he'll take out potentially dozens more with the missile. Hopefully we can prevent that from happening but regardless let's take him down." Hayes says summing up.
Georgia/Tennessee border – While heading south towards Atlanta in a red minivan A.J. Croft receives a call on a prepaid cell phone. Having not given the number to anyone he wonders who could possibly be calling.
"Hello?" Croft says be hears nothing in return. He disconnects the call and puts the phone down but moments later it rings again. "Hello, whose there?"
"Croft." Says a voice on the other end.
"Who is this?" Croft demands.
"Oh I think you know who this is."
"What do you want?" Croft says recognizing the voice. "Our business is concluded not to mention the fact the last time we saw each other you were pointing a gun at my head!"
"Consider yourself lucky, I would have killed you except those federal agents would have witnessed the act. You set me up!" the Talon says.
"I didn't set you up, I got my own agenda now and nearly getting caught by those feds wasn't part of the plan. That one had been following me since Colorado."
"The blonde one, I know and he's not FBI you fool."
"How would you know that?" Croft asks.
"It's irrelevant, what does matter is that he's probably already in Georgia waiting for you."
"How do you know . . " Croft's sentence trails off wondering if the Talon is just playing mind games with him or if what he says is true. More foreboding is how the Talon knows where he is!
Assuming the question that is likely foremost on Croft's mind the Talon fills in the blank. "I make a habit to keep tabs on all my clients. You be careful now Croft, I'm sure I'll see you soon."
Croft begins yelling a string of questions and obscenities into the phone but realizes the line is already dead. He dials star sixty-nine to try and call the number back but receives a blocked message. Croft has a quick fit of anger and perhaps fear just as he passes through the border into Georgia.
Meanwhile currently airborne over southern Kentucky the Talon is looking at a small computer screen showing a live satellite feed of Croft's exact location. He turns his yellow Staggerwing south towards Georgia.
"That agent was right about you Croft, you're not very bright. You're going to lead me right to him!"