Couples
Chapter 88
Cuddling with Kate on a blanket in a grove of trees not far from the lake, Rick regretfully consults his watch. "It's almost time to head back to relieve Meryl."
A familiar long shadow falls over them. "You'll need to wait on that for a minute."
Half in anger and half in triumph, Rick pumps his fist. "I knew the agency was involved in the Jensen affair. I should have expected you to show up."
Jack shrugs. "I was hoping to find the two of you with Lily, but you can't win them all. Richard, I'm going to read you and Kate in on the matter, but only because the powers that be expect you to help."
Pushing to a stand, Rick gazes up suspiciously. "Help how?"
"After I give you the facts, I'm hoping you can figure that out," Jack responds.
"So was Jensen one of our spies?" Rick asks.
"Intelligence asset," Jack corrects. "Yes, he was. He was also what his family and followers thought he was, someone passionate about organic farming methods. That gave him access to a lot of out-of-the-way areas, like isolated corners of Ukraine."
"We know he was in Ukraine," Kate points out.
"You may also know that Ukraine has a large population of Russian nationals, many of whom are still loyal to the Kremlin," Jack continues. "Russia also lays claim to some of that territory and set up a pilot facility there. The official purpose was to make pesticides to kill the insects devastating some of the crops."
"And the unofficial purpose?" Rick inquires.
"As a demonstration site of the most streamlined methods for converting a pesticide plant into one that produces nerve agents," Jack reveals.
"Then why not announce that to the world and help the Ukrainian government shut it down?" Kate wonders. "Isn't the use of nerve agents banned by international law?"
"It is," Jack acknowledges. "Which doesn't keep the Russians and other unfriendlies from using them. But the sticky part isn't our adversaries, not the official ones anyway. Several countries with whom we have 'friendly relations' were involved in the project. They claim their interest was only defensive in nature, but the rules don't allow that justification. "
"Which means that if the whole thing were made public, some of the U.S.'s allies would come under fire," Kate realizes.
"Exactly," Jack confirms.
"So how was Marcus Jensen exposed to a nerve agent?" Rick asks.
Kate is spookily reminded of Rick as Jack finger combs his thick hair back from his face. "Now that's the strange thing. As far as we know, he wasn't. The facility's conversion wasn't online yet. He did lead the farmers in a demonstration against pesticides, and some of the protesters were sprayed with chemicals."
"So, those chemicals could have been contaminated with pesticides, and being at the head of the group, Jensen would have received the heaviest dose," Rick figures.
Jack squints against the sun. "That's possible."
"In which case, Rick announces, "the agency has no problem with the present investigation."
"You've lost me, son," Jack admits.
"Marcus Jensen, brave warrior for our planet, goes to help enlightened farmers in Ukraine protest the manufacture of pesticides. He tragically falls as a result of his efforts. He can be a hero to his family and all the fans of Mother Earth. It's a great story, and to put a cherry on top of the sundae, mostly true. Releasing it would quell any further questions. It would also get our M.E. friend off the hook. I could even write a similar character into the next Storm novella. But," Rick adds, "our government will have to straighten out the rest of the situation with our supposed friendlies."
"From what I hear, our folks are already exerting pressure on one of those countries to cut off the supply of a vital component for pesticides," Jack discloses.
Rick nods. "And may I assume, nerve agents as well."
"You may assume," Jack agrees.
With Lorne's template on a laptop, documents, samples, and contracts are splayed across the table in the Castle loft. Kate, Rick, Lanie, and Lorne occupy chairs surrounding the mass of paper and a bowl of pretzels. A small tub of ice nearby holds bottled soft drinks, including diet versions. Lorne takes a swallow of root beer. "It looks like that's almost everything."
"We'll want to test the Skype connection with Benjie when we get out to the Hamptons," Rick suggests. "There's a rock band that occupies a house down the road. When they're practicing with overseas artists, they grab a lot of bandwidth. We'll have to make sure Benjie is standing by, and nothing can interfere with his signal."
Lanie frowns at her phone. "The long-term forecast projects a 40% chance of rain."
Rick makes a note. "We'll make sure we have enough staff standing by to move the setup for the ceremony indoors. The reception is already under the tent, but restrooms are inside. Maybe we can construct a covered walkway."
"There's not much time for that," Kate points out. "How about a stash of umbrellas, just in case?"
"Golf umbrellas," Rick expands. "One of those could cover one of Lady Gaga's dresses. It should be able to protect anything else, even a wedding gown."
"If Lanie has to go anywhere in the rain, I'll make sure people are holding a tarp over her head," Kate volunteers.
"The potted plants have already arrived at the house. My housekeeper is keeping them watered," Rick announces. "And I have the landscaping firm that keeps up my grounds scheduled for an extra visit."
Lorne studies the laptop. "I guess that should do it then."
Rick claps his hands together. "In that case, we can clear this stuff away and have dessert."
Lanie skewers Rick with a look. "Don't you put any more carbs in front of me, writer boy. My mother is not going to have to let out my dress. I've been drinking diet soda and keeping my hands off those pretzels ever since you put them out."
Rick bows. "My apologies to the bride. My blender makes slushies, even from diet soda. They were a great comfort to some of Alexis's friends at events filled with sugary temptations. Perhaps one of them can ease your deprivation."
"All right. Make it orange," Lanie agrees.
As Rick heads for the refrigerator, Kate grabs his hand and winks.
Jack watches through his scope as a small manufacturing plant goes up in flames. He checked. According to his analysts, no one was on-site, and toxic fumes won't be much of a problem. Destroying the facility won't be a long-term fix. The factory in Ukraine can't run without the chemical it produces. Still, some other supplier will eventually jump into the breach. Or this factory could be rebuilt. But all of that will take time, and time is what the diplomats need to establish a more permanent solution.
It would be great if countries, starting with his own, actually abided by international law. He would be out of a job, but he wouldn't mind that. Officially he's way past retirement age. But the only retirement home someone like him gets is six feet under. At least he got to see Alexis get married. Maybe he'll get to see Lily's first day in kindergarten. He might even be around if Kate and Rick have more children.
This mission is finished. He can get back to the states. There's no telling what will happen next, but any day he gets to look in on his family is a good day. An explosion sounds in the distance. "F**k! What the hell was that?" His satellite phone beeps, indicating incoming orders. "Damn!" It's always something.