Eyal stated, "Victor's on his way."

"I just received her medical file. Still have friends in Canada, but for this, I now owe them. Good news, she has the most popular blood type; O +. Pretty interesting, the lady was one of their top agents. She retired because of recurring mononucleosis, this won't help."

"Sharon, you're pregnant, keep your distances."

"Eyal, I've had mono. I have antibodies against EBV (mono's virus Epstein-Barr). I'm immune, don't worry."

"Our baby doesn't have that chance. Sharon, just be careful, please."

"I will. Eyal, she's not doing well."

"I know Victor's getting a doctor. I can be the blood donor, faster that way."

"No, out of the question! Eyal, you're struggling with your own recovery. Not going to happen."

"Love…"

"No, the answer is no."


Avoiding Eyal's glare, she called Victor.

"Victor, we will need blood. Our victim is O+. Eyal volunteered and I said no!"

"Ouch … you must be facing that glaring and piercing stare!"

"Yup, big times!"

"Tell him not to worry his generous person. I'm with Andy and will I'll be stopping at the hospital. They know how Mossad operates, we'll pick up what is necessary. Is the gunshot wound her only problem?"

"No, called a Canadian asset and the woman has recurrent mono. Andy, my brother Andy? What is he doing here?"

"Eyal had invited him to your party but seems he missed his flight and caught a later one. When your hubby called to inform me of your latest 'stumble-upon', Andy was on my other line asking where he could meet up with you two … since you weren't home, weren't picking up your phones and he, an ex-spy, was stranded in an Israeli airport, without your new address…. Since he helps Mossad with medical emergencies on American soil, I explained your latest dilemma and he accepted to help. Funny, can't explain why he said; See my sister didn't loose her disaster walk-in personality. She's better than a sniffer dog to uncover hell on earth! and I added, 'and she married Mossad's best blood hound'; one hell of a match!"

Sharon laughed and said, "Victor, what can I say except; your life would be so boring otherwise!"

"Dear I've had so little sleep since the you two landed in Israel. When are you guys going back to London?"

Laughing at his antics, Sharon changed the subject, "What's your ETA?"

"Turning in the hospital parking as we speak, should be there in less than 15. Keep her alive!"

Hanging up, she turned towards Eyal, "You forgot about Andy?"

Eyal eyes widened, "No, he didn't catch his flight. Wanted it to be a surprise for you, but didn't mention it since he couldn't make it."

"He took a later flight and Victor just recruited him to help us."

Eyal looked at his phone and clarified, "Sharon, I didn't forget him. I got no message from him. Here, see for yourself."

"Funny, I also didn't receive his call. Victor said he tried to call us! Hey, I wasn't checking up … well yes; I was. I'm worried that you are doing too much, too soon. See you are getting back to your old self, but….. Andy didn't have our new address and was stranded at the airport. That's not like you. I'm glad he had Victor's phone number."

Eyal lovingly kissed her forehead,

"Don't worry. Sometimes, in Israel, cellular reception is jammed for unknown reasons. Also thanks for noticing I'm on the fast recovery track … finally! Promise, I won't over do it. I now have two guard dogs; you and the pain. As for Andy; didn't have time to give him our new address. When I called to invite him, all hell broke loose at the hospital, invited him then he was gone! See, it's better to wait for an explanation that to imagine the worst! I did not leave him stranded, he texted that he missed his flight so I didn't think it was necessary to give him our coordinates."

Sharon smiled, "Eyal 1 / Sharon 0!"

Returning to their patient, Eyal had succeeded in stopping the bleeding, but the woman's vital were slipping. He elevated her legs, added covering and asked,

"Sharon, could you get me some ice, lots of it? Raid the hotel's ice dispensers!"

"Good idea, give me a couple of pillow cases. I'll fill them up with ice and we'll lay her on them."

Eyal smiled and stated, "See you've done this before?"

As she was heading out, "Yes, … all in a day's work for an extreme extractions specialist! Often had to come up with some doozies to stabilize agents in order to get them out safely. You guys have a way of getting yourselves in the worse of situations at the worse of times!"


They had just finished getting their patient 'on ice' when Andy and Victor knocked and let themselves in. Andy, at seeing the lady lying on pillow-cases full of ice, smiled.

"Oh, how I recognize my big sister's MO."

She startled him when she whispered in his back, "Not my doing, Eyal's idea. Happy to see you, little brother!"

She hugged him as he touched her belly and nodded approvingly, but warned,

"You should try to keep your nose out of these kinds of situations. Eyal, did you ever think of barricading yourselves from the world till you have this kid?"

"Andy, the patient, please."

Eyal was the opposite of Andy; to the point and business first while Andy was the happy-go-lucky type. But the two men were friends, completed each other and accepted the other as he was.

Nevertheless, Victor found it necessary to intervene, "Guys, play nice. Eyal calm down; we've just arrived."

Andy nodded to Victor and examined the woman. While installing an IV drip and preparing the blood transfusion, Andy stated,

"Eyal … you and Sharon are two peas in the pod! At least, I should be happy; Eyal is not holding a bomb and Sharon didn't serve as a pass-through! All in all, this is an easy intervention!"

Eyal, again, refocused Andy, "From what she said before fainting, we stumbled upon some sort of attack against Israel. Couldn't get much, hope she can rapidly regain consciousness."

Sharon asked Victor, "Does Mossad monitor threat assessments?"

Victor answered, "Every second of every day! Was on it as soon as Eyal called; it's quiet, nothing special!"

Sharon turned toward Andy. "When could she regain consciousness?"

"Sharon, I'm a doctor, not a crystal ball. Her vitals are better and the bleeding is controlled. Still, I'm stumped. The gunshot is a minor flesh wound; she should not be unconscious. Maybe it's the mono combined with the blood lost, can't quite explain her lack of reactions. By her vitals, she should be conscious."

Sharon asked, "She could still be responsive, I've seen it before; let me try something. Victor, can you give me a list of the threat assessments?"

He gave Sharon his phone. Gently taking the lady's hand, Sharon presented herself, explained what she was going to do and started reading the nearby events. At one point, she read, 'David and Jane Cohen are dedicating a Torah to the Lone Soldier Centre in memory of Michael Levin.'

The lady softly squeezed Sharon's hand numerous times and her vital went hay wire.

Andy scrambled to stabilize her. "Sharon, stop!"

Looking at Eyal, she asked, "Who is Michel Levin?"

From memory, Eyal cited, "Michael Levin was an American soldier in the Paratroopers Brigade of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) who was killed in action in the Second Lebanon War, during the first round of fighting in the Lebanese town of Ayta ash-Shab (2006). He was 22 years old. His death had a major impact in Israel—thousands attended his funeral. That inspired the creation of a support organization for other foreign soldiers in the IDF. The Lone Soldier Centre in Memory of Michael Levin was created in 2009 by a group of people who had served as "lone soldiers" in the IDF. He's considered both an Israeli and American hero. Victor, who's attending that ceremony?"

"Already on it; some IDF's dignitaries and your neighbor, Ari, will be present. No high-ranking government officials, it's a local even."

Sharon stated, "They are not after heads but what that event inspires - recognition, protecting loved ones and memories."

Eyal replied, "Yes, my thoughts also, but maybe it was Sharon reacting to pain and not the event. We can't be sure."

Sharon answered, "Do we have a choice?"

Victor wasn't following, "Eyal, did you say Sharon?"

"Yes, that woman's real name is Sharon Arsenault. She's from Calgary, Alberta. We met on a Mediterranean cruise while I was on a mission. The name – Clarissa Begin - is her long-standing cover."

Andy was still tending to Sharon A. when Eyal approached, "Andy, I need to ask her a couple of questions. We can't deploy the cavalry without some proof that she was not only reacting to pain."

"Go ahead, but can't promise she'll respond, she's slipping in and out of consciousness. If her vitals change, I'll order you to stop immediately."

Eyal gently stroked her face as he took her hand,

"Sharon, it's Eyal Lavin. We met on the Queen Mary in 2006. You called me Vasygolo"

At seeing Victor's face, a laughing Sharon translated, "I'm guessing, it's her having fun with words. Knowing Eyal, she's mixing gigolo with 'vas y molo' (French for take it easy)! Bright girl…. I like it!"

Eyal shot her the worst of stares! Sharon held his stare adding an Annie Walker smirk!

Victor, trying hard to shake a laughter attack at seeing their antics, quipped, "No woman forgets Eyal Lavin!"

Eyal rolled his eyes at both and addressed the patient, "Sharon, I have a couple of questions. If you can, answer by squeezing my hand. Once for YES, twice for NO."

Can you hear me? (She squeezed once) / Are you coherent? (She squeezed once) / Were you a target? (She squeezed twice) / You happened to fall onto this? (She squeezed once) / Is there a terrorist attack planned at The Lone Soldier Centre? (She squeezed once) / Do you know who? (She squeezed twice) / Do you know how? (She squeezed one, then twice) / Guessing you are not sure; if I mention the possible how, squeeze my hand once; armed attack – bombing - hijacking – skyjacking - arson and firebombing….

Sharon, who was observing Sharon A. closely, tapped Eyal's shoulder and softly asked,

"Biological/chemical weapons?"

She squeezed Eyal's hand numerous times as Eyal and Victor swore. Sharon continued,

"You are conscious but prisoners of your body and it's getting worse, did they use some chemicals on you?" She squeezed Eyal hand once then twice. (She wasn't sure)

Eyal signalled for her to continue. Sharon W. was in her field of expertise. Being tasked with extractions of spies, she was trained and experienced in laying out the grounds for a safe extraction. Her questioning would be more to the point and could go further than his basic line of questioning.

Sharon asked, "Do you know what kind of poison it is? (She squeezed twice) / Is it airborne?" (She squeezed once then twice – I don't know) / Eyal or if you prefer, Vasygolo, asked if you knew who was behind this, you don't as you seem to have stumbled upon this. Did you overhear conversation of whom? (She squeezed once) / I'll say some possible culprits and squeeze my hand when I'm right; Hamas, Syria's Hizbollah, Russian, Pakistan (Sharon gravely looked at Eyal before saying…), spies…"

She didn't have time to finish her phrases that Sharon A.'s hand clenched hers. Sharon W. continued,

"Is there danger for us and the people in the hotel?" (She squeezed twice)

Sharon W. looked at Eyal and Victor, they all breathed out long and hard and continued.

"How long have you been exposed to the poison, it's now 6 am. Squeeze my hand when I mention the closest time; 12 hours, 9 hours, 6 hours, 3 hours, you don't know? (She squeezed once…)

Sharon turned towards Andy and signed for Sharon A. not to see or hear.

"Am I right to presume that this kind of shit has 12 hours to cover the human body before attacking the lungs (breathing)."

Andy signed back, "Yes, that's about right for most of paralyzing drugs, but there are so many drugs out there … we can only assume."

Sharon continued, "Do they think you are dead?" No response. Andy came in closer,

"Sorry, you won't be able to get more out of her. By her vital, she's again in some sort of coma. It may be short, long… I just don't know. Her symptoms are far from 'standard'. It's as if somebody is controlling off/on button. They leave her give tidbits on information then turn her off."


Victor called Rivka Singer then Ari Sutter and explained the situation.

"Yes, Ari … your neighbors' did it again! Do you want help from the Mossad? Your turf, but we have expertise in biological and chemical weapons. Rivka offered, take her up on it … it doesn't happen often! Since we have a Canadian, English and Mossad spy who stumbled on this, Mossad can easily justify their intervention to your superiors."

Victor chuckled at hearing Ari's response, "Damn those Lavin's are going to get me fired! Twenty-four hours ago, it was the daughter and the son-in-law that got one on IDF, this morning…. it's mommy and daddy and in all places; the Centre that is dedicated to IDF's Lone Soldiers!"

"Well, at least you can get some sleep. I'm front line when those Lavins decides to go out and my son is one of them!"

Hanging up, and turning towards Eyal, Victor added, "Eyal, Ari accepted our help. We meet at The Lone Soldier Centre. I need to get our bio team together. Do all in your power to save that girl, am I clear? You have carte blanche – gather our medical specialists and give them the code shibboleth."

Eyal answered, "Crystal."

Sharon asked, "Victor, you didn't tell Ari that it might be an inside job…"

"Do you have a problem with that?"

"Yes, if you have doubts…"

"Don't know how MI-6 works, but at the Mossad, we do not question orders or directives."

"MI-6 considers their agents as intelligent people that can evaluate a situation and act accordingly. I do more than 'follow order and shut-up', I will never work in that way, be it Mossad, CIA or MI-6!"

Victor shot her a slide glance and stepped forwards to be right in her face, "Officer Welby, when the head of an agency, any agency, receives news that his country and/or agency might be under attack by one of its own, like you just said; he evaluates the situation and acts accordingly. This might be an internal coup, my experience tells me not to trust anybody except those presents and Rivka! Do you have a problem with my way of dealing with the situation or might you have a better solution?"

Sharon bit her lips and outed a very low, "No and sorry, you are right my accusations were not called for. I'll go calm Sharon A. Andy is signalling that she is conscious again. We know enough, I won't question her more. We are putting her life in jeopardy, prefer waiting till we get a lead at how to threat her then drill down a bit more. We can't make a dead person speak!"

Victor answered, "Good, see you can evaluate a situation and act accordingly, well done … next time trust mine!"

As Sharon W. was out of earshot, Victor told Eyal, "Now, I know how Eli David felt like when he had an argument with Ziva!"

"Yes, but her 'tell it as it is' often forces me to look at things in different a perspective. Victor, Mossad is, for good reasons, a lot more secretive than most agencies. She's shown me, many times, that listening to others and even adopting some of their ways can go a long way to solving a dilemma. Victor, I trust Ari Setton 100%, we should read him in."

"We will, but not on a phone line. Partner, I'm the same Victor. I am more open than my predecessors, but I can't very well turn the mighty Mossad upside down in the short term. Changes must come gradually and have to be proven to be the right course…. Would like for the both of you to put yourselves in my shoes. Have problems enough with my bosses, really don't need continual condescending remarks from my friends…"

Eyal bowed his head, "Message taken and understood. I will make sure Ziva 2 gets the picture. You are right on that point: Sharon and Ziva are made of the same cloth!"

Victor regained his usual smile and said "And that's what you like about her; spunk and spice! Remember me saying that you and Ziva should hook up?"

"Yes, but Ziva was never a love interest. She's more of a sister. Look, I need to speak to Andy, I'm guessing you have some calls to make!"

Sharon was talking to Sharon A., telling her she was also from Canada and to fight the poison.

Andy spoke, "Eyal, is your team up to date on the latest drugs/poisons. It's really not my field of expertise."

"They're the best, Andy. Do you want them to meet us here or at the hospital?"

"Here, prefer they assess her and decide. Sharon, could you get more ice? I want to slow down her metabolism to the max."

Sharon was pensive and had not heard a word Andy had said, "Sis, you with us? Asked you to get more ice?"

Eyal put his hand on Andy's shoulder and whispered,

"Don't. She might be onto something. With this kind of threat, we need all the 'hamster in the wheel' ideas we can get."

"Andy, how could they have administered the poison? It seems to be giving to her in a pre-programed manner. We checked for needle pinpoints, cut, dispensers under her skin, what is left?"

"In a pre-programed manner. Damn … a patch…."

Andy rapidly strip Sharon A. and found an invisible patch on the inside her left arm.

Eyal was fast to intervene, "Andy, don't touch it."

Eyal looked around, took the ice tongs and peeled off the patch. Sharon had a bag waiting for the patch and the tongs.

Andy closed his eye and lowered his face, "Why didn't I think of it sooner? You can now program a patch to the minute to administer the meds. They programed it to stop so she'd be somewhat conscious, give us tidbits of information then boost the thing to put her in a coma and the cycle repeats itself!"


Sharon sat near the woman and explained what was happening around her. From experience, she knew this helped in appeasing fears when actions went up a notch around the patient/spy. Turning around to ask Eyal when the medical team was expected, she faced Victor.

"Victor, where is Eyal?"

"We switched roles. He'll be attending the memorial. He mentioned that if I attend, they'll know Mossad is in the house. I'm no longer covert! We can't risk that. Don't worry, I have him covered. Plus, him being in a wheelchair is ideal for the circumstances. He'll be posing as an IDF Lone Soldier. Ari has his cover taken care of."

"It's not a cover, he's in that wheelchair for a reason. Victor, how could you?"

"Listen up, missy, you don't have a say in the way I use my people. You stay put and help the medical team. With your experience in extreme extractions, you might have encountered this drug. Till now you did well; observe her symptoms, rehash you preceding experiences and try to find some similarities. If you can guide, in any way, our medical team, you might give us time to save this lady. Sharon, this is official Mossad business, take this as an order, am I clear?"

Sharon knew not to argue, Victor was unflappable in his composure and voice; it was the Deputy director talking, not the friend. She was realizing the differences between the Mossad and MI-6 in time of crisis and knew she had to change her behavior accordingly.

She answered Victor, "Yes, you're right, again sorry."

Victor glanced at his phone, left and said he'd be back with the medical team.

Andy approached Sharon, "Wow … intense moments. You always work under this much pressure?"

"Israel's national security is threatened; spy agencies don't take that kind of news lightly. My reaction was one of a rookie. Had I been at MI-6, I would not have spoken in that way. Israel is not my home country; I need to adopt it fast! Why don't you join me and we'll brainstorm this?"

"Good idea, we were always good at that. Let's put what we know together; the drug can be airborne and topically applied. She's stepping in and out of a coma because of blood lost, mono and the toxin dose administered by a programed patch. The patient is on/off conscious and appears calm in a paralyzed body."

"Calm and conscious in a paralyzed body, Andy, I heard that before…. Damn where?"

"Let me check my poison database and list that symptom…. Nothing … that's what I was expecting. Calm and conscious in a paralyzed body is not a symptom."

"Damn memory….!"

Victor entered with three doctors. Poor Andy, he looked like a kid near them. All had very broad shoulders and were well over 6 feet!

Sharon and Andy read the doctors in on what they had.

Victor sat by Sharon, "Hey, you want me to try and jog that memory of yours? Promise, it won't be painful. I won't be hypnosis, but listen to my voice and leave your mind wonder."

Sharon smiled, "Give it your best."

"Here goes; Close your eyes, concentrate on my voice, your breathing, look into you past and, this is important - visualize. Was it during an extraction?"

"No, I'm pretty sure it's something a person close to me said in a casual conversation, not an extraction or mission."

"Had to be somebody with medical knowledge; zoom in on people closest to you with medical savoir-faire – one by one, slowly, imagine each person saying those words. You'll know right away if they are the 'culprit'."

Sharon closed her eyes and listed, "Eyal, Dave my ex, Ducky, Andy, Abby Sciuto, Enos, Tali…."

"Before you meeting up with Eyal."

"Victor, I was married to a doctor, met doctors every day. Can't even recall their names. Plus, with MI-6, like you guys, we have many doctors!"

"Love, try. Just imagine faces saying those words, names are not important at this time. Trying to put a face to a name will only hamper your judgment. Relax, breath in breath out. You're doing fine. Hey, wasn't there a doctor, the one who's that rich German's sidekick? He saved Eyal twice with some crazy ideas."

"Henry Lawson, Hank… Victor, it's him, it's him. I'm sure."

"Give me his coordinates, I'll call and put him on videoconference."

Hank wasn't present. Sharon asked Evan, his brother, to get in touch with him as it was a medical emergency. In a matter of minutes, Hank was on screen and the first thing he asked was,

"Sharon, what kind of weird emergency do you have for me this time? Hope Eyal is OK?"

Andy smiled and added, "Henry, do not worry, Eyal and Sharon are OK. Sis, see most doctors, you know, have your number!"

Sharon rapidly gave Hank a rundown of the situation and asked if he remembered his words.

"Yes, I do. It was three years ago. Boris's brother could have died had I not identified PSP. It was a close call and I only caught it because a local kid mentioned shell fish. Dimitri, Boris's brother, is a diabetic. He swam to shore when he was dropped off by a boat. The poison entered by one of his numerous insulin injections. When I talk about my encounter with PSP, I always say; the patient is conscious in a paralyzed body. You have a very good memory!"

"Hank, could we be facing PSP?"

The medical team approached as Hank spoke, "See you're not alone! I did a lecture on that toxin for colleagues, I'll read my notes. It might be a little technical but think the people with you will profit better from it. They'll decide if what you're facing could be PSP."

Hank detailed, "Saxitoxin is a naturally occurring neurotoxin found in both fresh and salt water ecosystems. It is produced by certain species of Dinoflagellates and Cyanobacteria. That toxin is odorless, tasteless, is heat/acid resistant and water soluble. In the 1950 it was used by the CIA as a suicide pill and 1970 President Nixon ordered the destruction of all the stock of Saxitoxin. (Did not happen, all stock was not destroyed!) In biological/chemical warfare, Saxitoxin could easily become an agent of mass destruction. The human illness associated with ingestion of harmful levels of Saxitoxin is known as paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP. The blocking of neuronal sodium channels, which occurs in PSP, produces a flaccid paralysis that leaves its victim calm and conscious through the progression of symptoms. Death often occurs from respiratory failure. You can find Saxitoxin in the USA, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan and all the countries located in South America. Israel is not listed as a country who deals with that natural or synthesized toxin. Doctors would not have found it easily!"

One doctor asked, "Dr. Lawson, what is the toxicity? Is there an antidote?"

Hank winced and continued, "Diagnosis of Saxitoxin exposure can be assessed using radioimmunoassay or ELISA testing. It takes less than two hours for a positive identification. The human inhalation toxicity of aerosolized saxitoxin is estimated to be 5 mg· min/m³. A lethal dose of 50 μg/person by this route has been suggested. Inhalation is the most lethal pathway for humans. Treatment of Saxitoxin poisoning is supportive. Temporary mechanical ventilation may be required. Activated charcoal to adsorb toxin from the gut may be effective if given within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion. There are no vaccines or effective prophylactic treatments for Saxitoxin. There is no antidote for it. Without supportive treatment, up to 75% of severely affected persons die within 12 hours. The toxin is 1000 times more potent than sarin nerve gas. Mortality ranges from 2 to 14 per cent. There is some good news; most cases are mild and pass without incident in three to four days."

Sharon asked, "Hank, how much time to notice symptoms if in contact with the toxin?"

"Ingestion of Saxitoxin can cause numbness of the oral mucosa as quickly as 30 minutes after exposure. In severe poisoning, illness typically progresses rapidly and may include gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting) and neurological (cranial nerve dysfunction, a floating sensation, headache, muscle weakness, paresthesia and vertigo) signs and symptoms. Respiratory failure and death can occur from paralysis. The patient may have only the neurological syndrome (calm in a paralyzed body), but all exposures, if not treated, result in respiratory failure."

The doctors decided to move Sharon A. to a Mossad treatment center. They asked Hank to stay available. Andy, Sharon and Victor stayed behind.


Sharon dared, "Eyal…."

"Don't worry, he's been listening in. What we need to do now is think of ways that the toxin can be spread. We can't be sure it's Saxitoxin, but we will act as if it was. The ceremony starts in two hours."

Sharon asked, "Victor, can you describe the ceremony taking place today?"

"Today's Torah dedication will have rabbis and community leaders and will take in local customs into account….. for the activities, I don't have a clue! Wait, I'll put Eyal on speaker, he'll know more."

Eyal was fast to respond; "There is a shot religious ceremony. The big event is a parade. Along the route, all men, women and children will be given the opportunity to kiss the Torah. Kissing the Torah during this procession is a segulah (auspicious act) for health and longevity."

Sharon and Andy shot up and said in unison, "Kissing the Torah; (Andy continued) in our 'germ protected' world they will surely be using disinfecting sprays or wipes on the Torah?"

They heard Eyal swear! Our trio had to twist their lips to not outright laugh!

Victor stated, "Eyal?"

"Sorry! Victor, they are giving, to all attending, small bags containing little souvenirs. One of those souvenirs is a small bottle of disinfecting spray with Michel Levin's name on it. Already planning for those bottles to be discreetly replaced. Well done, siblings!

(Sharon continued) "Israel is not familiar with this toxin; it would have taken more than 12 hours for it to be identified. By then, many would have died; women, kids and IDF's finest. They would have boasted that they can be deadly anywhere and anytime, because they had taken down Israel's Defense Forces' (IDF) finest. I can imagine their slogan; women and children died because the Israeli army wasn't up to the job of protecting their own in their 'home'! Don't shoot me but it is one hell of a machiavellic plan."

Sharon added, "Eyal, be careful!"

"I'm always careful and I was ordered to only coordinate our people in the field or else!"

Victor winked at Sharon and added, "Eyal, we need to get some of them alive to learn who is behind these attacks. I'd really like grilling a couple…. personally! I sent a directive to our profilers to drill down on the people in that organizing committee. You'll be getting intel on the possible targets before the ceremony."

"OK, Victor. I'll read in the team to what we just uncovered."

"Friend, remember my words of warning."

"Promise, Victor! I'll behave."

Sharon approached Victor, "Sorry for doubting you."

Victor shook his head, "Don't humanize me; if I would have needed Eyal in the field, I would have used him in that way. Had a proper team ready and he needs experience in directing field officers. At the Mossad each have their specialty and get the missions they do the best in. Eyal is, like me, in training for 'directing' a team instead of being part of it. You, little lady, impressed me. You have above average 'deduction' capabilities. It didn't go unnoticed; prepare yourself to be 'used' in our profiling team. Don't worry, Rivka promised your father that your skills would not put you in conflict on interest."

"Thanks for the compliment… I think?"

"It was and your welcome. Let's get you home. Andy?"

Sharon filled in, "will be sleeping at our place."

A very tired Andy replied, "I'm way past due for some shut eyes. Sis, just don't stumble onto a bomb of any kind on our way home…. please! Oh, since I'm in Israel, Sharon do you know how I could get in touch with Sandy?"

Sharon wanted to put Andy up to par but Victor was in a teasing mood, he asked,

"Sandy Duran? How do you know of her?"

"I was the one who treated her after she was shot in Washington, DC. Think Eyal said it was your son who was her partner."

"Yes! Not one of his better missions. Since you want to see her, gather you and Sandy hit it off?"

"Sadly no. She was badly injured and Mossad put her on the first plane to Israel, but we did make plans for a future date. I'm here, she's here, why not?"

Victor closed the line of discussion fast, "Because she's pregnant and you are speaking with the Daddy to be."

Andy smiled and said, "I'll shut up now, get in the car and get some zzzzzz! Congrats to you both!"

On the way, Victor confirmed that Eyal's team had successfully completed the switch-a-roo and that the possible contaminated spray bottles were on their way to the IDF labs for analysis.

As they were arriving, Sharon asked, "Victor, maybe I should be by Sharon A. She's in unknown territory and … well… Mossad is sometimes an unsettling word for a foreign spy."

Chuckling Victor said, "You don't say; only mentioning the Mossad unsettles spies? That makes my day!"

Sharon rolled her eyes at him, "Victor…. she's Canadian. You've got to admit; they are not on your spy agency's radar!"

Victor chuckled, "But they are, I'd even say before CIA. Sharon, many terrorists consider Canada as the land of golden imperative opportunities. We, and other agencies, discreetly help CSIS help themselves. They are not up to par with the technologies of the highest agencies, but face more challenges than some of their more powerful counterparts. Their government does not have the same priorities and the 'spy' budget is not up to par with the Mossad's or CIA's. We need to have an 'in' in their operations."

Sharon shot Victor a sly smile, "You just admitted to an MI-6 spy that one of its 'colonies' has Mossad's moles in their ranks. Remember, Canada is still "under" the British royals!"

"Yes, but 'remember' you are a loan to Mossad. And the deal 'no conflict of interest' goes both ways!"

"I would never put myself in a position to hurt one or the other! Look, I'd like to be by Sharon A's side. Could you drop me off at the hospital? It would give me something to do while waiting for Eyal."

"Nope, told you I give my officers the task they are trained and the best at; Sandy is read in and comforting you compatriot as we speak. What can I say; she has that kind of face. We also contacted her agency. Sharon A. helped Israel at the risk of her own life and we take very good care of the people who help us. Do not worry, my little Canadian, she's in good hands. Plus, I plan to take over for Sandy when I drop sleeping zombies off."

Sharon smiled at Victor pointing in Andy's direction. He was sleeping soundly.

She added, "Victor, how long has it been since YOU got some sleep."

"Sharon, didn't you know; Deputy directors renounce sleep when they are sworn in!... Don't worry, I'll be fine. Sharon, again, you did well tonight. I will write up an excellent review for MI-6. Know I've been rough on you, but better you learn our ways by me than Rivka. Eyal, can't bring himself to put you on the right track … the man is head over heels in love with you … but I'm not. Sharon, you have more than it takes to work well with the Mossad, but some adjustment will be necessary on your part. I'm not Eli David; don't expect to being cuddled."

"Thanks, I know and appreciate you caring enough to pointing me in the right direction. As for my agency, they know me and my weird ideas or impromptus stumbles upon. Most of the time, they prefer not hearing of them…"

"Well, they will and they'd better listen because tonight you, Sharon A. Eyal and Andy might have saved many Israelis from a certain death. That is no small task. Just can't explain why you and Eyal are so … don't even have a word for the two of you. Never seen such magnets for trouble!"

Victor dropped them off and as they were coming in, she and Andy were greeted by a worried Ziva, "Sharon, what is going on?"

Andy passed by and said, "Sis, point me to my room. People, good morning and good night, call me only if all hell breaks loose. Annie, keep Sharon on house arrest, if Eyal comes in, put him with my sister, I need a couple of hours of sleep!"

Sharon reassured their guest that everything was under control, explained some of the situation (they were all spies) and that Eyal should be back shortly.


On Eyal's side of things, the ceremony was beginning. The IDF and Mossad teams were ready. Ari and Eyal (posing as an injure IDF lone soldier) were together and on guard for any sign of intruders. Some participants were 'actors' and would be faking, on cue, the described symptoms. Only the presenters and IDF personnel were partially read-in. A full medical team was present. Eyal had warned all that these terrorists would surely have a back-up plan if they realized authorities were on to them.

Ari could sense Eyal nervousness, he asked, "Eyal, what wrong?"

"I have a feeling we're missing something. Don't like putting people at risk, especially kids. Would have preferred they canceled the ceremony."

"We need to pull those terrorists out in the open. This is pure evil – kids and women at a memorial, right under our noses; it's not our usual clientele. They upped the retaliation."

Eyal swiped some mist from his lapel, looked at the ventilator and yelled, "Aliyah (the code for his team to swing into action). Ari, cut the electricity and get these people in the next room.

Shots were fired but Mossad snippers were prepared and two shooters were gunned down. Eyal had the third one, a young man that was no more than 18 – 20 years old, at gun point. Ari had a shoot-off with one and won.

Eyal said to the young man, "Well, today is not your day to die. My boss wants some scum to play with and you just won the jackpot … good luck!"

A team member picked up the young man and brought him to a waiting white van.

Eyal joined Ari in the adjacent room. They looked at each other and Ari asked,

"Now?"

"Now!"

Ari made a hand signal. Black lights were turned on and IDF hand picked out the ones who were 'glowing' for further interrogation.

Eyal's men rounded around him for further directives. "For Mossad, it's over; IDF will take it from here. Good job! Aliza / Hagen thanks for having my back with those shooters."

Ari stepped in, "I'll join Eyal; good job men. It's always a pleasure collaborating with our sister agency. I'll make sure Mossad get a full debrief."

Aliza answered, "It's always pleasant being proactive instead of getting involved after the facts! Nice working with you, Officers Lavin and Sotter! Especially liked the 'glowing' part, well done!"

"Aliza, it's Eyal, as usual. The only time I'm called Mr. Lavin or sir is when I'm in trouble with my boss or the ladies!"

That got all laughing. Mossad pulled out. Leaving the grounds to IDF.

Home, Ari rolled Eyal in and they noticed Sharon was 'napping' in the living room. Silently approaching, Eyal put out his hand only to get it caught. He laughed and said, "Down girl, down."

"How did it go?"

Ari reassured Sharon, "All are safe and sound. Some had to be checked out, your husband included but no trace of the toxin was found."

"Eyal…...?"

Eyal answered, "I'm fine."

Ari spoke, "I'll be leaving. Sharon, your hubby deserves some major kudos. I've learned a couple of tricks of his trade today. Eyal, where did you get the fluorescent powder idea?"

Sharon lifted her head in surprise, shot Eyal a sly glance as he pointed to her.

"She thought me that trick…. will never forget it."

At seeing Eyal's face Ari winced, "Oversharing, I don't need/want to know more! Please, try to stay out of trouble…. I'm tired of being stuck at headquarters to debrief and explain." Ari left laughing.


As soon as Ari closed the door, Eyal asked, "I don't usually surrender but could you give me some pain killers?"

Sharon kissed his forehead and said, "What's hurting?"

"Everything!"

"Got it!"

She gave Eyal two injections and within minutes he relaxed.

"Love, don't know what time of the day it is, don't care where or what our guests expect of us; I, no, we are going to bed!"

"Don't worry, our guests are out for a visit of old Jerusalem with Ziva as their guide. Jonathan and MP will take over at nighttime and make them see what Tel Aviv has to offer. Kevin, Avi and Ismael are on a weekend fishing trip – Ari arranged it! He told me it was 'finally' his turn to take care of the boys when all hell breaks loose! Love, we have the house all to ourselves … well, there's Haya, but she's resting in her cage. Ah … and Andy should be knocked out for some time. I'm guessing he'll be going out with the gang tonight!"

"PERFECT!"

Eyal rapidly pulled Sharon onto him and rolled his chair to the elevator. As they entered their room, Sharon got up from Eyal's lap and helped him get settle into their bed. As they were laying side by side, Sharon could see Eyal was tired, but curiosity won over,

"Do you feel up to telling me how you felt in your new role?"

Eyal squeezed her hand and answered, "I lead the A-team, but doing it for Mossad, my own agency, must admit, it was special. They are an experience bunch but was surprised to realize they still needed to be coordinated and given directions. A take-down like we did is not a mission. A team is in position to strike rapidly – they know the 'what' but someone has to tell them when, how and where. They depend on that person to guide them to a successful conclusion. More real-time split decisions than my normal missions! Sharon, I was dreading not liking being in a suit's shoes, but it is nothing as I previously thought. The adrenaline is still there, but I'd say at a more creative split-second level. I can use my experience while in missions to help others. Wish I could have counted on that kind of help…. Rivka and Victor are going to shake the Mossad in good ways."

"Don't forget yourself. Eyal, you are a big part in this new way of doing things. Rivka is now in a position to put in place observations, demands for changes that many agents had asked for, you and Victor included. It won't happen over night, but your team is a start, even if it's a covert assignment."

"It has to stay that way. Sharon, don't get your hope up for the Mossad to change. For now, we operate within our agency but with a slight twist in protocol. We are successful, Rivka brings it to our bosses and tells bits and pieces of how it went down. It might take years for changes to come, it they ever do. We will need to give ourselves the deserved kudos."

"I know and am prepared to pat myself on my own back and the team. It's not only the Mossad that has a problem with changes, all agencies are the same. By the way, what is this with you using fluorescent powder? It brings back memories of a certain night … the night I met you for the first time. We were both 18 at the time!"

He kissed her forehead and his hands went roaming, but she was quick to halt them!

"Answer the question, only then might you relive some sweet memories…."

"I'm flooded with the same memories … you drive a hard bargain, woman! Here goes; before the start of the ceremony, I wanted to come up with a 'quickie' to be able to identify possible targets/terrorists in the crowd. There was a fire alarm in front of me and that got me thinking of when we first met and our quickie! From there, I got the idea of putting some fluorescent power on objects and equipment that were brought in especially for the ceremony. It didn't guaranty that we'd clean the house, but at least we might get more bad guys."

"Brilliant, the ones that handled stuff after it was in place were most likely to be implicated!"

"Yes. By the way, we were wrong; the bottles didn't show any signs of toxins. They were going to use ventilators to spread water pellets on the crowd. That could have made many people sick by skin contact. The Torah also had some invisible patches (invisible to the eyes) and when people would have kissed the Torah, the patch would have stuck to their lips and immediately dissolved. They'd become infected in somewhat the same way Sharon A. did. I'm guessing she was their 'tester' for timing!"

"What made you suspicious of them using the ventilators?"

"Got some moisture on my repel, struck me as unusual since it was pretty dry in the room and it hit me; moisture on the skin is a good carrier. Immediately called my team into action, some shots were fired but my team took control with no loss of lives on our part. IDF personnel confirmed that the fans were set to shoot water droplets containing the toxin. Love, Mossad snipers did one hell of a job in protecting the ground crew. Only a handful of people were contaminated with pellets and all are doing fine."

"Eyal, you sure..."

"No worry, I was wearing gloves and my tux is now burning somewhere in a Mossad oven. I am fine, they even checked me out twice since I have a pregnant wife at home … told you we take care of our own … always!"

"Glad it's over. Who's grilling the live ones?"

"IDF, but they invited Victor. Sharon, most were teenagers, we didn't get the heads. It's the new MO; women and kids do the dirty work and the planners/shakers stay safely in their den. Cowardliness at its best! Not sure I'm up to dealing with this new way of doing things."

Sharon winced and said, "Quite a life they live or are indoctrinated into!"

"Hey, that's not our problem. I'm in need of some ´return to normal' downtime, think you can handle that problem?"

"Would say I'm an expert at dealing with that kind. Come in closer, those battles are always won at close range."

She massaged his arms, legs and finished off with his back's tensed muscles. For Eyal it was a sweet surrender, no resistance whatsoever. He had grown to relish those times where he could count on his partner to lovingly 'reboot' his body and, on occasions, his soul. A far cry from going searching, after a difficult mission, for 'hire' help who did as much as…. he was willing to pay for! He turned toward Sharon and lovingly pulled her onto him.


They were sleeping soundly when they heard a soft knock. Eyal signalled to Sharon that he would get it. He limped to the door, opened it to find a very nervous Sandy.

"Eyal, I'm so sorry to bother you; Andy let me in. It's official Mossad business. Sharon Arsenault is out of danger and talking."

"What time is it?"

Sandy shot Eyal a questioning look, "It's about 8:30 am."

"Hell… Love, we slept more than 12 hours. That a first for me! Sorry Sandy … back to business, what up with our Canadian spy?"

Sandy had to laugh at the man's surprise at simply sleeping in, she continued her explanation of her presence,

"What Sharon A. is saying is damning. The toxin attempt seems to be an inside job. She ID (by name and description) two CIA operatives, one IDF soldier and two Mossad officers as head of some sort of cell/group. Rivka talked with Joan Campbell. The lady is flying in. Since Annie Walker and Auggie Anderson are already in Israel, they are going to be assigned to the mission. IDF's Chief of Staff assigned Ari Sutter to the matter. Mossad has point. Since I was at headquarters and a member of your team, Rivka gave me the messenger's job, here goes;

Eyal, your team is up to bat. Rivka's last words: Lavin, be on top of this!

Sharon pushed Eyal's chair and he sat into it with a bang. Facing Sandy, he softly swore. "Do we have the two Mossad moles in custody?"

"Yes, they are detained. No explanations were giving to them and we are waiting for your orders."

"Sandy, their names!"

Sandy breathed in deeply and long before giving Eyal their names,

"Officers Nadim Lhamon and Yaalon Berkovich."

"Sandy, that can't be. I know Yaalon, it's impossible. He's no more than a year from retirement. There must be something we are not seeing."

"That's why Rivka wants you at headquarters promptly. She's not buying it, Joan Campbell either."

"Sandy, what is so important for Joan to be coming here?"

"Eyal, told you all I know. I'm just the messenger!"

Looking at Sharon, he bit his lips, "Sharon, you are a member of this team. Are you up to working this crisis?"

"Yes."

"Mossad can be pretty intense at times."

"E. I'm not a rookie!"

Sandy added, "Eyal, we have a car waiting. Talking about cars, a guy just dropped off a very nice blue toy in the driveway!"

Sharon whispered, "A gift from Eyal. I'll take you for a ride one of these days. Eyal is not very 'adventurous' speed-wise!"

Eyal looked over his shoulder and whispered, "Dear, you drive that car over the speed limits and I will know!"

Sharon slowly turned her head, "You didn't?"

Eyal shot her a sly smile, "I did!"

Sandy, also in a wheelchair, rolled over to Eyal and pushed on his chair,

"Stop fighting, we need to go. Still, I'm curious … what did you do?"

Sharon replied, "He bugged my GPS or something! Lavin, you're going to pay!"

"Good luck in finding it!" As he darted off to the elevator. Sharon wanted to dash down the stairs to corner him but Sandy reasoned her.

"Girl, no time to play, sorry. We have one serious mess on our hands!"

"You're right. Think it's Eyal's way of sending me off to the Mossad on a good note! Come, I'll help you to the elevator."

As they were stepping out of their house and getting settled in the Mossad car, Eyal grabbed Sharon's hand,

"Love, the husband has to turn himself off. Hope you're up to dealing with our way of doing things. Your time with Ziva was a walk in the park compared to the real thing. Always remember, I love you whatever or, however, things go down."

"I know and don't worry; Victor painted me a picture of what to expect and he said I would fit in perfectly. E, is your team chosen?"

"Not quite, but what I have will have to do; not a time to recruit!"

Sandy added, "Hope you had more liberty with the others than with me."

As the driver closed all doors, Eyal dawned a dark expression. Sharon squeezed his hand but he didn't acknowledge.

"Officer Bednarz, you are a full member of my team no matter how you were assigned. You are our communication specialist. If you are not up to the job or if it isn't to your liking, now would be the time to come forward. We presently seem to have on our hand a multi-agency mission/problem and your skills are going to be needed. You want out, I will need to find a replacement. The ball is in your corner; talk!"

A very red Sandy replied, "I'm up to it and will give it my all. You can count on me. I was out of line; it won't happen again."

"Good! Sharon, Joan sent some intel she gathered on the CIA's rogue agent. Rivka and IDF did the same. You and two other profilers will be running through that intel. One you know; Liat Tuvia."

"Liat? The same Liat that was handling Eli David's security? The officer that replaced Ziva."

"Yes, she's no longer a field officer but a profiler. Do you have a problem with her?"

"None whatsoever, boss. By the way, could you lose that damn arrogance? Don't mind the husband turning himself off, but can't stand the sonofab_tch that's replacing him."

The driver held his breath and Sandy nearly fainted as she heard Sharon's response. The girl criticized 'a boss' and would surely bring on to herself a stern warning.

Eyal's expression was inscrutable as he reached for Sharon's shoulder,

"You know there are more than a hundred ways that I can kill with one hand."

"Ha! I don't need a hand; a paper clip will do. You want to duel? I win you simmer down; I lose you simmer down."

Shaking his head, he answered, "That's a no-win proposition. What's in it for me?"

"You'll get respect from the people you are going to work with. You continue with this attitude and I promise you'll have the real no-win situation – People are going to hate and fear you!"

Eyal turned to the driver and asked, "Dave, what do you think of my attitude?"

"No comments!"

Eyal pushed, "I would like an answer, an honest one."

"Well… Sir, you seem on edge … there is a bit more 'spice' than usual in your tone."

"So Officer Welby is right?"

The chauffeur quickly replied, "Didn't say that. I only answered your question, Sir."

"OK, let's get real, people. You three are the ones I'll be the closest to. I need for you to be honest when I ask counsel or your opinions. I'm new at this job and, must admit, my character might come in conflict with the 'etiquette' demanded of my tasks. I need people I can trust. Sharon knows me well and responded to my 'out of character' act. I'd like to think I can expect the same from you two; Sandy, Dave? If, in any way, you don't feel up to what I'm asking of you, now would be the time to say it. I won't hold it against you. Sharon, well done, but next time put a little less bite in your responses. Remember, I'm your boss."

Sharon slowly lifted her head and asked, "Do you really want my truthful opinion, Boss?"

Eyal chuckled, "No, I'll take it as 'next time, I'll be more careful'."

Sharon answered, "Please add… 'When hell freezes over."

At that Sandy and Dave let out a couple of chuckles they were trying very hard to keep in.

Sandy added, "You two are hilarious when fighting! Must admit, it's refreshing; intellectual subdued fighting!"

Sharon specified, "I'm not 'fighting' with my husband. At the present, I'm laying the ground for a Boss-Employee relationship. Word of advice – do the same! He just admitted he's going to need your eyes & ears, which comes at a price."

Sandy's eyes lighted up and Eyal winced.

Sandy spoke, "Like you're thinking, Sharon. Eyal, I agree to help you always be at your best. In return, I'd want, in my role as Communication officer, to see some field action. Not much and only when called for. It would make my transition from field officers to desk bound a bit less painful."

Eyal nodded and said, "Done, can't promise it on a regular basis, but it's a fair price. Dave?"

The chauffeur hesitated, but decided to go for it, "Well, this job is demanding and I've missed many important family moments. I'd like to have some family time-off, but only when possible. I'm experienced enough to know when not to ask!"

"That one is for free. You need some family time, you ask. Family is a number one priority. Do not worry, I'll take care of the heads! Demand # 2?"

"Thanks. Well, there is one demand I was previously denied; I would like to take some classes field officers are given. I have no intention or wish of going in the field but would like some training to better do this job. As chauffeurs, we sometimes need to intervene or extract officers; appropriate training would be welcome. The only training our job requires is how to shoot a target and protect our boss at any cost. Maybe some killings could be avoided if we could 'handle' a situation instead of shooting it down violently."

"Dave, very good reasoning! Consider it done. I'll personally see that you get whatever training you seem fit. Plus, I don't consider you as 'only a chauffeur' and will probably call on you for help, be it in the field, surveillance or office work. The better you are trained, the more I can pass on to you. Deal?"

"Deal and again thanks. Think I'm going to like this assignment."

Eyal took him up on that last remark, "What was your opinion of being assigned to me before our conversation."

Dave bit his lips and looked at Sharon then, Sandy. Eyal said, "Dave?"

"Well…. Sir, you do have a reputation of having a volatile temper, being very demanding and liking the high-end accommodations. I had summed it up as 'Great, I'll be working for a difficult Prima Donna leading a team of prima wannabes!"

Sharon chocked up and patted Dave, "Your right on target, but it's only an image. He needs to maintain it, so feel free to feed the spy chatter in that way. The truth; he does have a temper and it will flare. When that happens; take a step forward and tell him off … he's a softy buried in a bully front! The high end of accommodations … yes, he likes nice thing, but he pays for them (always!). It's a good thing, when you will ask for 'the best'; he won't be in a position to refuse. As for being a difficult Prima Donna; never! Again, it's a front. He puts others before himself most of the time. Take advantage of this fault in his character for future 'favors'!"

They were pulling into headquarters, Eyal didn't have time for a well thought out response, but he managed to say,

"Officer Welby, I seem to remember there are a couple of very thick, dusty, old cold case files with your name on it... Oops sorry, they are in Hebrew! That should keep your mind out of trouble and your tongue tied up for some time!"

"Great, thanks for the challenge. If I solve those old case, that will mean I got the upper hand on Mossad and my Boss! Plus, they won't even be in my mother tongue! Can't wait!"

Sandy put her hand on her mouth while Dave was trying to stop his shoulders from jumping up and down!

Stopping the car, Dave opened Eyal's door and had to bite his lips not to outright laugh.

Eyal looked at him and said, "What was said in the car stays in the car…"

"Always Sir … always!" He then helped Sandy (with her wheelchair) out.

Eyal asked, "Sandy, I sent you an approved authorization form for Dave to follow some basic training courses. Could you follow up and see that he's in the next classes."

"Will do …"

Eyal smiled at Sandy who was struggling to what to call him while in official Mossad quarters, "Call me Eyal or, when you are annoyed with me – 'Boss' as Sharon will surely do! Except for Dave, where it's mandated by his role when in the open, I don't expect to be addressed by 'Sir' or Assistant deputy Lavin. Except when our head honchos are around, for appearance."

Sharon looked sideways, "Assistant … so that's your title…"

She knew their team was to be kept from most of Mossad's personnel. Better to work in the dark with the kinds of missions they would be assigned. Rivka and Victor needed to find a subterfuge and Assistant deputy director seemed to be it.

Eyal warned, "Victor's idea and it's just a title. Our team is covert so I needed a cover in my own agency. I'm not at ease with such secrecy so not one word or quip for the title!"

Sharon answered, "OK, but I can visualize whatever I'm thinking, that you can't control!"

Dave rapidly got back in the car and all could see, as he was pulling away, him letting go of some build up laughter. Sandy rapidly apologized to do just the same.


Eyal put his arm around Sharon's shoulders and said, "Before we have a full-blown disagreement, let's get you settled in your quarters. Don't know if it's baby hormones, but you are in quite a teasing and quick-quip mood! Nevertheless, thanks for permitting me to better lay down my ground rules. You three are going to be my home base. I needed an in to go about explaining how I plan to lead this team and what is expected of you three. You challenging me helped, thanks. Had you planned it in that way?"

"No, I wanted for them to see that we can work as partners when on the job. I know people will have eyes on us. If there's one thing I don't want to be known for is 'the boss's pet'!"

"Funny, you should say that. Sandy left me for …"

"E, I'll leave the job, never the man. I don't care if I walk in your shadow work-wise at the Mossad. You know my worth; that's enough for me."

"This case precipitated things, I had planned for us to talk about the consequences of you accepting this job. Sharon, we can't discuss in now, but be assured that if it results in conflicts, our relationship and family will be my priority."

"I know. Don't worry, been there, handled it well with Robert at MI-6. Frustrating as hell, but breathing techniques help!"

Laughing, Eyal added, "Let's get back to work! Sharon, about the 'old case files' I was kidding. Your assignment is to profile Officers Nadim Lhamon and Yaalon Berkovich. I've worked with both and they don't fit the profile of rogue spies. They are in custody and I gave orders for nobody to talk to them. You, Love, can be objective – not being Mossad. Read their files and talk to them, then report to me and only to me. I will talk to Sharon Arsenault. She might be lying."

Sharon smiled, blew him a kiss and continued, "For Sharon A., I thought about that; she could be the 'rogue spy'. But the woman was interrogated by Victor, he would have picked up if she was lying. Joan is coming here. Eyal, I pretty sure I don't have the full picture. You keeping something from the team?"

"I know as much as you and I'm thinking in the same line. Something (intel) is missing. We definitely don't have the full picture. Mossad likes to keep its agents on need to know terms. Intel only goes vertical when needed, most of the time it's too late; we figured it out to stay alive! This team is not going to work in that way."

"MI-6 is the same. There is always a way to find out the story behind the story. You know your way around, how long for you to get the whole picture?"

"No more than 30 minutes."

"That's what I figured. Tech or com?"

Eyal smiled realizing she had also been around the spy run-a-around world!

"Both!"

"Male or female?"

"Love ... cute … you are checking up on me! You should know by now!"

"Female … check. Warning… Assistant deputy….be careful for what you promise in return for such intel."

With flirting eyes, he teased, "Well, it might …."

"That's a line you are no more permitted to cross, Mr. Lavin, be it as my boss or lover. This is me putting my foot down, if you didn't 'catch' it!"

"I'm hurt that you could think I would go to such length. For people like us, can't promise it will never happen, but casual sex for favors; those days are done and over with. I'm now a family man and take that responsibility seriously."

Sharon took his hand, "Deep down, I know and trust the man you are now. It's just that you're on your turf and I'm on new grounds."

Eyal put his arms around her shoulders, "Sharon, it might not be appropriate to make out while on duty or me to favor you over the others, but all know we are a husband and wife team and I will act accordingly."

"Thanks, I needed to hear that."


To seal his words, he kissed the top of her head as they were coming in the profilers' quarters and he didn't let go of his hold on her. He was making a statement that would, he hoped, reassure her. After presentation, he gave his instruction and excused himself to let Sharon get acquainted with the two other profilers assigned to his team.

"Ms. Welby…"

"Stop, if we are going to be working together, it will be on first name basis, it's Sharon. Sorry, my Hebrew is not up to conversation level. We might need a translator at time."

"Sharon - I'm Maya and this is Liat."

Liat came forward "No need for a translator, we are both fluent in English and French. Maya, Sharon and I know each other."

Sharon said, "Nice to see you again, Liat. Did you have time to read the files?"

Maya spoke, "I just arrived, but our overachiever, Liat, read them all."

Sharon chuckled, "Funny Ziva has the same nickname for Liat. Since you read them, Liat, why don't you give us your opinion."

Maya rapidly added, "Sharon, we should read them and then discuss our reads. Liat could direct us to a wrong conclusion."

"Maybe … (looking at both, Sharon asked), Do you know Officers Nadim Lhamon and Yaalon Berkovich?"

Maya said no and Liat added, "Had a drink with Nadim once, but he's just one of the guys."

Sharon looked at Liat and stated, "You're lying; you slept with him and Maya you're covering for her."

Maya looked at Liat, then at Sharon, "How did you know?

Liat spit out, "You just told her, stupid! What did I tell you; a girl that can win over Eyal Lavin's heart has to be, at least, his equal. He would never have fallen for our little cover up and she didn't either."

Maya stood up and shook Sharon hand, "Let's start over: Hi, I'm Maya and this is Liat."

Sharon smiled and answered, "I'm Sharon. Liat, out with your opinion!"

Liat stepped forwards, "I don't believe Nadim could ever betray Mossad. Yes, we were once a couple. It didn't last more than a month. He's now married and the father of two young kids. His family is not in need of money, has a happy marriage and his kids are healthy. Read, more than once, the files of all five agents, one died recently of cancer but for the other four, their story is sensibly the same; Happy marriage, healthy kids, no financial problems and successful in their respective careers. The one that died was one of CIA's best, why would he go rogue on his death bed? Nothing makes sense or fits, somebody must be setting up those spies to take the fall or that Canadian woman is lying."

Sharon was pensive as she added, "For what reason does a spy go rogue?"

They both answered, "Money."

"Yes, that's one, but from experience there is another as important."

Maya and Liat were thinking. Liat outed, "Love!"

"Bingo! We are drilling down on the men … and forgetting their women! A friend of mine is always saying; always suspect the wife."

Liat said, "I know Nadim loves his wife more than life. He'd do anything for her. Sharon, you might be…."

Eyal was coming in the room when he heard that statement. "What did you say Liat?"

"Nadim loves his wife, he'd do anything for her."

Eyal swore and gave, more barked, an order to the officer with him,

"Put a trace on both officers' wives and drill down on their movements for the past weeks. They could be targets or suspects."

Turning towards Liat, "Liat, you did your homework. Well done. Sharon, Maya, now would be the time to do yours. Get on those files and get more intel on the wives … all five! Liat, come with me."

As Eyal was out of ear shot, Maya said, "That's not fair, we were going to get down to reading them. We were just debriefing a bit. Eyal comes in just as Liat was saying the magic words. It was your idea in the first place."

"Maya, he's right. I'm to blame for suggesting we debrief before doing our homework. We should have sat down and read those files. Now, we do just that."

Sharon knew Eyal had purposely taken Liat out. She had been personally involved with one of the suspects and could no longer be objective in her work. Plus, she had lied about it and taken in her partner. Maya was not a spy and Liat seemed to have control over her. Not a good working relationship and not something Eyal would accept; Sharon was sure Liat was out! Another realization was that they had eyes and ears on them. She didn't appreciate the lack of trust, but expected it. Nevertheless, Eyal's conclusion on the wives was dead on and she was a bit annoyed because he had stolen 'her punch'. Henry Wilcox had once said to her and Annie that 'A spy calls it quit or goes rogue for two main reasons; Money and/or Love.' For an unknown reason, those words had always stuck in her mind and she had to admit; that evil man had been right.

Maya startled her out of her thoughts by pulling on her shoulder,

"Sharon, what if we put the files of the five agents and what we have on their wives, up on the screen. We could read as we triangulate common facts."

"Good idea."

They had been looking, scratching and extrapolation information for now more than three hours. As the men, the wives were spotless. Sharon was in need of some energy (food).

"Maya, sorry, but I really need to eat something."

"Oh, I'm the one who's sorry. I only had to call and they would have gotten us lunch. What would you like?"

"I'd like to get out. A change of scenery would do us both some good. A brisk walk then a quick lunch and back to building the psychological profiles of our possible husband & wife offenders."

Maya added, "You said 'possible offenders'. I'm with you; there is nothing in those files that point to reasons for them turning on their respective agencies, plus they have absolutely nothing in common; work habits, vacations; places visited or types of missions and the wives are not related. They don't even live in the same neighborhood. We are at a dead end!"

"Yes, but it's in those times where a breather can help. Let's get out of here."

"Sharon, we need to inform Eyal that we are stepping out."

Smiling, Sharon added, "No need, the camera on the top of the big screen surely caught our conversation and if that one didn't, one of the two others surely did!"

"This room is bugged?"

"Maya, I'm MI-6, it's to be expected." Sharon stared sternly at the camera and her eyes talked!"

Maya rolled her eyes at her new partner, "You and Liat are the same; paranoid!"

"Come with me and see for yourself."

Sharon pulled Maya to the camera that was hidden on the side of the big screen. She didn't have time to touch it that Eyal stormed in and pulled four cameras and angrily crushed them.

Sharon looked at him, "You didn't know?"

Eyal bit his lips, she could see he was working hard at keeping his composure as he spoke,

"No, I didn't, Rivka read me in when she informed me that Liat had slept with Nadim. I needed to, first, take care of Liat's situation and now, I'm dealing with this one. Sharon, Maya, this is not / will not be my way of doing things. Maya, I'd understand if you'd prefer to walk away."

"Eyal, why would I want out? I'm proud to have been assigned to your team. Chatter is that you called on only the best and I was instructed that my real assignment is to be kept hush hush. Never being tasked for a covert mission, I'm looking forward to it. If that means I have to endure eyes and ears on me, so be it. I have nothing to hide. I know spies like Sharon and Liat go bunkers for the trust word, but I don't see anything more to it than the recording of intel or a debriefing session. I always record all my findings, it's the best way to review it. You'll just be doing it for me, less work for this non-tech girl!"

Eyal calmed down at Maya's words. Sharon was relieved.

"You two wanted to go out to lunch, go. I'll clear the room and you have my word that when you return, all eyes and ears will be gone."

"Eyal, come with us, we could talk of what we found."

Maya pulled on Sharon's arm and whispered, "Sharon, we came up with nothing…"

Sharon winked at Maya, "What do you say Eyal, it would be good for you to clear your head? Come with us."

Looking at both, he smiled and said, "Why not! You're right Love, I need to let off some steam."

Sharon winced at him saying 'Love', but realized Maya didn't seem to mind.

"E., Liat could join us?"

"Sorry, Liat has been reassigned."

Sharon held his arm and asked, "Could we know why?"

Eyal answered, "Nope, transparency is kept on a short lease at the Mossad. This is a situation where I won't fight my agency. Come, I know a small Café that would be perfect for a debrief. Maya, calm down, I know full well you two came up empty. Joan's people also are at a dead end; those five agents' files are squeaky clean. We only have word of mouth from Sharon Arsenault and as Victor, I came to the conclusion that she is telling the truth. We are missing something and my gut is telling me that it's right in our face!"


Sharon held Eyal's arm, this time with a bit more force,

"Eyal, Sharon A. is telling 'her' truth as she heard and saw it or was set up to hear and see! I had a nagging feeling that her injuries were too neat; a terrorist that realizes an enemy stumbled upon their plan – they go for a kill - especially in Israel! Gibb's rule 36: If it feels like you're being played, you probably are. She was not left to die, but to steer us in a wanted direction. We know she filled in the proper paperwork for a spy when on vacation and traveling abroad; somebody knew of her and targeted the woman for whom she was. The toxin scare and those supposed rogue spies might also be a smoke screen. IDF and Mossad are patting themselves on the back for successfully stopping the toxin attack. Sharon A. as she regains consciousness, adds to the story by naming and identifying five agents supposedly gone rogue. CIA, IDF and Mossad immediately drilled down on the problems in their ranks, leaving the coast clear for the real hit to happen."

"Sharon, that's impossible. We had not planned on going to that hotel. It was a last minute decision, remember. No way meeting up with Sharon A. could be a set-up. How could they have the time to drug, shoot and take her to that hotel for us to 'fall' on her then set up the toxin attack at the memorial? Also how could they possibly 'plan' that we'd discover it was 'Saxotoxin'? "

"Eyal, it was planned in advance and we (you and me) are the bearer of the torch! As for the Saxotoxin, Sharon A. had a patch for Mossad to analyze. Hank said it could take less than two hours for identifying that toxin. Plus, it just dawned on me … if it was once CIA's suicide pill….Mossad knew that toxin inside out (Eyal gave Sharon abetter late than never look). If not, they had given us enough clues to stop the hit at the memorial even if we didn't know the kind of toxin. Hank said that people need to be on repertory assistance. What would be the first treatment for possible toxin exposure…. Nobody was ever in danger of dying. WE ARE BEING PLAYED! If I were you, I'd scan my 'gift' for a device of some sort. It's not those five agents' files we need to dig through, it's our last 48 hours. Eyal, something big is going to go down and we are spanked in the middle of it. Those five agents do have something in common; they are impossible 'bad guys', their files are squeaky clean … too clean. Like Sharon A.'s injuries. Our enemies knew Mossad and IDF would be on top of the toxin hit and find nothing on those five agents; it might even be their plan. They didn't hurt anyone, except the guys at the memorial. They were, I'm guessing, hire … disposable help. E, could we get the intel on those who died in your intervention this morning?"

Eyal rubbed his face with his hand and answered, "Yes, it's been forwarded as I speak. What I'm asking now is; Why? We are effectively being played and I'm guessing we don't have much time to figure it out!"

Maya eyed Sharon and whispered, "I was also trying to come to an explanation as to why Sharon Arsenault was found alive. You are right; in our part of the world it does not happen very often. They kill kids for less…. a foreign woman would not have been a problem!"

Eyal looked sternly at Maya, "Why didn't you out your concern?"

"Sir … boss… Eyal, because I was certain that you, with your experience, would have had that same thoughts and got the proper explanations/answers…."

Eyal interrupted her, "Maya, let this be a learning experience; never hold back a question, a thought … You don't have an explanation for a situation, ask. If I can't tell you about it, I will say so … but ask … always. I know it's a change from your previous assignments, but this team will need to be on top of very dark situations, better we play on an even field. Every thought or question, however idiotic, comes out in the open. Sharon with MI-6, worked more in that way. Mossad and I'm including myself are like CIA; they keep their agents on a need to know basis. It is good for some situations but this team will work, as much as possible, with the full picture. FYI; You and Sharon just figured out an important fact, honestly I was clueless. My attention was on getting this team together, not analyzing the intel. Had you outed your thoughts earlier, we would have had a bit more time. Maya, with the work we are going to be assigned to … every second counts. Change your ways of thinking. You are no longer a lab rat but a full fledge team member."

Maya mused, "I will, promise! Working with the full picture instead of squeezing the grapevine and sometimes paying a hefty price for the real intel….to help us properly do our job … that's new!"

Eyal winced, "Not new…. I'll be the one doing the 'squeezing' and relaying it to the team… Mossad is not about to change ... sorry!"

Before heading out to lunch, Eyal called Dave to discreetly scan Sharon's 'gift' and their house. The chauffeur was more than happy to help in that way. Then, Eyal pulled Sharon to him and said,

"That mind of yours is going to give me a heart attack one of these days. I will get the full picture even if I have to piss off some heads!"

Refocusing he added, "Maya, Sharon, after a quick lunch (sorry, no more going out) we need to run this to the team. I will get Victor, CIA and IDF on videoconference (a very secure line) and girls, you have less than 15 minutes to make a time line out of your incredible tale. Maya, after we read in the others, you will debrief us both."

"Euh, Eyal…?"

"Maya, it's an order. We need somebody objective to help us relive our last 48 hours. We were played that I'm now sure of, but with our training, background, experience and you walking us through it, at some point, we will zero in on the culprit."

Eyal looked at Sharon and realized she was not feeling well. "Maya, scratch that order. Your first order of business, while I set up the conference, is to get Sharon some food, please. I'll now be expecting you both with a prepared time line in two hours. That should give you both time to regroup."

Maya whispered, "That I can do! Sharon, come with me. Since we will not be going out, I'll introduce you to our cafeteria, not the best food, but it's food!"


As soon as Maya and Sharon were out, Eyal read in Rivka. She was stunned but agreed with the girls; timing was of essence.

"Rivka, I need the full picture, don't care how you do it, but get the proper authorizations for the intel to go vertical. For one; why is Joan coming to Israel? While you're playing the fiddle, I'll grill Sharon A. in a whole different way."

As he was entering the infirmary, he pulled an envelope out of his pocket. It was the tickets for the trip to Québec City. "Damn, I have to find a way to finish this business in less than 48 hours or be on top of it enough to leave it to the team to wrap it up. I need some time off to be with Sharon and just relax. Look at me, think it's the first time I'm thinking on how to finish a mission to go on vacation. Well, I'll be damn…. I'm advancing in the murky 'domesticated' land!"

He sat down near Sharon A. and asked, "How are you doing?"

"Fine, contrary to public opinion Mossad has very good bedside care. I especially like the one I have in front of me. You are even more handsome than I remembered. Always loved a bit of gray!"

Eyal winced and flashed Sharon A. his marriage ring. "We always threat friends of Israel in a special way. You risked your life for this country and Mossad recognizes that. Thanks for the compliments, but I'm taken and my wife is expecting."

"Oh yes, forgot; she's the other Sharon. Please, before I'm released I would like to be able to thank her in person. She was so helpful in calming me, she seemed to know just what to say at all times."

"She's MI-6 and an extreme extraction specialist. Plus she's also a Canadian."

Sharon A. sat up and looked carefully at Eyal. "You lost that look!"

"What look?"

"That 'I want revenge on the world' look. When I met you I could see that inside, you were a kind and thoughtful person but had such a chip on your shoulder and your eyes continually expressed hurt. I remember wanting to take you in my arms and console that broken heart!"

"Was I that readable?"

"You know you weren't! One night you opened up a bit, but your mission was your number one priority. I understood because I was also on a mission. Never was able to track you down … but I tried. Searched MI-6, CIA but never would I have thought of the Mossad! You must be their worst black sheep; effective, but a pain in their hide empathy wise!"

Eyal laughed at her conclusion, but had to admit that she was right on target!

"Yes, let's say I gave them some cause for concern … often! Sharon, I need to lead you in on a different line of thoughts. Are you up to going through another debrief of your adventure?"

"Eyal, do I have a choice? What I stumbled upon needs to be sorted out. I'm not crazy; I should not be alive…."

Eyal winced, "That's what our profilers concluded. Must admit, I've been kicking myself for not zooming in on that conclusion from the start."

"Don't be so hard on yourself. I was an acquaintance and your first concern was my health. Look, I've told my story twice and the same version both times. Yes, by all means, help me focus on another line of thoughts."

Eyal nodded, "Always a pleasure working with a pro! You should not be alive, the hit on the memorial went way too swiftly and smoothly, those five agents you identified are beyond doubts. My take is that you were set up; they used you as a messenger."

"Interesting and it fits. I was waiting in the lobby and heard bouts of conversations between two men that awoke the spy in me. I pulled in closer, but the hotel clerk spooked me and as a newbie… I cried out. I was certain I was burned, but they continued commenting about their next moves and mentioned the five names so often that I became irritated at how 'unprofessional' they were! After listening to them, I could draw a facial composite of those five people. Couldn't imagine those two in front of me being terrorist, killers or rogue spies. At one point the word that came to mind was 'bumbling idiots'!"

"Was it them who put that toxin patch on you, and was it at that hotel?"

"No, I could not have been drugged at that hotel, the timing doesn't fit. I was shot at the hotel as they 'finally' saw me. By what your medical team told me, I concluded that I could have been administered the drug when I had a rub down at my hotel. Sorry to admit; I didn't look at the man that was giving me a really good rub down. I was on vacation and intentionally left my training at home! Eyal, them shooting me also doesn't fit; it was amateurish at best, just nipped me and they ran off like … well, like bumbling idiots. I didn't mention it to you or Victor because I concluded that it was to hide them using the toxin on me. By shooting me they wanted to take the attention off me being drugged and to be able 'observe' their guinea pig. I'm now thinking the shooting and toxin were both smoke screens, but why?"

"That is what we are trying to find out. Talking about facial composites, do you think you could help our sketch artists draw your 'bumbling idiots'?"

"Yes! I'm guessing that's where we should have started. Sorry…"

"Don't be, we were played and till we get to the bottom of it all…. we still are! Is there something else that struck you?"

Sharon A. relaxed and relived her story. "Funny, it's a smell. I remember thinking, 'Ah, a smell from home', but looked around and the only people there were my targets and the clerk. I brushed it off as nerves as I was hoping to be back home instead of stuck with possible terrorists … retire and vacationing … in Israel….!"

"Get your point! Did you identify that smell?"

"Food, I'm pretty sure. I'm addicted to fries, maybe it was that. Smell wasn't one of my 'tools' when I was a spy. If I noticed, it must be something I like. I'd kill for fries, especially when I'm nervous."

Eyal smiled, but, as Sharon A., didn't see any possible lead to that 'smell'.

He added, "Maybe it was from the hotel's restaurant changing their frying oil. Been there and done that on a mission and it's a smell that sticks on you, believe me! Sharon, if you weren't staying at that hotel, why were you there at that late a time?"

Sharon A. looked at Eyal with very questioning and worried eyes!

"Eyal, you invited me to meet you there!"

"WHAT?!"

To be continued.