Chapter 54

December 31, 2008 Drake Apartments 11 AM

"Get up, Maria!" said Frank coldly. Without any sympathy, he tore the blanket off her prone form.

"Charlie? Has he-"

"No. We cannot wait." Frank parted the blinds as narrowly as he could. He eyed the street outside. He didn't see any signs of unwanted surveillance.

"I'm sorry, Frank, so sorry." Maria raised herself to a sitting position.

"Save it."

"We ... we should drive around. See if he's found a hiding spot." Maria stood up carefully testing her sprained ankle and bruised knee."

"Charlie is on his own." said Frank. "Get your gear together. I found another apartment. We need to move now!"

"But -"

Frank swung around and faced her. His body quivered with suppressed rage. "You and Charlie got greedy and stupid. You two sacrificed our primary mission for some local freelance work. If I could, I would cut you loose permanently from the company or request a new team. Don't make me regret my decision." He stalked out of the room.

Maria finished packing her equipment and personal effects occasionally glancing at Frank efficiently cleaning the apartment. His jerky rapid movements told her that he was extremely upset. The situation had pushed the usually patient Frank close to his limits. She was lucky he had tended to her injuries last night and, even more fortunate that Frank had not terminated her employment. She would have to tread more carefully going forward.

Charlie's personal effects were all left behind. They left evidence that one and only one person lived in the apartment. A quick wipe of the apartment obliterated fingerprints and their general presence. "Charlie, wherever you are. Good luck." said Maria as she closed the door.

###

December 31, 2008 Neuman's Market 1 PM

Andrew picked up the package of disposable diapers. He looked at Emma sitting cozy in her baby carrier. "This will be our own little secret, all right? Father doesn't have to know a thing. Of course, I do love taking care of you however diapers are a different matter altogether."

"Andy? Is that you?" said a familiar voice. Belle rounded the corner before Andrew could escape. "Where did you disappear to the other day?"

"I had business to attend to." Unconsciously, Andrew's hand patted the carrier.

Drawn by the strange gray and blue lump hanging in front of Andrew, Belle surged forward. "Wait a minute. That's Robin and Patrick's baby, Emma."

"Yes, it is." said Andrew beginning to walk away. "We have to be going."

"You don't look like a kidnapper." Belle walked beside Andrew while making faces at a laughing Emma.

"Of course, I'm not." said Andrew defensively. "How do you know her?"

"My father, Sean Donely, is her mother's godfather."

Belle mistook Andrew's pained expression for further embarrassment which it unfortunately was for Andrew anyway. "I'm Emma's u-un-erm new au pair."

Belle began to giggle. "You're the nanny?"

"I will have you know that child caring has a long, illustrious tradition."

"This is the business that I was keeping you from? Nanny business?"

"Whatever. Now if you'll excuse us, we will be on our way. I'm sure you'll have a great many things to do yourself." Andrew double-timed it to the checkout counter.

###

December 31, 2008 Villa Scorpio 2 PM

Charlie's eyes were heavy as consciousness returned. A heavy hand slapped him on the face. Once. Twice. Strong hands pulled him up and half carried half dragged him into a chair. An overhead light sent a shaft of light streaming down into the table behind which an elderly man sat watching him.

"Now, Charlie, let us have words," said the man.

With the gag still in place, Charlie could only nod.

"No one likes problems, Charlie. They can become so messy." Jacques looked sharply at Charlie. "Do you want to be a problem for us, Charlie?"

Charlie shook his head. This man's voice was gentle and soothing but his eyes were terrifying. They were devoid of expression. They seemed to see right through him.

"You do realise that we are serious?"

Charlie nodded vigourously.

"We know who you are. More importantly, we know what you're afraid of. Do you understand that, Charlie?"

Charlie nodded.

"Will you cooperate?"

Charlie nodded.

Jacques nodded at a figure in the shadows. Charlie felt his chair pushed further in against the table. "In front of you is a pad of paper. I shall ask a question and you shall write the answer down. Do you understand?"

Charlie flexed his fingers before picking up a pen. He looked expectantly for the first question.

In the main house, Sean and Anna watched the monitors intently. Sean held a microphone connected to Jacques' ear piece in case they wanted to ask a question different from what Jacques was prepared to ask.

"I know you can run interrogations, Anna, so don't take my question the wrong way but why isn't Robert here?" asked Sean.

"He's needed somewhere else." Anna's eyes never left the monitors.

"Okay. I'm just surprised is all. I mean he recognized Charlie. He knew about his phobia about dogs. I would think he'd be the best to interrogate him."

"I thought differently."

"And I think you're evading my question."

"Am I, Sean?"

Sean pressed on. "I sensed a different kind of tension in Robert last night while talking with Reinhardt."

"Did you?"

"Robert's always been a fair and tough man but last night he was practically murderous. If Reinhardt had baited him just once, Robert would have slammed his head against the car."

"Good thing, Hans behaved himself."

"He does a good job being the Robert that we all know but he's not. The Robert I know wouldn't have gone through every inch of this property making sure every blade of grass was where it was supposed to be. The Robert i know wouldn't have rigged this place to survive a heavy assault. My god, Anna, there are camouflaged snipers platforms in some trees. The Robert I know wouldn't have known how to interrogate Charlie that way. It's not in the WSB handbook. The Robert and Anna I know would never have taken the risk that their tactics could kill the prisoner."

"It worked didn't it? That's all that matters."

You can try telling me that his behaviour with Reinhardt was just leftover adrenalin from chasing down intruders but you and I know better, don't we?"

"Sixteen, seventeen years is a long time. It changes everyone."

"That's bull, Anna." said Sean. "He bought OUR freedom with the only coin he had - himself. How did he pay it? How?"

"Ancient history, Sean."

"Not to me. It's connected to how Robert knew Charlie isn't it? I saw your face when he admitted he knew him. You knew EXACTLY what he wasn't saying out loud." pressed Sean. "You might as well tell me. Or I'll dig on my own. Your choice."

Anna sighed. "A new identity. Equatorial Guinea. Ultra deep infiltration of terrorist cells and mercenary groups. Covering about six years. South America. The Balkans. I think you can puzzle out how they would fit together."

"Oh, my god!" Sean swallowed hard.

"A man with no home. A missing child. A wife who ... who was gone. A man forced to live a lie for so many years. All that can affect a man or woman in the worse way."

"Post traumatic stress disorder." said Sean.

"That didn't come my lips but yes. I'm helping him deal with it slowly but surely."

"And having him witness an interrogation may bring up bad memories."

"Yes." said Anna. "We need to focus on our blessings here in the present, not the things, the time we lost. We can't ever get that back. But we can make what we want of our future."

"What DO you want, Anna?"

"Our family safe and together. Everything we're doing now is towards that goal. Everything."

"I was wondering why you two were so offensively minded. It's out of character." said Sean. "You two usually let the other side come to you and then fire back."

"We're tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop. We're going to be the ones dropping and throwing the shoes."

"They won't know what hit them."

"That is the plan." Anna grinned. "The element of surprise is on our side. I intend to use it."

###

December 31, 2008 The Quartermaine Mansion 2 PM

Tracy, Edward and Monica chatted with their luncheon guests Larry and Arielle Ashton in the parlor. Alice poured coffee for everyone.

"As you can see, Tracy, it is a win-win situation." said Larry Ashton. "The potential connections that ELQ can make is priceless."

"ELQ has all the connections we need." said Tracy neutrally.

"Yes, in the developed world. But this economic summit in New York City will be host to many of the countries emerging from the third world. Establishing contacts now with representatives from Central and South America, Africa and Asia can only have far-reaching benefits."

"What exactly would our involvement entail, hypothetically speaking." said Edward getting to the crux of the matter.

"My idea is to host a series of fetes - luncheons, dinners, a ball, perhaps, - scattered through the five days of the convention. Each sponsor would have unequalled access to make themselves known to the delegates and vice versa via private panels that we would also schedule during the conference. As you have often said to me, Tracy, a single profitable connection is priceless."

"How much will each sponsor be required to pony up in order to participate in this one in a lifetime opportunity?" said Tracy.

"A mere pittance, Tracy, truly. Primary and privileged sponsors are required to pay ten thousand dollars apiece. This includes notes and research on the economic needs of each attending country so that you may prepare sales pitches and the like beforehand. It includes a private meeting room available to that sponsor at all times. And, the most valuable benefit, a one on one private meeting with each representative."

"It does sound quite a lot for ten thousand dollars." said Monica. "What countries did you say would be there, Larry?"

"Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, Parador, Argentina, South Africa, Chile nearly every major country with industrial aspirations in the third world." said Larry. "It is an opportunity not to be missed. I cannot stress that enough."

"Many of those countries have improving records in the healthcare and education. It would be a good opportunity to see if our new venture would be of interest, wouldn't it, Edward?" asked Monica.

"What new venture?" asked Larry.

"Something close to Monica's heart. She's lobbied the Board for some time and we've given in." remarked Edward with a smile. "This year ELQ will be launching a pharmaceutical division spearheaded by Monica."

"Diversification is always a good idea as long as it's done in an industry with a growth trajectory." added Tracy. "Healthcare is a very good idea."

"Are you no longer going to be at General Hospital then?" asked Larry.

"I've slowly been reducing my hours there and my responsibilities, Larry, but I'm not going away at all. I want to focus my energies on something completely different." said Monica. "Enough about me. Let's get back to the conference. Arielle, I'm sure you're helping out Larry in this, yes?"

"I am the chief liaison with the delegates, actually." said Arielle.

"She has been invaluable making the initial contacts this past year." said Larry effusively. "We wouldn't be where we are without her."

"I'm sure. When will the conference be?" asked Edward.

"The week of Monday, February 2. Key delegates will be arriving on the weekend right before the conference." provided Arielle.

"So soon?" asked Monica.

"Actually this has been at least a year in the making. By some luck, that week was free on all the delegates calendars." said Arielle. "You can imagine the logistic nightmare of such a diverse group."

"The security concerns alone will be difficult." said Tracy.

Arielle glanced at Larry before saying. "We will have world class security at the conference. Have no worries on that. I'm sure that most delegates will also have their own security staff."

"There you have the details," Larry clapped his hands together. "Can we count on ELQ's sponsorship?"

"We'll certainly put this on the board meeting's agenda this week. We should have a decision by the end of the week." said Tracy.

"It does sound like something we would like to be a part of." added Monica.

"Of course it is. It will be a memorable event." said Larry.

###

December 31, 2008 Villa Scorpio 5 PM

Robert came in through the front door. He dropped his coat and hat on the couch.

"Is that a hot toddy I see?" Robert kissed Anna in greeting then greedily took the toddy.

"How was your trip into New York?" asked Sean.

Robert reclined in the couch next to Anna. "The Israelis are definitely interested. In fact, we will be turning our guest over to the PCPD. Mac will then have the pleasure of handing him off directly to the Israeli embassy."

"And our side won't raise a flap?"

"They probably will. However, Miller is an Israeli citizen. So their claim takes precedent." said Robert.

"I take it that they are happy about it?" asked Anna.

"Ecstatic. They've been after Charlie for three years at least for three known assassinations." said Robert. "I've updated Mac to get a good night's sleep because tomorrow he's going to be busy racking up a big score in the law and order tally."

"That's what I call bringing in the new year with a bang." said Sean.

"Where are the kiddies?" asked Robert.

"They'll be here in time for dinner." said Anna.

The phone rang. Robert answered. He motioned to Anna and Sean that the call was important. After a few minutes, Robert put the phone down. Anna and Sean waited to hear the details of the call.

"That was Tracy. They had their luncheon with Ashton and they have a tidbit to report." said Robert.

"Well, don't keep us in suspense!" joked Sean.

"Ashton is in town to wheedle a sponsorship from the Quartermaines for a multinational economic conference in New York City on February 2nd." said Robert. "Apparently, he was selling it pretty hard."

"You're both thinking what I'm thinking," said Anna. "This conference is what D99 is waiting and planning for. It has to be. That's why the arm deal has to happen here. Proximity to the city."

"By jove! I think she's got it!" smiled Robert.

"But why? Are they targeting a specific assassination? A terrorist style bomb attack? What?" asked Sean.

"It will interest you both to know that among the attendees will be representatives from Parador. I suspect it will be Claudio."

"Take out the man responsible for crippling their organization and stripping them of a power base in Parador." concluded Anna.

"That's not gonna happen. We'll make sure of that." said Robert.

"There may be other possibilities, Robert. Claudio is just the most obvious."

"Yeah, at least now we know the when and the where. We'll keep for the what." said Robert.

###

January 1, 2009 In A Villa - Malaga, Spain

Charlotte leaned back in her chair as she talked with Helena on the speakerphone.

"Thank you for taking care of that little matter for me, Helena." said Charlotte.

"A miscalculation that I trust shall not happen again," replied Helena tersely.

"That particular mistake will not be repeated." assured Charlotte. "How did you secure Alexis' cooperation?"

"Despite her less than generous feelings towards me, Alexis is fully aware of the value of doing me a favour." said Helena. "Your hireling has been released from the hospital by the way. Why did you hire freelancer mercenaries for such a ... a delicate operation?"

"Their part was simple enough. Scout the property, gain attention and retreat. Any monkey could have done it. And if they were caught, well, they wouldn't know enough to hurt us." said Charlotte. "My own team made the water approach however."

"And what have they reported?"

"That we can no longer consider the farm to be vulnerable. The security technology is advanced. In fact, my team captain was surprised at the rapidity of detection. To the untrained eye, it is simply a farm. However, we now know that it is fully prepared for assault and penetration. Most of all, it is staffed by extremely well-trained and disciplined staff. My captain reports that the security staff employed tactics known to be used by the SAS, the Mossad and MI6." said Charlotte. "Had the attempt been in daylight, he believes that none of them would have escaped."

"How often is the child there?"

"Most of each day. And the Drake's home has surveillance when they are home." said Charlotte. "Though the farm is closed to our efforts we do have many other possible avenues to use. We will get creative."

"How much longer will you be in Malaga?"

"Another week. My contacts were delayed and we had to push the meeting forward."

"I hope this meeting exceeds our expectations." chuckled Helena.

"I'm quite sure it will." said Charlotte smiling like a voracious cat who had a mouse cornered.