To all onlooker, the man looked like he was sleeping but that was farthest from the truth. Eyal was waiting for Annie's plane to arrive, all the while being on the lookout for possible targets/terrorists. His way of relaxing before another long day!
And what a day it had been: Less than 18 hours ago, he had arrived from London and since then lots had went down: drilling down on the Sana Wilcox theory, being reinstated in Mossad's, running point to successfully counter a terrorist attack, visiting / buying a house, witnessing a very emotional confrontation between his current wife and his ex., realising he needed to leave go of his sense of duty to his ex. wife and best of all and that was still sinking in: Sharon agreeing to have their child in Israel.
He got up as the speaker announced that Annie's plane had arrive. Taking his phone and opening a short range jamming device while reaching for a sign that read 'Neshema' he smiled: Lots of water had run under the bridge of their special relationship. Waiting for her with a smart aleck smile plastered on his face, at 6'2", he stood out in a crowd. Annie, at seeing the sign, busted out laughing as she remembered the first time he had greeted her in that manners. 'Simpler times' were her thoughts
"I'm honored to be greeted by Israel's hero of the hour….unknown hero but guessing that's how your boss' prefer it!"
Eyal chuckled "You heard of our little escapade. One thing we can count on is for the spy chatter box to bring up the latest news!"
She smiled and placed her hand on his shoulder "See you haven't been checking that chatter box! The Mossad, for a first time in their history, is admitting of two of their senior and special force agents' collaborating with IDF and ISA to successfully counter a terrorist attack."
Eyal face fell "You're kidding?"
"Nope, they are not divulging your names but all close to you both, know it was you and Sharon. A certain Ari Sotter publicly thanked the Mossad for their help and wished for more of the same collaboration. You, Agent Lavin can be proud of yourself, you've made history; Mossad's history. Knew one way or another that sterling career of yours would one day make the Mossad break its most valued protocol – stay off grid at any cost (ghost)"
Still surprise, but his priority was the matter at hand. "I'll deal with Mossad's history/protocol later, I have some ground breaking news on our DMW mission. Let's get you to a safe house."
Annie put on her best smirk "Knew it! You need my Russian language skills as much as a kick in the butt!"
"Busted, taking you guessed that the minute I requested you to Israel!"
Annie smiled and nodded positively.
Arriving at the safe house, both spies scouted their surroundings before getting out of the car.
"You are guarding yourself Eyal, meaning what you are about to tell me is heavy of consequences!"
"Let's get you inside, the only thing I want/need now is coffee!"
"Oh, how I don't envy Sharon, you're such a grouch without your morning coffee."
Eyal rolled his eyes at her "Sharon loves my grouchy ways, it's one of my charms that makes her melt!"
Annie laughed "Sharon is not the melting type. How is she by the way?"
"She had an eventful day but came through it with flying colours. She and slept at our new neighbours." Eyal braced himself for Annie's reaction.
"'Neighbours' can't be those at your apartment, you don't trust them; Ima would never let family sleep at the 'neighbours'.
Eying Eyal to read his facial expression, she exclaimed. "OH MY GOD, you bought a house, meaning you two plan to have this child in Israel."
Eyal nodded as she put her hands around his neck and whispered in his ear "I'm so happy for you Neshema. Finally, you've stop fighting the current and let the river take you!"
Carefully opening the door of the apartment, he added "Just hope I can stay afloat!"
"I'm not worried for you but I am curious to what you found out on our DMW mission."
As he entered, Eyal turned on the radio, TV and air conditioner then talked "Sit here, I need to check for bugs."
"Eyal, you're on your turf, this safe house is a Mossad one. Are you that paranoid?"
Eyal shot her his best mysterious smile "Not the place, you!"
"What, have you lost your mind?"
"Nope" He signaled her to strip, and being Annie, she responded adding a dare.
Eyal stopped her "Enough, don't want you nude just to your 'bare necessities'.
Showing Annie that he had an activated jamming device and taking out one of Sharon's gadgets he had covertly borrowed, he swiped it over Annie's body and her discarded clothes. Finding nothing he signaled her to get dressed.
"Now, would like for you to gently take out the content of your bag and place it on the table, one object at the time."
Annie did as told, but was getting more and more annoyed. In a spiteful move she bang the last object on the table. Eyal shot up, forcefully caught her right arm and squeezed it hard while shooting her the darkness of stares.
Whispering in her ear "Annie Walker, get over yourself. The moment we start thinking we are better than the person in front of us is the moment we sign on the dotted line of the end of our career."
He held Annie's arm in order for her to keep still, quiet and close to him. Scanning the objects she had place on the table, a red light started to blink. Her eyes opened wide and she looked at Eyal for an explanation.
Eyal put his finger on her mouth to keep her from talking. Taking her out of the room and on to the terrace, he talked.
"Annie, would like to announce to you that you are officially our mole."
"What, who, why? I've scan myself numerous times, and I remember you task Robin to pass me over every time I went out. That must be recent, I'm guessing it's Ryan just before I left."
Eyal smiled "I'm sure it's not Ryan. That bug has been there for a while. We were wondering why they were always a step ahead of us, now we know!"
"Care to give me you logic in this?"
"We didn't pick up on it because it has its own jamming devise. Someone placed it in your TriPac make-up kit (Eye shadow, lip-gloss and foundation power) Together the make and ark (triangle), preventing the bug from being discovered. I separated all three and voilà…Sorry you are going to have to buy another TriPac, kind of rendered that one useless. It's a woman's doing I'm guessing Lena Smith or Sana Wilcox"
Annie mouth drop! "WTF?"
Eyal smiled and explained "That's what I need to read you in with. Seams, your 'friend' Sana Wilcox replaced her husband in the Devil's chair."
Eyal backed up, cross his arms on his chess, shot her teasing smile and waited for her reaction.
"That's impossible, she a wreck, a very sick wreck. She's frail, fragile and insecure; Henry made sure of that. Eyal, you're wrong, this just can't be."
"Oh, my Master Spy probie, sorry but I'm not. Told you once and you didn't get it then and you still don't get it: 'Never trust a spy'."
"Eyal, she not a spy."
"But she was, once a spy always a spy. She's our head honcho with the three Ms to go with it:
Motive: Avenging her son's death
Mean: Henry's parting gift, Lexington Global, plus all of hubby's money and a very important underground web;
Man power: All of Henry's little helper, his assets, and she's even bringing in her fowl Henry's old targets/enemies. A nice brochette of badass rogue soldiers and spies!"
Eyal rolled his eyes in disbelief at Annie seeing she was not believing him, frustrated at her he continued with specific details.
"Didn't you tell me Sana shot one of Henry's goons - Andrew Goodman? Convenient for her but put you in a bind! I looked at old footing in the MI-6 and Mossad video files and asked Joan to compare it to picture of that guy Sana shot. Andrew Goodman (not his real name by the way) was the one who actually blew up that helicopter in 2011. The only thing I'm still trying to drill down on if it was on Sana's orders or Henry's, since Jay at that time was still alive. That would mean Sana would be more than a Mama Bear seeking vengeance but a full blown double and terrorist Henry was hiding/protecting because he loved her. Sana killed your Mr. Goodman to silence him and in order to keep you in her list potentials assets.
Eyal saw by Annie expression that he was now getting through to her.
"You want to hear more? (She nodded yes) When Henry told you that killing him would mean a death sentence for us six, he was being a spy and talking in code. What he really meant was that he would no longer be there to stop or moderate Mama Bear's path of vengeance or her terrorist acts."
That phrase clenched it for Annie. "Eyal, it all makes sense, I'm completing the puzzle as we speak. Damn, I should have seen all of this! It was in front of my eyes all this time. I was the one closest to Sana, I …"
Eyal put his arm around Annie shoulders. "Unfortunately you right… can't sugar coat this: You should have seen the signs. Of all of us, you were the one that held the most cards in your hands plus you were close to Sana. My guess your focus was too much on Henry."
"What happened, Eyal, why didn't I see it?"
"Something that, at one point or another, happened to all of us – Blind trust in our capacities. In others words 'You were full of yourself.'
Annie rolled her eyes at him, but he continued "It's no joke, Annie. There is a difference between trusting your capacities and thinking that you only detain the truth. Becoming a Master Spy comes at a price. It's a lonely place but you still need to build a web of people/assets you can trust and most important have in your baggage lots of experience. Not many want to cross that line, most spies back-up and stay at a level that suits them best. You have more than it takes for that next step but you need to realise what it will demand you collaborating with others. If you don't, you won't last long operating at that level, it's a dangerous place. Annie no errors are permitted! "
"OK point taken! Eyal, let get back to the bug: If we destroy it, Sana will know that we are on to her, we keep it active?"
"No, it's too dangerous plus I want Sana to maybe try and put another one on you or recruit you as an asset. Neshema, what can cause a woman to discard of her make-up?"
Annie smiled "We get bored with it and buy a new kit."
"OK then, I'll be taking out the trash and you'll dump your make-up in it, explaining me the why of your actions for all to hear." All went down as plan, bud destroyed!
It was still early morning but for Eyal it was somewhat a copy and paste of his last 24 hours: No sleep and jam-packed action.
After talking to Annie, he had decided to read the others in as planned with one exception: He and Annie had a conference call with Joan. It was a lot easier convincing Joan of Sana's implication (experience Eyal told Annie!). Joan even gave Eyal and Annie more elements that proved the theory even further.
Eyal spoke "Joan, Annie is your operative but I'd like to borrow her. I have an idea that might just bring Sana out in the open. You spread word (Auggie or Barber are our best shot for that task) around that Annie, as CIA, will be helping McQuaid Security secure a very important arms and missiles deal. Due to Ryan's recent disastrous track record with arms contracts it would be natural for CIA to want to 'help' the guy. With our weekend hits, Sana will be short on manpower. If we plan that bogus arms deal to go down Sunday night in Paris, Sana could be desperate enough to try and turn Annie. You and Arthur being in Paris, you could serve as her backups, but she'll need a handler and sorry no CIA, MI-6 or even Mossad personnel. I have a friend in mind: He's an ex. Israeli military now team leader of IDF. We are off book on this op and it has to go down in an unusual/unpredictable protocol."
Joan shot Eyal a sly smile and rolled her eyes "That explain your pick of the litter!"
Annie looked at both and didn't know how to take Joan's last remark!
Joan spoke, "Eyal when are we going to read in the others?"
"The conference call is schedule in 15 minutes. As you can see, Mossad is OK with us using their secure lines of communication. Rivka's been read in, won't be joining us but do not worry, Mossad is rapidly closing in on many of Sana's latest actions. Joan, it's coming full circles and with our weekend interventions, we are going to nail this DMW mission and put an end to the Wilcoxs' reign of terror!"
The conference call went well. The news of Sana Wilcox being the master mind of this DMW mission surprised all, but as Eyal presented the facts, all came to the same conclusion. Joan and Eyal explained Annie's role. Last but not least, Eyal announce to Auggie the bad news of having to re-schedule all four weekend hits
He reacted in the same way Sharon had. "Eyal, do you know how much time that is going to take?"
Eyal smiled and said "Funny, you and Sharon are what we called in Israel 'Cry-Babies'."
Joan laughed and added, "Same in the US!"
Eyal acknowledge and addressed Auggie again "Like you, she whined and said it would take 18-20 hours, so I'm guessing that's the time it should take! Auggie, I would never impose a task I don't deem necessary. The actors (Joan, Arthur, Ryan, Ziva, Andy, Natasha, Robert and Earl) in these weekend hits will need to be in the dark about the new timing. They all know their respective protocol just not when it's supposed to go down. You and Sharon will inform them at the last minute. That might just give us the upper hand for once."
The conference call ended and Annie was staring at Eyal.
"What?" he asked
"You didn't tell them I was bugged and it's because of my negligence that they might know of our weekend actions."
"They didn't need to know."
"Thanks friend, I owe you. I stopped counting but you have some leverage over me!"
"Neshema, you don't owe me nothing. I want you to be in the driver seat of you career not in the hot seat always needing to defend yourself."
"I get it Eyal, but still, thank-you and I will repay you, one way or another."
"Annie, change of subject: I have a meeting at the Mossad. Make the most of this hour or so of down time and no calling Mr. Lover Ryan…. Are we clear?"
Annie blushed and hushed him out!
It was now near 8 am, getting to Rivka office, he was surprise by her warm welcome. Very uncommon for his boss!
"Rivka, I usually get the stick before the carrot (and sometime there is no carrot!), what up?"
"Eyal, you of all people knows how this agency operates. Me pushing, with Robert, for you and Sharon to become special agents in the Mossad/MI-6 ranks was bold. And, must admit, marked to fail by my superiors. What the two of you did yesterday made me pass as a hero instead of a zero. I'm now a visionary. I'll never be able to thank you enough."
"All in a day's work, boss!"
Next, was the planned meeting with Mossad's highest administrator; Mr. Samir. Eyal was unaccustomed and a bit shaken to the praise he received and the depth of what Mr. Samir knew of his and Sharon's implication in the Stadium attack.
As Eyal was leaving, Mr. Samir handed him an envelope. "Mr. Lavin, I gather Ari Sotter talked to you about a possible collaboration/training between our agencies (combining military and intelligence side of things). You'll find here the Mossad conditions to that possible deal and actions the Mossad already took to facilitate your decision. I understand why Mrs. Welby couldn't be here but if she has any questions upon reading these papers, she can contact me at any time. I will make the time. Rest assure, you both keep your covert status, and it's one of Mossad's conditions… more an obligation. Bracha veHazlaha, Haya Naim Me'od, Todah ve Shalom (Much success, it's been a pleasure, thank-you and Goodbye).
Eyal took the envelope and responded "Al Lo Devar, Shalom" (You are welcome, Goodbye).
It was now 09:30, he and Annie were heading back to Jerusalem.
"Eyal, it's a go. Just got news from Joan and she's put in motion your bogus CIA arms deal. Where do you get those ideas?"
"Again Annie…experience. You'll get there, but like I told you, give yourself time."
"Eyal, I got it, don't worry. You six could all be dead because of my 'I'm in control and I don't need anyone' attitude. You always had a way of getting through to me. Rest assure your words of wisdom, as always, hit me right where I needed it!"
"I'm glad, Neshema. I trust you are up to play Sana."
"I'm up to the task, don't worry. What I am, at this moment, is grateful that you and Joan are given me this chance to redeem myself. I won't let you down."
"Annie, just follow your instincts and a bit of the protocol that was laid out. Remember, what Joan and I gave you are only guide lines, you're running this op, with the end result of bringing down Sana. We now need to meet up with Sharon and Ari Sotter at Atarot Airport to get this op started."
"Atarot Airport, isn't that military. Can Mossad conduct operations from there?"
Eyal gave Annie an 'I'm impress of your knowledge' look and stated "You are half right, in July 2001 that airport was handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), not 100% military but close. Ari Sotter gave Mossad permission to run our op from there. I'll be pretty busy in Canada so Ari will take over as your handler. McQuaid will pick you up in his private jet and get you to Paris. Joan put all in place for you two (Ryan and Annie) to negotiate the purchase of a large quantity of guns and missiles for the CIA. The chatter is that McQuaid Security is a front because we all know CIA is not authorize to buy arm from a foreign country but everybody knows that never stopped them! Joan also put out rumors that you and CIA are at each other's throats. We hope that hearing this news, Sana will make contact with you with the intention of wooing you in her flock."
Eyal gave her his phone "Here, text Sharon that we'll be arriving in 15 minutes or so."
Taking the phone and hitting Sharon's contact information, Annie fell on a previous message. Eyal noticed her 'malaise'.
"Is there a problem?"
"You, Mr. Master Spy are slipping. First rule in cell communications 'Never leave a text message undeleted.' Ah what love can do to a man!"
Eyal smiled as he remembered his last message to Sharon 'Good morning Ahavah, love and miss you.'
He looked sideways at Annie "It's my personal phone and the security on it is more than adequate. You are privilege, Mrs. Annie Walker, I don't give that phone to just anyone! Plus, if you ever mention that I slipped, I'll deny ever having any knowledge of this text: Your words against mine and I'm the senior agent!"
Annie teasingly rubbed her hand against his scuff and answered "Could it be you were waiting for a romantic response from your Ahavah, were interrupted and forgot to delete your love declaration, Mr. Softy. She didn't answer by the way."
Eyal answered "I know, but also know she's OK. Like I told you, she was sleeping at our neighbours who happens to be the Ari Sotter (your 'new' temporary handler). At this moment, I can tell you they are on their way to Atarot airport to meet up with us. Don't know why she didn't reply but Ari told me she had a bad bout of morning sickness, her first."
Annie drew up her sunglasses and said "Not nice spying on your loved one...Think I know why she didn't answer."
Eyal shot her a sideway glance. "What?"
"Oh, that got your attention, didn't it? How many times have you texted Sharon that you love and miss her? Guessing it was a first!"
"You are treading on dangerous waters, personal waters!"
"Answer the question, lover boy!"
A bit annoyed, Eyal answered "You are right, satisfied?"
"Knew it! Now, I'll tell you why she didn't answer. Men can be so clueless sometimes!"
"I happen to be very sensitive where a woman is concern. It's a strong suite of mine, served you well on numerous occasions, Neshema!"
"Oh, but you're in the big leagues now: Sharon is not only a 'woman' but your 'beshert'; your soulmate, the one person that is divinely destined for you…"
Annie listened for a retort but none came.
"Did I just nail your feelings in the butt Mr. Lavin?"
Eyal admitted "I need to work on this vulnerably of mine concerning Sharon, have to shake it somehow."
"I'm not worried, you're the best I know at compartmentalisation. Do you want to know why she didn't answer or you guessed it by now?"
Eyal shot her an interrogation glance "Being pregnant, she's a bit more emotional?"
"You really don't get it? Not impress even could say a bit disappointed: Eyal, she pregnant and yes, more emotional, plus she woke up in a strange place, misses you big times and the first thing she reads is a love declaration from the one person who's made it an unbreakable rule to never communicate with his love ones for his and their safety. You just gave her the best possible proof of your love; putting yourself in a vulnerable position by sending her a message. I'm guessing it's not morning sickness she had. She fake it so your neighbours would not question why she was crying her eyes out!"
Eyal looked at Annie in awes "How did you…"
"Eyal, I may not be married, pregnant or in love but I'm a woman and as you once told me – I have great interpersonal skills. Plus lived through it once before: I was caught between Joan and Arthur: Joan had just learned she was pregnant as Arthur admitted to all CIA he had an affair then resigned. I was stuck in the middle and as badass as Joan is or can be, she was all jello when she confided in me about her feelings for Arthur!"
Eyal chuckled "Check mate, Neshema! See what experience can accomplish for a spy! Well, I'll see soon enough if you theory hold some truth: Here's Sharon and Ari coming to meet us."
Annie and Eyal got out of the car and walked up to Sharon and Ari. Usual greeting and presentations went down between the four.
Eyal spoke first "Annie, could you read in Ari on your itinerary and protocol, like I told you he's going to be your handler. We need to shake and bend rules here. It's a bogus CIA mission but we still need you protected. Can't take a chance on any agency help. Sana, been one step ahead of us up till now, we need to put an end to that.
Eyal continued "Ari, this is on your turf, bring Annie to safe quarters and get acquainted. You wanted join collaboration, you're getting it sooner than later with an added bonus, CIA and MI-6 are joining the Mossad and IDF! I'll be with you shortly, have a personal matter to settle."
As Ari and Annie were out of site, he turned towards Sharon. She hadn't said a word except for a light welcoming kiss, he extended his arms and said.
"Come here, I'd like a better welcoming kiss."
Didn't take her long to respond and a very passionate second welcoming kiss it was.
Eyal was the first to talk "That's more like it. You didn't answer my text, had me worried!"
"I wanted to but just couldn't ….Do you…first." She tried to get a coherent phrase out but didn't quite succeed.
Eyal interrupted and pulled her in a hug
"I know, admit got help from a certain blond to make me see the light, and seems we men can sometimes be sooooooo clueless. Hard for me to admit, I'm human after all! Sharon, when I wrote you those words, it was spontaneous. You had told me you would succeed in getting the man out of the spy, well, much to my surprise, you did"
She smiled and gave him a quick kiss "Told you it would happen, none of my doing and we both win! Love the spy, the guarded man but I love even more the man, the real man in you."
Returning the kiss but staying close to her ear "I love my job but sometimes…"
She quickly hushed him "You and I both know we wouldn't last more than 24 hours in a 'normal' life. Makes us appreciate moments like these a lots more!"
Smiling and agreeing he said "You didn't ask how my meeting with Mr. Samir went. You're not curious?"
Sharon put her head down. "Not one for 'Well done' meetings, I prefer to shy away from them. They're not being one civilian casualty was more than enough thanks!"
"Another area where we react in the same way, but that meeting was more of a proposal than a 'Well done' one. Mossad agreed for Ari and I to team up (on missions) and give some training on international terrorism to IDF. That means I'll be spending more time than planned in Israel. We need to further discuss this but wanted you to have time to think about it. And Mr. Samir gave me this envelope that contains instructions/conditions on this joint venture and, as he said, thanks for a job well done. I'm guessing this envelope contains some money compensation. It's the Mossad way."
Taking and examining the envelope, she said "Annie told me they throw you a feast in the dessert when you succeed in a mission! You didn't open it?"
"Feast are now overrated! As for the envelope, look at the labelling, it has both our names on it, meaning we open it together."
Taking it and putting it her side bag, she lipped "Later" and he agreed.
Lovingly putting his arm around her waist he guided her to where Ari and Annie were meeting.
Ari was looking at them approach. "Spies in love, sadly statistics are very much against them!"
Annie responded "Maybe, but Eyal Lavin is a special man. I, for one, am placing my money on them."
"Just met them and you are right, they do have a special something. Funny, got the impression that they work better together than as a couple. Sorry, swipe that, none of my business."
Annie laughed but remembered Ari was their new neighbour, so she added "While the rest of us are humans learning to be operatives/agents those two are operatives/agents learning to be humans! Sharon was born in a spy family as for Eyal, for a long time, he blocked all human emotions, becoming a shell of a man. Please, do me a favor and watch out for them from time to time."
Ari continued "A shell of a man…. From experience, it takes one to know one."
"See you're as observant as Eyal said. Yes, it's a way out coping mechanism for some spies. Eyal may just have succeeded in making me skip some of that kind of growing pains and for that I'll forever be grateful to him!"
Looking at Annie with a sly smile. "Don't worry, I'll watch over them. Not that I think they will need or seek it, but you are right, a shoulder to fall on can be welcomed from time to time."
Ari and Sharon were read in for Annie's role with Sana. Ryan, true to his word, had his private jet right on time to fly her to Paris. Eyal gave them the necessary protocol, equipment and Annie/Ryan were off to Paris.
Ari was the first to speak "I'm guessing, you sir, didn't sleep much?"
Eyal looked at Ari pensively and said "Sleep is not something I do often when in Israel. That is why I prefer running missions abroad!"
Sharon added, "In your homeland or abroad, I don't see any difference in your sleep patterns: You don't get much!"
Eyal patted Sharon's head "Women say the darndest things!"
Ari ended the ping pong word match "OK, let's get back to business. Here are all the passwords and entry codes for my communication protocols with Annie. If ever you want/need to 'spy' at it. Eyal, will need your guidance: IDF (and I) are not 'experience' in being handlers. Know the required duties but might need assistance. That is the reason why I ask for this collaboration between the Mossad and Homeland security. We need the international experience."
Eyal answered. "Got you covered, I'll be in Canada but rest assure one of my colleague will just be a phone call away. You have her coordinates in the file, her name is Joan Campbell (she CIA, Annie's boss and will be in Paris so close by Annie for a possible emergency extract). Plus, a Mossad agent will be on call 24/24 for Sunday."
Ari was impressed "Thought I was a sticker for leaving nothing to chance but I met my match. We have the work part covered, now for our other life: Organised it so you two have the day to yourselves. Avi was invited on a field trip with some of his ex-classmates. Monic will make sure that he's home in time to catch his plane to London but till then, you are on your own, my lovesick lovebirds!"
Eyal responded "You just earned yourself 'Good neighbour' double points! Thanks, it's appreciated."
They parted and Eyal/Sharon were on their way home.
Eyal looked at Sharon "Did you have breakfast?"
"Yes, ate at Ari's but it didn't stay down."
"So Annie was wrong, you didn't fake being sick?"
Sharon twisted her lips "Euh… she was right! Read you text message and just couldn't stop the tears so did what needed to be done: Put a finger down my throat for my host to think I had morning sickness. Next time you want to make a coming out of that sort, please make sure in a 'good' place."
Eyal laughed and said "OK, breakfast it is. What would you want?"
Putting her hand on his inner leg and in a very low voice, she answered "A home cooked one and maybe some dessert."
"You do know how to feed a man!"
Arriving at their home, it was dessert first and breakfast second!
Eyal had just finished putting the dishes in the dishwasher that Sharon pulled him into the living room. Handing him Samir's envelope for him to open, he pushed it back to her "You do the honors, Ahavah!"
Opening the envelope she said "How thoughtful of Mossad, one version in English and one in Hebrew."
"Told you we were the best!"
She suddenly stopped reading "Eyal, think you better read this."
Eyal snapped the paper from her hands and rapidly read through it.
"Damn, if I'm reading correctly they paid for this house and my apartment is still mine – Mossad was the rapid and mysterious buyer."
"Eyal that is too much. Don't want to feel like this home is a safe house of some sort for the Mossad. Your apartment, I understand. They prefer you have a place in Tel Aviv, close to Mossad's headquarter but this house is ours, nobody else."
Eyal smiled "You didn't read all the writing on the wall, did you?"
Sitting next to her and pulling her into him, he handed her the papers.
Reading it to the end she asked "If I understand the deal, it is said that this house and your apartment are free of any ties to the Mossad's. The money was transferred, in your name, to your personal account then taken out to pay this house and your apartment. Mossad is not the buyer, you are and the paper trail is to that effect. Eyal, do you trust your agency?"
"Sharon, I have a long list of things I do not trust and agencies are firsts in that list but I do trust lawyers and business practices. From what I'm reading, the only ties the Mossad can have on us is our consciences. That I can deal with: I don't feel like I own them after all the things I've done for them. The money was in my name so technically you owe them nothing since they didn't pay you. We risked our lives yesterday and if they consider this payment for a job well done, well so be it. Must admit it's the highest sum I've ever received. Sharon, I suggest we accept this offer as it is written. My agency might be clandestine, covert and at times even immoral but from experience, they've always been straight shooters when compensating agents/collaborators. It's not laundered money, Sharon, it's legit."
"Do you realise the amount of money we are talking about?"
"Yes, I can count the zeros! Look, I'll have my lawyer read the document but from what I see we have these two properties, no strings attached. Sharon, I won't accept if you, in one way or another, think you will owe Mossad. Don't want you coming into my agency with the idea that you owe them. That they will pick up on that and use it to their advantage THAT I'm sure of!"
"Like you said, the money was in your name, when seen in that way, I don't owe them nothing. I know never to let an agency think I owe her! It's not only the Mossad that would use that knowledge to their advantage, hell my own father would. If you're OK with it, I'm also. Nevertheless, I'd like my father's advice if that's OK with you."
"It's OK even a good idea! He's head of MI-6 and he's surely done his share of shady deals, so he's well place to conclude if this might be one!"
E, I've had enough emotions, do I need to read the protocol for you and Ari working together at this time. Know you want for me to be part of this deal but could I read it later? Auggie and I plan to get together at 1pm our time – 6 am his time, we have a couple of hours to ourselves, why don't we make the most of it? Would love for you to guide me thought this neighborhood?"
Eyal dropped his shoulder while intensifying his hug on her "Guide you through this neighborhood… not what I expected when you said 'make the most of it'!"
"Take your mind out of the gutter! My hormones might be on high alert because of me being pregnant but yours are on overdrive and you have no excuse! Lavin, tell your little soldiers they did their job and can now rest!"
With a teasing smile, he answered. "Only if you promise that those little soldiers can still have target practices even if they've already hit the bull's eyes!"
Laughing Sharon pulled him up, grab their coats and pushed him out the door!
Taking her hand, he asked "Where would my Ahavah like to start?"
"Maybe somewhere where there's stuff we can look at and buy."
"Wait a minute, you said you wanted to get to know the neighborhood, not go shopping."
Sharon put on her best sad face "Haven't been 'shopping' in months, please, please pretty please."
Eyal laughed "OK, but no girly or baby stuff. Have a proposition for you. Why don't we go to a market I know that is a walking distance from here and take a look at some local artists' works. Maybe find a painting or sculpture for our home and remember, you're paying!"
"Deal."
Looking at Eyal, Sharon could see and feel his happiness at this moment. She was thinking: You can take the man out of Israel but never Israel out of the man. Eyal was different, still guarded but in a different way; a more relaxed and in control way. They had often walked together in London, but here, it was not the same; Eyal was on his turf and 'running point'!
Eyal, sensing Sharon was lost in her thoughts, said "You are quiet, what are you thinking about?"
"You and how handsome I find you at this moment."
Bringing her closer to him he answered "Aren't you the one that just accused me of having too much sex drive? Look who's talking now!"
She squeezed his hand hard "I wasn't thinking of sex! I love seeing you, happy, relaxed and in control. The image you project is, can't explain it, but 'handsome' is the word that came to mind."
"You are right, I am in a 'good' place at this moment and I have you to thank for much of it."
She responded "It's mutual."
Lifting the hem of his T-shirt she continued "Like this casual look - Armani slim fit V-neck T-Shirt, see someone went shopping?"
"No shopping, the movers emptied my apartment and brought all its content to the house. There was clothes I hadn't seen in a long time, this is from that stash."
"Well, have to admit you have fine taste in clothes. Do you have a full wardrobe in all your places?"
Eyal laughed "No, but all have the basics. On a mission, you never know when a suit, a tux or a relax look could be needed."
Sharon rolled her eyes at him. "Or on a cruising escapade! So you do have a full wardrobe in every place. Your basics is Mr. Everybody's' full wardrobe."
It had been a long walk to the Machane Yehuda (the shuk/market) and Eyal had made the most of it by being the perfect neighborhood guide.
Eyal had an eye for art work. It didn't take him long to find a framed original watercolor painting, title 'View From Arnona Jerusalem' The artist Esther Cohen was on site to dedicated his purchase. Sharon bought the IPhone case of the same painting.
Looking at the couple, Esther said "I'm sad to see it go, but glad it will be appreciate. Are you new to this neighborhood? Never seen you around and believe me I would have notice such a special couple: Tall and quite handsome Israeli man with a short and bubbly outsider, a very special hair color, ginger and beautiful blue eyes. Let's say you two stand out in a crowd!"
Eyal tensed up, not a description he liked to hear, Sharon squeezed him hand and answered the artist. "Yes, we just bought a house close by. Sharon and Eyal where grateful that the artist, having another potential client, stirred away from her questioning.
Eyal asked "Enough shopping?"
"Yes, would like to take a small nap before Auggie and I get together."
"We can take a cab if you'd like?"
"I love you! I'm usually like walking, but I'm dead on my feet. Yes, for us taking a cab!"
Walking to flag one down, Eyal was roughly pulled back by Sharon, turning he just had to look at her face to realise something was very wrong.
Taking her close to him "Hey, what the problem, would you like for me to carry you? You don't look so good."
She couldn't talk, seemed frozen on spot and was shivering from head to toes. Eyal was concerned and uneasy at seeing her like this.
"Sharon talk to me, do you need medical help?"
She tried with not much success to get words out "Just smelled the odor of bleach and acetone. Same odor when I… Sarah…. TATP bomb!"
Now Eyal was more than concern "What, did you just say?"
Sharon knew she had to get control of herself, she breathed deeply and spoke slowly.
"Eyal, those three women smelled hydrogen peroxide and acetone. The same smell I woke up to from the bomb that killed Sarah and left me for dead. History is repeating itself, let's get out of here, something is going to do down and I don't want to lose you too. Eyal, please!"
Sharon was sweating profusely while pulling on Eyal's arm.
Taking her shoulders' and staring straight in her eyes, he tried to calm her.
"Sharon, yes, those are two ordinary ingredients for an extraordinary explosive - an acetone peroxide bomb (TATP) but not even dogs can sniff them out. Maybe one of those ladies just finish polishing her nails. I'm sorry that smell and this place conjures up such bad memories."
"Eyal, take a damn good look at the pregnant one; she dressed as a Jewish woman but something doesn't fit. Listen to them speak, you should be able to determine if the accent is right. Plus, they look nervous and just seem out of place. Eyal, I've been in this situation before, their eyes and somber stares are chilling my blood. We don't have much time, please let's get out NOW!"
"Calm down, sit here. I'm going to follow them and I should rapidly pick up if something is wrong. If you are right, I want you to get out of here. Ahavah, you know I will not run but try to control/stop this."
"Well, if that's the case, I'll be right by your side. I didn't leave Sarah, a there's no way in hell, I'm going to leave you. Let's get behind them before we lose them in the crowd."
Eyal didn't argue and that surprised her because she was sure she'd have to fight him on this.
Both were well trained to covertly follow a target. As they were getting close, Sharon asked "There, do you smell it?"
"Don't smell anything, but you are right something is definitely wrong with this picture. These are Palestinian women dressed in Jewish clothes. Bomb or not, we need to act swiftly, I have a plan."
"Out with it, fast"
"I'm guessing the pregnant woman is the designated suicide bomber. The other are just scapegoats. Another team member is surely watching on, if the bomber can't go through with blowing herself up, he/she will do it remotely. So we can't harm them in any way. They are heading for the fruit and spice stands. There's a publicity advertising giveaways in 30 minutes. My guess is that's when they are going to strike, a crowds is expected to gather when freebies are announced."
"Eyal, if we can't take them out, our hands are tied. Let's get out of here and in the wake, plan a diversion to scare people away. At least some will make it out. We need to cut our losses, Eyal."
Sharon was chillingly cold with her assessment of the situation but Eyal knew she was right. Suddenly a spark flashed in his eyes.
Sharon looked at him "Know that look, your turn to have one of my 'hamster in the wheal ideas?"
"Yes, and it's one hell of a longshot but it might just work. Being partnered with you somehow changed my conservative MO, I'm even surprising myself! Got to talk to Ari Sotter"
Explained the present situation, Eyal sent Ari a photo of the three women and told him of his plan.
Sharon was, again, having problems keeping her emotions in check. Eyal rapidly took notice and comforted her. He knew she was reliving the attack that had killed his sister Sarah and also knew those kind of memories are atrocious and never forgotten.
"Sharon, breath in, breathe out, slowly. Look, I'm in control and everything is going to be OK. Ari is on his way with the spray-on nanomaterial I ordered. Be assure IDF soldiers are being read in as we speak. Discreetly, look at your 3 o'clock, you'll see some of them. Need you to keep it together."
Sharon whispered "Nanomaterial?"
Eyal explained "Nanomaterial is a type of ink made of metallic oxide nanoparticles, which changes color - from dark blue to pale yellow or clear - in the presence of explosives. It renders a metallic conductor to a non-conducting material, making electronic sensing possible – a bit like pool chlorine paper-based test strips. We can neutralize explosives by spraying the ink onto suspicious packages or in like our case, a suicide vests: When the color changes the bomb is no longer a threat. That technology just moved from the lab to the real world and the Mossad and IDF were chosen as guinea pigs to experience with it."
Sharon just stared at Eyal in disbelief. "You're kidding, and you said MI-6 was the king of Bond style gadgets, this is frigging Star War technology!"
Eyal was scouting the crowd and he spotted Ari. He had to laugh, Ari was wearing a bright red T-shirt and flowered yellow bermudas. He approached Eyal and was covering as a tourist asking directions.
Eyal spoke "Hell, what's with the clothes. Are gray T-shirts and jeans out of style? You stick out like a sore thumb!"
'Was arresting a crazy student protestor when you called. Had my IDF uniform, no time to change so I ordered that guy to strip and I exchanged clothes with him. Didn't have time to be picky! Told him that the uniform might just stir up a sense of 'civil responsibility' in him. I ordered him to sit and think till I come back. Both, he and my men, must still think I've gone cuckoo!
Sharon and Eyal couldn't help but laugh at Ari's look!
Ari continued "Eyal, as always, great plan. Where do you get those ideas? This stuff is just out of lab test tubes. ID our three women, sorry to say Sharon was right, they are Palestinians. The 'pregnant' woman is from Jenin, named by security forces as Tasmin She'aban, and the other two are residents of the Tulkarm area. (Looking at Sharon, he continue) Sharon, there is no way you could have smelled that TATP bomb! Dogs have as a sense of smell 200,000 times better than humans and they can't detect it."
Sharon rolled her eyes "Don't care about statistics, I smelled that shit before and it all came back to me in a flash, a very painful flash!"
Eyal cuddle her and kiss her head. "It's OK, you should get out of here."
Ari added "Sharon, I have two soldiers that will take you home. They are waiting by the taxi stand. They have your description and address, let me and Eyal take over from here."
Slowly but with a harsh tone Sharon answered "OVER MY DEAD BODY, I'm straying. Wasn't successful the first time I tried to stop one of these crazy sonofabit_c, not going to miss my chance once again."
Eyal signaled to Ari to let it go, and added "Ari, what you plan? How are we going to spray the ink on these women?"
"Not spaying, going to douche them with it. See that very large piñata, in exactly 5 minutes it's going to explode, but no candy is going to fall from it. My men installed it on a thin wire and it's remotely controlled. Have some of my best 'crowd control' people in place to make sure those three women are in the right place at the right time and bingo, we clean up their mess! Just hope this stuff is as good as they say it is. Nevertheless my people are stationed for serious evacuation protocols no matter what happens. Final question I need to ask: Are you two accident prone or what? Yesterday the stadium and today the market. Please never bring you work at home, if you do - think I'd prefer moving far… far … far away from both of you!"
Eyal shot him a full teeth smile and said "What can I say, we love our jobs, just can't live without it!"
Ari added "Well remind me never to accept an invitation at a party you two are attending. (Looking at his watch he continued) OK Eyal, countdown time, Sharon you sure you want to stick with us?"
Sharon just looked at him…he had his answer, loud and clear.
Eyal whispered "5, 4,3,2,1 – Douche time, ladies."
All happened fast, but the 'ink' worked perfectly. The fake pregnant Jewish woman had an explosive vest hidden in her clothes. As soon as Ari saw the color change, he signaled his men to go into action: A very loud siren sounded, Israelis knew the protocol and rapidly evacuated in a control way. Ari's men were fast and efficient, the three targets were gathered, whisked out of site and the market was shut down as a better safe than sorry measure.
Eyal and Ari both breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at Sharon, Ari rapidly turned Eyal towards her while signaling the Magen David Adom's (MDA) paramedic for help.
"Eyal, she's in shock. Guessing the sirens and mayhem brought back one hell of a memory! Make her lie down on her back with her feet raised above her head and cover her with your coat to keep them warm."
His words were lost on Eyal, the man knew too well what needed to be done. Rapidly by her side and cuddling her the best he could, he said "Sharon, stay with me. It's over, you are safe, and nobody was hurt."
Eyal stopped the paramedic that wanted to help and said "She's pregnant."
The paramedic nodded and rapidly acted on this piece of information by giving her fluids intravenously to try and raise her blood pressure.
The paramedic said "Sir, she's not responding, we need to get her, by ambulance, to the hospital as quickly as possible. You can join us."
Eyal shot Ari a look, no words were needed, Ari signal for him to forget debriefing and stay with Sharon.
Looking the ambulance Ari whispered a healing prayer.
Mi Shebeirach avoteinu v'imoteinu,
Avraham, Yitzchak v'Yaakov, Sarah, Rivkah,
Rachel v'Lei-ah, hu y'vareich et hacholim
[names]. HaKadosh Baruch Hu yimalei
rachamim aleihem, l'hachalimam ul'rapotam
ul'hachazikam, v'yishlach lahem m'heirah
r'fuah, r'fuah shleimah min hashamayim,
r'fuat hanefesh ur'fuat haguf, hashta
baagala uviz'man kariv. V'nomar: Amen.
(May the one who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless and heal those who are ill; Sharon. May the Blessed Holy One be filled with compassion for their health to be restored and their strength to be revived. May God swiftly send them a complete renewal of body and spirit, and let us say, Amen.)
To be continue