Jamie smiled at the brooding Mrs. Marsden as he entered the Georgetown foyer of the IFF building. She handed him a visitor's pass and waved him towards the elevator without speaking to him. As Jamie turned around to pull the clothes together in the closet, he noticed her smile and shake her head as she returned to the paperwork on her desk.
The bullpen was bustling, somewhat more than usual, when Jamie entered through the double doors. He scanned the room for his parents and didn't see them. The blinds to Lee's office were closed. Jamie raised his thin hand and knocked twice on the door. Getting no answer, he reached for the doorknob. He cracked the door open to see Lee's desk chair facing the wall in the office. Jamie decided it was all right to wait in the office, so he opened the door completely and entered the room.
Just as he sat down in the chair, he noticed a puff of smoke escape from behind the chair. He opened his mouth to speak and was beaten to the punch.
"And I assume you're the King boy," a New England accent came from behind the chair.
"Yes, sir," Jamie said calmly. The man in the chair turned to face him, and took another puff off his ridiculous-looking cigarette holder.
"And you're responsible for bringing Ivan the Terrible into custody this morning?"
"Ivan the Terrible?"
"The man you so eloquently struck with my niece's tire iron. Ivan the Terrible," Dr. Smyth said, still puffing away.
"This Ivan is the man who grabbed Beth last night," Jamie said, standing up to pace the room.
"I've been briefed, King. And stand still when I'm speaking," Smyth said impatiently.
"Yes, sir."
"What you did this morning was incredibly stupid, King. Incredibly stupid," Smyth stopped as Jamie opened his mouth to protest. "I don't tolerate insubordinance from your stepfather and I won't tolerate it from you, either. Now keep your mouth shut and let me finish. You're incredibly stupid," the tall man paused to puff on his cigarette. "But you've got instincts. I've heard you're quite the intelligent young man, too. Not to mention you have excellent taste in women. Do you want to be a spy like mommy and daddy, King? Is that why you followed them this morning? Hmm?" Smyth continued in a mocking tone.
"I've considered it, sir. Mom and Lee don't like the idea of it," Jamie sighed.
"Mommy and Lee don't run this Agency, King. I do. You've got instincts and you're smart. But you're dating my niece. And I don't allow my niece to get mixed up with Agency types," Smyth continued, arrogantly puffing that damned cigarette.
"SHE is an Agency type, sir," Jamie said, beginning to lose his cool.
"Easy, King. I'm not offering you a job, by any means. Not yet anyway. Did Daddy tell you I was approached this morning in the Paris Airport? Did Daddy tell you Serbian terrorists are holding my niece hostage in exchange for Simeon Karic? Do you know that Simeon Karic was assassinated last week in Switzerland, where we were holding him for war crimes? No, I'm sure he didn't. But you know now. And you know that we do not negotiate with terrorists, don't you, King? I'm sure you do. It's common knowledge. Besides, we have nothing to negotiate with. Karic is dead, and as soon as that gets back to his crazy sister, they'll kill your girlfriend without thinking twice," Smyth sighed and stood up.
"Sir, there must be something we can-"
"No. There isn't anything the Agency can do. My hands are tied. I eat lunch with the President once a week. I'm as responsible for the security of this country as the Armed Forces are. I can't let feelings get in the way. That's just the way it goes, kiddie," Smyth said firmly. "If Beth's father were alive today, he'd skin me alive. Then again, if Beth's father were alive today, we probably wouldn't be in this position in the first place."
The two men stood eye to eye for a moment. Smyth took one final puff off his cigarette and exited the office, leaving Jamie standing in the middle of the room in a complete daze. He stood there for several minutes reviewing what Smyth had just thrown in his face. 'There isn't anything the Agency can do.' A smirk crossed Jamie's face as he realized he wasn't part of the Agency. He sat down on the couch and waited for Lee.
Beth sat alone for most of the day in the study. She didn't hear any noise from within the building, but outside sounded like they were probably still in the city. Maybe an embassy or hotel. But what kind of hotel would be furnished like this? She groaned loudly and flopped backwards onto the couch she'd been occupying most of the day.
The small woman entered the room again and took a seat in a chair across from Beth.
"We've been notified that Dr. Smyth made it back into the country about an hour ago, Elizabeth. We'll be contacting the Americans shortly to see where your fate lies," Emilija said calmly. "I know your uncle will cooperate."
"My uncle is the director of covert operations for the most powerful and secretive agency in this country, Ms. Karic. My uncle does not negotiate with terrorists," Beth said coolly.
"Oh, well, he'll negotiate this time. Once we notify him of how we plan on terminating you," the woman replied in thick accent.
"He won't give you anything for me."
"No, you're probably right about that. But he'll work with us when he realizes we're going to blow up the Capitol building while the Senate is in session, my dear."
"Are you going to tell my uncle that, Ms. Karic? Because he'll spot an idle threat a mile away," Beth spat, disgusted by the terrorist actions planned.
"This is no idle threat, Elizabeth. The bomb has already been constructed in the tunnels running under the Capitol building. All I need to do is make one phone call, and that building, along with most of the block, will simply vanish from the face of the earth," Emilija said, rising to leave. "Don't you worry your pretty little head about idle threats. We don't waste time with idle threats." The last words being said, the small woman exited the room, gray in her black hair shining in the late afternoon sun just barely leaking in through the covered windows.
As soon as the door shut, Beth scrambled all over the room, looking for a phone or radio, or even a computer. After she exhausted her search, she took a seat once again on the couch and waited for more news from Emilija.
Lee Stetson sat in the country-western bar, his patience wearing thin. The incomparable Auggie Swann was once again late for a meeting. Didn't Auggie realize a young woman's life depended on him? Lee shook his head. Auggie didn't realize much of anything until it hit him right in the face. And Lee was going to take care of that if he didn't show up soon.
Just as Lee was grabbing the cell phone out of his jacket pocket and getting up to get away from the noise, Auggie entered with a scantily-clad woman on each arm. Lee went three shades of red and tried to say his alphabet backwards to keep his cool.
"Auggie! What the hell do you think you're doing? This isn't a double date. This is business," Lee said, trying to keep up appearances for the ladies.
"Easy, Lee. These two young ladies had a flat tire and I pulled off the road to assist them. They wanted to buy me a drink to thank me," Auggie said, flashing his smile at both women.
"That's awfully nice of you, ladies. Do you think I could borrow Auggie for a few moments? I promise it won't take longer than that," Lee smiled as he grabbed Auggie's elbow. He shoved him towards the back door and smiled again at the women as he followed his ridiculously dressed contact.
Once they were in the alley behind the bar, Lee grabbed Auggie's collar and pressed him up against the brick wall.
"Do you realize you're an hour late? Do you realize that time is slipping away from us and a girl could die? This isn't a game, Auggie. Now spill it, and do it fast," Lee said, releasing the other man's collar.
"You really ought to take some anger management classes, Stetson. Flying off the handle like that just can't be healthy," Auggie said, straightening his collar. Lee made a face and moved towards him again, and Auggie backed away. "I'm sorry, Lee. It's been a long day. Information doesn't come easy, you know."
"Tell me about it," Lee mumbled, leaning up against a dumpster.
"My source tells me there's something big going on in the Bosnian Embassy, Lee. I don't know if I really want to be involved in this. There's a lot going on over there," Auggie said.
"There is a young woman who is going to die if you don't spill it, Auggie," Lee said, getting impatient.
"My source says they've got someone in there, on the top floor. American agent. They're holding the agent until the government releases one of their men. That's all I heard," Auggie said, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
"The Bosnian Embassy?" Lee didn't like the sound of it. "Since when do you have contacts in the Bosnian Embassy?"
"I never reveal my sources, Lee," Auggie said, holding out his hand, expecting money.
"That's all you heard? How reliable is this source?"
"I haven't dealt with her much, but from what I hear she's desperate enough to tell the truth," Auggie said; still holding out the palm of his hand. Lee slapped him five as he made his way back into the restaurant. "One of my guys says she wants to defect."
"Thanks, Auggie. Keep the cell phone near you, I might need something later," Lee managed to keep from laughing until he was out of sight. The slightly mussed Auggie Swann took a moment to gather his wits, and headed back into the bar, only to find the two women had already found someone else to buy a drink for. The tall man muttered a curse under his breath and stalked through the bar and out the front door in time to watch Lee's car speed off from the sidewalk.
Jamie and Amanda were eating Chinese take-out in his office when Lee finally entered the bullpen. He threw the door open and violently flopped onto the couch.
"I'm getting too old for this, Amanda," he groaned.
"Oh, please, Scarecrow. You wouldn't know what to do with yourself," Amanda rolled her eyes at her handsome husband.
"And where the hell is Smyth? I thought he wanted to talk to Jamie!"
"Oh, Dr. Smyth and I have already bumped heads this evening, Lee. He's such a charming person," Jamie said, wiping sweet and sour sauce off his chin. "He told me there was nothing the Agency could do to help Beth."
"Well, he's right. His hands are tied. I have a few contacts out right now, I'll see what they can come up with," Lee said.
"The Agency can't do anything, Lee. I'm not Agency yet," Jamie said nonchalantly. Amanda and Lee both noted the casual air about their son. He sounded like he'd made up his mind.
"No, you're not. And don't even think you're going to storm into the Bosnian Embassy and demand to see your girlfriend. Because it isn't going to happen, Sport," Lee said, staring at the ceiling.
"I'm going to get her, Lee. Just because high and mighty Smyth can't help her doesn't mean I can't. I won't let her die for someone who is already dead," Jamie sighed.
"How do you know this person is dead?" Lee said, sitting up.
"I've been briefed," Jamie said, mocking Dr. Smyth. He picked up a chopstick as a mock cigarette holder. "I don't tolerate insubordinance from your stepfather and I won't tolerate it from you, either."
Amanda couldn't help but smile at Jamie's fairly accurate impersonation. Lee, however, failed to see the humor.
"So I suppose Smyth's given you all the details then? About Switzerland?"
"Yep," Jamie said casually, pushing his glasses up on his nose.
"Well, that's just perfect. Do you realize what he's done, Manda? He's given our son all the details he needs to go rogue and get Beth out of the Embassy. If she's in the Embassy at all. I'm not so sure I trust Auggie yet. Smyth has no qualms about seeing your ass thrown in prison after you storm the building and do all the rescuing," Lee stood up, fuming. "He gets his niece back and hasn't done a bit of negotiating."
"Lee, I think you're-" Amanda tried to reason with her irate husband.
"Oh, no. Don't even try to calm me down, sweetheart. Smyth is getting a piece of my mind while my blood pressure is still up," Lee said before storming out of the room. Amanda got up to go after him.
"Just let him go, Mom. You know Lee. He's going to speak his mind, no matter what you say to him," Jamie said.
"Well, let's just hope Smyth doesn't suspend him for insubordinance," Amanda said, trying her hand at her own Smyth imitation. The mother and son giggled as they turned their attention back to their dinner.
Lee paced in the elevator as it went down to Dr. Smyth's office. He tried to breathe deeply, and not let his temper get out of hand. The doors finally opened and Lee rushed down the hallway. He completely ignored the secretary and burst through the doors to the elaborately furnished office.
Smyth was slouching in his chair, watching the security monitors that lined the left side of his office. He didn't even bother to give Scarecrow a second glance.
"And I suppose you're just going to ignore me?" Lee said, feeling his temper flare the instant he laid eyes on his superior.
"That was the original plan," Smyth said, lighting another cigarette. "Looks like it's time for Plan B. I assume you've talked to that dolt of a stepson upstairs-"
"That dolt of a stepson is first in his class at Georgetown. That dolt speaks better Russian than you and I together. And that DOLT of a stepson is going to finish Georgetown, one of the hardest universities in the country, in three years, sir. And he's studied abroad for two semesters," Lee fumed. "Where do you get off calling him a dolt?"
"Easy, Scarecrow. I thought we talked about that temper of yours. Tut tut tut. Only a dolt would follow federal agents into a sketchy part of town and hit a complete stranger with a tire iron," Smyth continued. "He's lacking in the common sense department."
"That dolt has instincts, Smyth. He's going to make a damn fine ..." Lee's voice trailed off as he realized what he was saying. "agent," he finished, and sat down in front of Smyth's desk. Smyth grinned triumphantly and leaned across his desk.
"You're right. He has instincts. Thinks on his feet, intelligent young man. But the emotions obviously cloud his judgement. He's young, he'll learn. The instincts obviously run in the family," Smyth said. Lee smiled at the rare compliment to Amanda.
"So you think he'll be recruited?"
"You know that's not my strong suit, Scarecrow. He's got plenty of background knowledge. Something could probably be arranged if he helps out on this little problem with Elizabeth," Smyth said. Lee stared coldly at his superior in disbelief.
"If she is in the Embassy, you know as well as I do they'll throw him in prison so fast his head will spin. How do we recruit a convict, Dr. Smyth?"
"Scarecrow, Scarecrow. Oh, ye of little faith. Do you realize I have plenty of pull with the President? Officially, I can't do anything to help my niece. But if King wants to go nuts and save his girlfriend, I can arrange something we call a pardon. I'm sure you've heard of them, after your stunt in the Soviet Embassy all those years ago," Smyth grinned mockingly.
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"As coldhearted as you assume I am, that is my niece being held in that embassy. My only living relative, Scarecrow. I think you and I have things in common when it comes to family," Smyth looked down at his desk. "I can't let this happen to her. She's just a child."
"I understand, sir. But this is my son we're talking about here," Lee answered.
"Stepson," Smyth corrected him.
"Technically, that may be true. But family extends beyond bloodlines, sir. He's my son, and I'm scared to death for him," Lee said.
"He's a man. Let him decide for himself, Scarecrow," Smyth said, and turned his chair away from Lee. He stood there for a minute before quietly exiting the office.
A small figure sat on the curb of the driveway behind the Bosnian Embassy, smoking a cigarette. She watched as several dignitaries came and went. The girl's conscience was tearing at her. She thought back to six months prior, when she'd been a student at the university in Kosovo. The country was being ripped apart, and she knew she had to leave. She'd given up everything for a chance to come to America. Now she was here, and she was an American agent's only chance at survival.
"Ana!" Another of the house staff called her name from the back door and waved her into the building. She took one last look around to see if Mr. Swann had shown up. Seeing nothing, Ana straightened her uniform and walked slowly towards the door.
After performing several menial duties in the kitchen, Emilija summoned her. Ana put a pot of tea on a tray and headed upstairs. As she approached the study, Emilija burst through the door.
"I need to take a phone call, Ana. Serve the girl some tea and I will be right back," she said as she hurried down the hallway.
Ana entered the room quietly and set the tea tray on a table. Beth watched the girl carefully as she went about her task. She was startled when the servant looked at her and began to speak.
"What are they going to do to you?"
"It doesn't matter what they do to me. They're going to blow up the Capitol building if I can't get word to my superiors. Hundreds of people are going to die," Beth said, still watching the girl.
"My name is Ana," the servant said. She glanced around the room and moved closer to Beth. "Let me help you." Beth's eyes widened and she stood up.
"I need you to get word to Lee Stetson at the Agency. Tell him there is a bomb being constructed underneath the Capitol building, and they're planning to detonate it while Senate is in session. Tell him I will probably be in the Capitol at that time. Tell him that I'm fine," Beth looked down at her finger. "If he questions you, give him this," she said, slipping the ring of her middle finger. "And tell him to tell Jamie I plan on wearing that ring again. Tell him not to negotiate. I'm going to get out."
"I will try my best," Ana said pocketing the ring. The door opened and Emilija entered.
"Ana! Why have you not poured tea?" the older woman questioned.
"I didn't want any, Ms. Karic," Beth cut in. "I was trying to explain to her that I'm not thirsty."
"Well, suit yourself. That will be all, Ana," Emilija said, sitting down.
"Thank you, Ana," Beth said. The servant turned and gave her a small smile before exiting the room.
"Well, Elizabeth. There has been no word from your uncle or anyone else at the Agency. Are you starting to feel nervous? I think I would be if I were in your position. However, I am not. We've made them our final offer. If we don't hear from them in twenty-four hours, the Capitol, the United States Senate, and you all become memories," Emilija said. "And with that thought I will leave you for the night. Try to get some sleep, tomorrow could be a big day for you."
Beth watched as the bitter old woman exited the room. As soon as the hallway was quiet again, she continued her search of the room, looking for anything to help her in her escape.
Jamie and Amanda were conversing pleasantly when Lee returned to the office. His mind was going in twenty different directions. How to tell Amanda Jamie would be recruited? How to tell her that Smyth had given him an unofficial order to send Jamie into the Bosnian Embassy? How to tell Jamie? He sighed and entered the room.
"Hi, sweetheart. Did he suspend you?" Amanda asked, trying to get a smile onto her husband's face.
"No, not this time. I have some information though. Some of it is probably not exactly going to be music to your ears, Manda," Lee sighed. Amanda's demeanor turned serious and she turned to give Lee her complete attention.
"Well, what is it?"
"I don't even know where to start," Lee said, running a hand over his short brown hair. "There's a lot to discuss."
"I'm assuming this has something to do with me," Jamie said, reminding his parents he was still in the room. "I am an adult, and I'd like you to be honest with me. You've never been less than that."
"You're right," Lee said, letting out a puff of air. "Dr. Smyth wants you to get Elizabeth out of the embassy. Assuming that's where she is," Lee began. As he opened his mouth to continue, the phone rang. Amanda answered it.
"Stetson," she said. She rolled her eyes and handed the phone to Lee, mouthing 'Auggie.' Lee rolled his eyes in turn and took the phone from his wife.
"Stetson here," he said.
"Lee, I've got something really big here. The girl from the embassy is here with me. I think you ought to come out and talk to her," Auggie said.
"Girl from the embassy?" Lee asked.
"My contact. She's here, she says she's talked to someone named Elizabeth and she has messages for Lee Stetson and someone named Jamie," Auggie continued. Lee's eyes widened as he reached for something to write with.
"Where are you?" he said.
"Let's meet at Ned's," Auggie said. "Twenty minutes."
"Okay," Lee said, and hung up the phone.
"What's up?" Jamie said, realizing the change in Lee's demeanor.
"Auggie says he's got a girl from the embassy with him. She may have had contact with Elizabeth," Lee said, reaching for his jacket.
"I'm coming with you," Jamie said, standing up.
"Absolutely not," Lee and Amanda said together.
"Look. If I'm supposed to go rescue Beth from this embassy, you can't keep me in the dark. Please," Jamie looked Lee in the eyes. "Mom said she learned from the best. I think it's my turn."
Amanda and Lee looked at each other. Lee's feelings were reflected in Amanda's eyes; fear, anxiety, and pride. Lee shrugged and leaned to kiss his wife.
"I did learn from the best," she whispered. "Come on." Amanda held her hand out to Jamie, who took it. The three of them exited the dark bullpen to go meet Auggie.
The bullpen was bustling, somewhat more than usual, when Jamie entered through the double doors. He scanned the room for his parents and didn't see them. The blinds to Lee's office were closed. Jamie raised his thin hand and knocked twice on the door. Getting no answer, he reached for the doorknob. He cracked the door open to see Lee's desk chair facing the wall in the office. Jamie decided it was all right to wait in the office, so he opened the door completely and entered the room.
Just as he sat down in the chair, he noticed a puff of smoke escape from behind the chair. He opened his mouth to speak and was beaten to the punch.
"And I assume you're the King boy," a New England accent came from behind the chair.
"Yes, sir," Jamie said calmly. The man in the chair turned to face him, and took another puff off his ridiculous-looking cigarette holder.
"And you're responsible for bringing Ivan the Terrible into custody this morning?"
"Ivan the Terrible?"
"The man you so eloquently struck with my niece's tire iron. Ivan the Terrible," Dr. Smyth said, still puffing away.
"This Ivan is the man who grabbed Beth last night," Jamie said, standing up to pace the room.
"I've been briefed, King. And stand still when I'm speaking," Smyth said impatiently.
"Yes, sir."
"What you did this morning was incredibly stupid, King. Incredibly stupid," Smyth stopped as Jamie opened his mouth to protest. "I don't tolerate insubordinance from your stepfather and I won't tolerate it from you, either. Now keep your mouth shut and let me finish. You're incredibly stupid," the tall man paused to puff on his cigarette. "But you've got instincts. I've heard you're quite the intelligent young man, too. Not to mention you have excellent taste in women. Do you want to be a spy like mommy and daddy, King? Is that why you followed them this morning? Hmm?" Smyth continued in a mocking tone.
"I've considered it, sir. Mom and Lee don't like the idea of it," Jamie sighed.
"Mommy and Lee don't run this Agency, King. I do. You've got instincts and you're smart. But you're dating my niece. And I don't allow my niece to get mixed up with Agency types," Smyth continued, arrogantly puffing that damned cigarette.
"SHE is an Agency type, sir," Jamie said, beginning to lose his cool.
"Easy, King. I'm not offering you a job, by any means. Not yet anyway. Did Daddy tell you I was approached this morning in the Paris Airport? Did Daddy tell you Serbian terrorists are holding my niece hostage in exchange for Simeon Karic? Do you know that Simeon Karic was assassinated last week in Switzerland, where we were holding him for war crimes? No, I'm sure he didn't. But you know now. And you know that we do not negotiate with terrorists, don't you, King? I'm sure you do. It's common knowledge. Besides, we have nothing to negotiate with. Karic is dead, and as soon as that gets back to his crazy sister, they'll kill your girlfriend without thinking twice," Smyth sighed and stood up.
"Sir, there must be something we can-"
"No. There isn't anything the Agency can do. My hands are tied. I eat lunch with the President once a week. I'm as responsible for the security of this country as the Armed Forces are. I can't let feelings get in the way. That's just the way it goes, kiddie," Smyth said firmly. "If Beth's father were alive today, he'd skin me alive. Then again, if Beth's father were alive today, we probably wouldn't be in this position in the first place."
The two men stood eye to eye for a moment. Smyth took one final puff off his cigarette and exited the office, leaving Jamie standing in the middle of the room in a complete daze. He stood there for several minutes reviewing what Smyth had just thrown in his face. 'There isn't anything the Agency can do.' A smirk crossed Jamie's face as he realized he wasn't part of the Agency. He sat down on the couch and waited for Lee.
Beth sat alone for most of the day in the study. She didn't hear any noise from within the building, but outside sounded like they were probably still in the city. Maybe an embassy or hotel. But what kind of hotel would be furnished like this? She groaned loudly and flopped backwards onto the couch she'd been occupying most of the day.
The small woman entered the room again and took a seat in a chair across from Beth.
"We've been notified that Dr. Smyth made it back into the country about an hour ago, Elizabeth. We'll be contacting the Americans shortly to see where your fate lies," Emilija said calmly. "I know your uncle will cooperate."
"My uncle is the director of covert operations for the most powerful and secretive agency in this country, Ms. Karic. My uncle does not negotiate with terrorists," Beth said coolly.
"Oh, well, he'll negotiate this time. Once we notify him of how we plan on terminating you," the woman replied in thick accent.
"He won't give you anything for me."
"No, you're probably right about that. But he'll work with us when he realizes we're going to blow up the Capitol building while the Senate is in session, my dear."
"Are you going to tell my uncle that, Ms. Karic? Because he'll spot an idle threat a mile away," Beth spat, disgusted by the terrorist actions planned.
"This is no idle threat, Elizabeth. The bomb has already been constructed in the tunnels running under the Capitol building. All I need to do is make one phone call, and that building, along with most of the block, will simply vanish from the face of the earth," Emilija said, rising to leave. "Don't you worry your pretty little head about idle threats. We don't waste time with idle threats." The last words being said, the small woman exited the room, gray in her black hair shining in the late afternoon sun just barely leaking in through the covered windows.
As soon as the door shut, Beth scrambled all over the room, looking for a phone or radio, or even a computer. After she exhausted her search, she took a seat once again on the couch and waited for more news from Emilija.
Lee Stetson sat in the country-western bar, his patience wearing thin. The incomparable Auggie Swann was once again late for a meeting. Didn't Auggie realize a young woman's life depended on him? Lee shook his head. Auggie didn't realize much of anything until it hit him right in the face. And Lee was going to take care of that if he didn't show up soon.
Just as Lee was grabbing the cell phone out of his jacket pocket and getting up to get away from the noise, Auggie entered with a scantily-clad woman on each arm. Lee went three shades of red and tried to say his alphabet backwards to keep his cool.
"Auggie! What the hell do you think you're doing? This isn't a double date. This is business," Lee said, trying to keep up appearances for the ladies.
"Easy, Lee. These two young ladies had a flat tire and I pulled off the road to assist them. They wanted to buy me a drink to thank me," Auggie said, flashing his smile at both women.
"That's awfully nice of you, ladies. Do you think I could borrow Auggie for a few moments? I promise it won't take longer than that," Lee smiled as he grabbed Auggie's elbow. He shoved him towards the back door and smiled again at the women as he followed his ridiculously dressed contact.
Once they were in the alley behind the bar, Lee grabbed Auggie's collar and pressed him up against the brick wall.
"Do you realize you're an hour late? Do you realize that time is slipping away from us and a girl could die? This isn't a game, Auggie. Now spill it, and do it fast," Lee said, releasing the other man's collar.
"You really ought to take some anger management classes, Stetson. Flying off the handle like that just can't be healthy," Auggie said, straightening his collar. Lee made a face and moved towards him again, and Auggie backed away. "I'm sorry, Lee. It's been a long day. Information doesn't come easy, you know."
"Tell me about it," Lee mumbled, leaning up against a dumpster.
"My source tells me there's something big going on in the Bosnian Embassy, Lee. I don't know if I really want to be involved in this. There's a lot going on over there," Auggie said.
"There is a young woman who is going to die if you don't spill it, Auggie," Lee said, getting impatient.
"My source says they've got someone in there, on the top floor. American agent. They're holding the agent until the government releases one of their men. That's all I heard," Auggie said, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
"The Bosnian Embassy?" Lee didn't like the sound of it. "Since when do you have contacts in the Bosnian Embassy?"
"I never reveal my sources, Lee," Auggie said, holding out his hand, expecting money.
"That's all you heard? How reliable is this source?"
"I haven't dealt with her much, but from what I hear she's desperate enough to tell the truth," Auggie said; still holding out the palm of his hand. Lee slapped him five as he made his way back into the restaurant. "One of my guys says she wants to defect."
"Thanks, Auggie. Keep the cell phone near you, I might need something later," Lee managed to keep from laughing until he was out of sight. The slightly mussed Auggie Swann took a moment to gather his wits, and headed back into the bar, only to find the two women had already found someone else to buy a drink for. The tall man muttered a curse under his breath and stalked through the bar and out the front door in time to watch Lee's car speed off from the sidewalk.
Jamie and Amanda were eating Chinese take-out in his office when Lee finally entered the bullpen. He threw the door open and violently flopped onto the couch.
"I'm getting too old for this, Amanda," he groaned.
"Oh, please, Scarecrow. You wouldn't know what to do with yourself," Amanda rolled her eyes at her handsome husband.
"And where the hell is Smyth? I thought he wanted to talk to Jamie!"
"Oh, Dr. Smyth and I have already bumped heads this evening, Lee. He's such a charming person," Jamie said, wiping sweet and sour sauce off his chin. "He told me there was nothing the Agency could do to help Beth."
"Well, he's right. His hands are tied. I have a few contacts out right now, I'll see what they can come up with," Lee said.
"The Agency can't do anything, Lee. I'm not Agency yet," Jamie said nonchalantly. Amanda and Lee both noted the casual air about their son. He sounded like he'd made up his mind.
"No, you're not. And don't even think you're going to storm into the Bosnian Embassy and demand to see your girlfriend. Because it isn't going to happen, Sport," Lee said, staring at the ceiling.
"I'm going to get her, Lee. Just because high and mighty Smyth can't help her doesn't mean I can't. I won't let her die for someone who is already dead," Jamie sighed.
"How do you know this person is dead?" Lee said, sitting up.
"I've been briefed," Jamie said, mocking Dr. Smyth. He picked up a chopstick as a mock cigarette holder. "I don't tolerate insubordinance from your stepfather and I won't tolerate it from you, either."
Amanda couldn't help but smile at Jamie's fairly accurate impersonation. Lee, however, failed to see the humor.
"So I suppose Smyth's given you all the details then? About Switzerland?"
"Yep," Jamie said casually, pushing his glasses up on his nose.
"Well, that's just perfect. Do you realize what he's done, Manda? He's given our son all the details he needs to go rogue and get Beth out of the Embassy. If she's in the Embassy at all. I'm not so sure I trust Auggie yet. Smyth has no qualms about seeing your ass thrown in prison after you storm the building and do all the rescuing," Lee stood up, fuming. "He gets his niece back and hasn't done a bit of negotiating."
"Lee, I think you're-" Amanda tried to reason with her irate husband.
"Oh, no. Don't even try to calm me down, sweetheart. Smyth is getting a piece of my mind while my blood pressure is still up," Lee said before storming out of the room. Amanda got up to go after him.
"Just let him go, Mom. You know Lee. He's going to speak his mind, no matter what you say to him," Jamie said.
"Well, let's just hope Smyth doesn't suspend him for insubordinance," Amanda said, trying her hand at her own Smyth imitation. The mother and son giggled as they turned their attention back to their dinner.
Lee paced in the elevator as it went down to Dr. Smyth's office. He tried to breathe deeply, and not let his temper get out of hand. The doors finally opened and Lee rushed down the hallway. He completely ignored the secretary and burst through the doors to the elaborately furnished office.
Smyth was slouching in his chair, watching the security monitors that lined the left side of his office. He didn't even bother to give Scarecrow a second glance.
"And I suppose you're just going to ignore me?" Lee said, feeling his temper flare the instant he laid eyes on his superior.
"That was the original plan," Smyth said, lighting another cigarette. "Looks like it's time for Plan B. I assume you've talked to that dolt of a stepson upstairs-"
"That dolt of a stepson is first in his class at Georgetown. That dolt speaks better Russian than you and I together. And that DOLT of a stepson is going to finish Georgetown, one of the hardest universities in the country, in three years, sir. And he's studied abroad for two semesters," Lee fumed. "Where do you get off calling him a dolt?"
"Easy, Scarecrow. I thought we talked about that temper of yours. Tut tut tut. Only a dolt would follow federal agents into a sketchy part of town and hit a complete stranger with a tire iron," Smyth continued. "He's lacking in the common sense department."
"That dolt has instincts, Smyth. He's going to make a damn fine ..." Lee's voice trailed off as he realized what he was saying. "agent," he finished, and sat down in front of Smyth's desk. Smyth grinned triumphantly and leaned across his desk.
"You're right. He has instincts. Thinks on his feet, intelligent young man. But the emotions obviously cloud his judgement. He's young, he'll learn. The instincts obviously run in the family," Smyth said. Lee smiled at the rare compliment to Amanda.
"So you think he'll be recruited?"
"You know that's not my strong suit, Scarecrow. He's got plenty of background knowledge. Something could probably be arranged if he helps out on this little problem with Elizabeth," Smyth said. Lee stared coldly at his superior in disbelief.
"If she is in the Embassy, you know as well as I do they'll throw him in prison so fast his head will spin. How do we recruit a convict, Dr. Smyth?"
"Scarecrow, Scarecrow. Oh, ye of little faith. Do you realize I have plenty of pull with the President? Officially, I can't do anything to help my niece. But if King wants to go nuts and save his girlfriend, I can arrange something we call a pardon. I'm sure you've heard of them, after your stunt in the Soviet Embassy all those years ago," Smyth grinned mockingly.
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"As coldhearted as you assume I am, that is my niece being held in that embassy. My only living relative, Scarecrow. I think you and I have things in common when it comes to family," Smyth looked down at his desk. "I can't let this happen to her. She's just a child."
"I understand, sir. But this is my son we're talking about here," Lee answered.
"Stepson," Smyth corrected him.
"Technically, that may be true. But family extends beyond bloodlines, sir. He's my son, and I'm scared to death for him," Lee said.
"He's a man. Let him decide for himself, Scarecrow," Smyth said, and turned his chair away from Lee. He stood there for a minute before quietly exiting the office.
A small figure sat on the curb of the driveway behind the Bosnian Embassy, smoking a cigarette. She watched as several dignitaries came and went. The girl's conscience was tearing at her. She thought back to six months prior, when she'd been a student at the university in Kosovo. The country was being ripped apart, and she knew she had to leave. She'd given up everything for a chance to come to America. Now she was here, and she was an American agent's only chance at survival.
"Ana!" Another of the house staff called her name from the back door and waved her into the building. She took one last look around to see if Mr. Swann had shown up. Seeing nothing, Ana straightened her uniform and walked slowly towards the door.
After performing several menial duties in the kitchen, Emilija summoned her. Ana put a pot of tea on a tray and headed upstairs. As she approached the study, Emilija burst through the door.
"I need to take a phone call, Ana. Serve the girl some tea and I will be right back," she said as she hurried down the hallway.
Ana entered the room quietly and set the tea tray on a table. Beth watched the girl carefully as she went about her task. She was startled when the servant looked at her and began to speak.
"What are they going to do to you?"
"It doesn't matter what they do to me. They're going to blow up the Capitol building if I can't get word to my superiors. Hundreds of people are going to die," Beth said, still watching the girl.
"My name is Ana," the servant said. She glanced around the room and moved closer to Beth. "Let me help you." Beth's eyes widened and she stood up.
"I need you to get word to Lee Stetson at the Agency. Tell him there is a bomb being constructed underneath the Capitol building, and they're planning to detonate it while Senate is in session. Tell him I will probably be in the Capitol at that time. Tell him that I'm fine," Beth looked down at her finger. "If he questions you, give him this," she said, slipping the ring of her middle finger. "And tell him to tell Jamie I plan on wearing that ring again. Tell him not to negotiate. I'm going to get out."
"I will try my best," Ana said pocketing the ring. The door opened and Emilija entered.
"Ana! Why have you not poured tea?" the older woman questioned.
"I didn't want any, Ms. Karic," Beth cut in. "I was trying to explain to her that I'm not thirsty."
"Well, suit yourself. That will be all, Ana," Emilija said, sitting down.
"Thank you, Ana," Beth said. The servant turned and gave her a small smile before exiting the room.
"Well, Elizabeth. There has been no word from your uncle or anyone else at the Agency. Are you starting to feel nervous? I think I would be if I were in your position. However, I am not. We've made them our final offer. If we don't hear from them in twenty-four hours, the Capitol, the United States Senate, and you all become memories," Emilija said. "And with that thought I will leave you for the night. Try to get some sleep, tomorrow could be a big day for you."
Beth watched as the bitter old woman exited the room. As soon as the hallway was quiet again, she continued her search of the room, looking for anything to help her in her escape.
Jamie and Amanda were conversing pleasantly when Lee returned to the office. His mind was going in twenty different directions. How to tell Amanda Jamie would be recruited? How to tell her that Smyth had given him an unofficial order to send Jamie into the Bosnian Embassy? How to tell Jamie? He sighed and entered the room.
"Hi, sweetheart. Did he suspend you?" Amanda asked, trying to get a smile onto her husband's face.
"No, not this time. I have some information though. Some of it is probably not exactly going to be music to your ears, Manda," Lee sighed. Amanda's demeanor turned serious and she turned to give Lee her complete attention.
"Well, what is it?"
"I don't even know where to start," Lee said, running a hand over his short brown hair. "There's a lot to discuss."
"I'm assuming this has something to do with me," Jamie said, reminding his parents he was still in the room. "I am an adult, and I'd like you to be honest with me. You've never been less than that."
"You're right," Lee said, letting out a puff of air. "Dr. Smyth wants you to get Elizabeth out of the embassy. Assuming that's where she is," Lee began. As he opened his mouth to continue, the phone rang. Amanda answered it.
"Stetson," she said. She rolled her eyes and handed the phone to Lee, mouthing 'Auggie.' Lee rolled his eyes in turn and took the phone from his wife.
"Stetson here," he said.
"Lee, I've got something really big here. The girl from the embassy is here with me. I think you ought to come out and talk to her," Auggie said.
"Girl from the embassy?" Lee asked.
"My contact. She's here, she says she's talked to someone named Elizabeth and she has messages for Lee Stetson and someone named Jamie," Auggie continued. Lee's eyes widened as he reached for something to write with.
"Where are you?" he said.
"Let's meet at Ned's," Auggie said. "Twenty minutes."
"Okay," Lee said, and hung up the phone.
"What's up?" Jamie said, realizing the change in Lee's demeanor.
"Auggie says he's got a girl from the embassy with him. She may have had contact with Elizabeth," Lee said, reaching for his jacket.
"I'm coming with you," Jamie said, standing up.
"Absolutely not," Lee and Amanda said together.
"Look. If I'm supposed to go rescue Beth from this embassy, you can't keep me in the dark. Please," Jamie looked Lee in the eyes. "Mom said she learned from the best. I think it's my turn."
Amanda and Lee looked at each other. Lee's feelings were reflected in Amanda's eyes; fear, anxiety, and pride. Lee shrugged and leaned to kiss his wife.
"I did learn from the best," she whispered. "Come on." Amanda held her hand out to Jamie, who took it. The three of them exited the dark bullpen to go meet Auggie.