NOIR
Chapter Four
The Forgotten
By Steve Edward
Wednesday, July 6th 1500 hours, Eastern Side of Chunnel, Calais, France
Sir Richard Galen smiled as he left the Chunnel disembarking area and merging with other traffic headed southeast on the E402. Though the drive was considerable, it would give him time to plan for the morning ritual. There would plenty of time to celebrate later, after Noir was sent on their way.
Mireille expressionless looked down at Irena and Nina, "Enough already!" The rising voice of Mireille caused Randy to back peddle into the hallway as he looked towards the kitchen area, "Damn? What now?"
Gina Baldwin pushed her way past Randy and headed to the kitchen, "Irena? Nina? Please get off the floor as she rounded the corner.
Irena and Nina rising from the floor, but with their heads bowed stood still as Mireille walked towards them. Irena began to cringe expecting to be hit, but instead she felt the gentle caress of Mireille's hand on her face. Nina opened her eyes as she felt the gentle touch as well.
Gina sighed, "I don't understand their behavior. 12 hours earlier they were ready to kill everybody here, now they are behaving submissively. It's like someone has flipped a switch."
Sister Katrina though initially flattered at the kneeling of Irena and Nina before her during afternoon prayers had shooed them away, not in fear that they would harm her but that she would start whacking them with her cane after they kept following her from room to room and under the watchful and curious eye of Randy Baldwin as they entered the courtyard with the aging nun, kneeling each time the nun stopped to rest it had finally unnerved Sister Katrina.
Randy asked where the backpacks had been stored and taken to them by Sister Jane returned to kitchen and unceremoniously dumped the contents of each back onto the table again. The rattle of tablets inside what looked like vitamin bottles that was found from each backpack. Curious Randy turned to Irena, "Irena did you and Nina take any of these pills? If so when was the last time you did?"
Irena suddenly raised her arm above her head, answered "Last night. But we did not take them at midnight. Should we take them now?" Gina interrupted, "No Irena, neither you nor your sister need those now." Approaching her husband, Gina took the vitamin bottle and opened it shaking out a tablet. Mireille frowned, "Drugged. They drugged them." Mireille stepped closer and pulled Nina and Irena towards her and ran her hands through their hair.
Randy nodded, "Apparently so. Gina, get a pair of scissors and get a hair sample from both Irena and Nina and seal them in separate bags. Give me that stupid pill, I am going to take some photographs and send it to the Agency. I want to know what the hell these girls were being told to take." Musing aloud as he walked off, Randy wished aloud "If we could get blood samples it would be even better…"
Sister Kanna coughed, "Monsieur Baldwin, I can collect those if you need them?" Randy turning around smiled, "Please do so, it will be very helpful." As he turned back and headed for the communications room.
Wednesday, July 6th, 2000 hours, "The Manor"
Kirika viewed the approaching headlights, three cars all told. Two Mercedes-Benzes and one Bentley but no Jaguar, slowing as they passed her hidden position Kirika counted the number of occupants which came to five. Was there a sixth? If so where were they?
Sir Richard Galen sat in a comfortable chair overlooking the Pyrenees Mountains, the scattered lights among the foothills twinkling. He had mused about visiting the now late Sister Katrina's convent but with the possibility of the Noir candidates still being there enjoying their spoils had kept him away. He frowned, recalling the aftermath of the candidates handiwork at the militant army meeting site. The retrieval team had been attacked by them, but fortunately none had been too seriously hurt. The Russian raid team had nearly caught all of them, but fortunately they had some luck and escaped unnoticed.
Perhaps after the ritual, he would look into adjusting their dosages.
Thursday, July 7th, 0500 hours, Pas de la Casa, France
Randy's assumption had been right, both Irena and Nina had been drugged. One last communication with Tabitha Alexander had her giving a litany of effects that the innocent looking pill would induce. Originally developed in what was then the Soviet Union and now Russia, the medication among other things caused a near psychotic behavior that included the wanton need to kill with little regard for the users own safety, and it tended to cause the user to ignore grievous wounds.
Tabitha looking at Randy, "If those girls had taken the last dosage as they were supposed to; I don't think they would have lived. Your written report describing what happened between Irena and Kirika when they were fighting demonstrated that. Thank god they ran out of water during the hike."
The soft knock on the door interrupted his conversation, turning around he saw Mireille who nodded, and spoke "We are ready." Randy turned back to the small monitor, "Tabitha it is time. Hopefully in three hours we will be finished. Any luck with Sir Galen?" Tabitha nodded, "An agent slipped a tracker onto the Jaguar. Ned has advised it is closing on the position known as "The Manor". Observations indicated only one occupant who has been identified as Sir Galen. Good luck." Randy acknowledged and then signed off.
Quickly dismantling the components and repacking them for transport, Randy snapped the latches shut and with Mireille carrying one of the cases they exited the convent. Gina Baldwin with Irena and Nina, waited in an idling Land Rover with Sister Kanna who was driving. Approaching the vehicle, Randy looked in the back passenger seat and viewed the two sleeping girls, "Sister Kanna knows the way and will get you to the private medical clinic. Sister Katrina will be following in the Peugeot with Sister Jane. See you in about four hours." Stepping away from the Land Rover, Randy grasped the hand of his wife then let go. Slapping the side of the Land Rover, Randy Baldwin with Mireille Bouquet at his side watched as it drove off into the gathering light of a new day.
Thursday, July 7th 0545 hours, "The Manor"
Mireille Bouquet joined with Kirika Yumura who had camped near 'The Manor". Kirika quietly advised that the Jaguar had arrived 15 minutes earlier and had driven to the central building inside.
Mireille sighed as she looked at the parked vehicles; it had been that building where she and Kirika had confronted Sister Altena nearly six years earlier. Nodding to Kirika, they moved off into the vineyard.
Randy Baldwin gazed at "The Manor" where it had started for Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura. The descriptions of the complex by Mireille and Kirika did it little justice. Laying the binoculars on the hood of the Land Rover, Randy noted the appointed time approaching. Sir Galen was about to find out how the true Noir worked, as Randy picked up the binoculars from the hood and got into the Land Rover.
Sir Galen who joined with the witnesses gathered before him, each of those gathered had supported the later Sister Altena. Financially some had paid a high price for their support, but that was in the past. The present was now; the true Noir would rise and would become a force to be reckoned with. A Noir that would carry out without question what they wanted.
The dimly lit interior the only light coming from the candles surrounding the room the air of anticipation rose as the doors opened behind them. Sir Galen squinted as the sun streaming through the door obscured his vision. The two women in the door stood side by side waiting; Sir Galen smiling motioned to them, "Come my children, come forward."
Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura walked forward expressionless, the shock slowly spreading on Sir Galen's face that something had gone horribly wrong.
Mireille Bouquet her voice echoing in the chambers, "We are the true Noir. The false candidates have been vanquished."
Occupant number 6, dressed in ceremonial robes stood "Sir Galen? What is the meaning of this? You said that Noir was dead!" as she made a sudden movement, Kirika raised her Beretta and fired.
The woman fell dead to the floor the robes stained with her blood; at the feet of her lover the man too never had a chance. He joined his former lover moments later, the Walther having silently spoken.
Sir Galen dressed garishly in purple and black held his hands to his sides, "Perhaps we can come to terms we can still work together?" Mireille frowned, "No we shall not." Raising the Walther, Mireille fired.
Thursday, July 7th 0700 hours, "The Manor"
Randy Baldwin perched on the hood of the Land Rover watched as the doors opened once again. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura exited the building and closed the doors behind them.
Randy watched as Kirika walked towards what appeared to be the ruins of a large cemetery and disappeared from view. Mireille approaching Randy stopped and leaned against the fender "It is over Monsieur Baldwin.
Randy nodded, and leaving his perch he walked to the rear of the Land Rover where the communication system was set up.
Tapping the access code, Randy patiently waited and then the face of Tabitha Alexander appeared "Tabitha. It is over. Advise your Soldats that their cohorts are very much dead."
Tabitha nodded, "I understand the situation Randy."
Randy mused a moment, "Tabitha? What about Irena and Nina?" Tabitha Alexander leaned back in her chair, "They will be cared for if that is what you are worried about."
Randy frowned, "What I am asking is where they will be taken after the clinic is done with them?"
Tabitha Alexander looked at a man who had been coerced and deceived into participating in something that should not have been his concern, "They will be cared for by members of the Soldats if that is what you are asking."
Randy stepped closer to the camera, "Tabitha. Please make arrangements so that they can immigrate to the United States, and have whoever works on legal issues get cracking on the adoption process. I am not turning those girls over to the Soldats. They are coming with me."
Tabitha smiled, "Consider it done." Mireille Bouquet came to the side of Randy added her own comment, "Madam Alexander, do remind the Soldats that Irena and Nina will need the tenderness and love that can only be found in a family. Monsieur Baldwin and Madam Baldwin will certainly provide that as will their children Corey and Ashley."
Tabitha nodded, "They will be reminded of that Madam Bouquet. I seriously doubt any will oppose this decision, especially one backed up by Noir. Good day to you both."
Randy breathed a sigh of relief, "Another problem down. Now how to explain to Gina that our family has just grown by two," as Mireille gave a soft laugh "Randy, I doubt you will have any problem persuading her to accept them."
Dismantling the equipment, Randy walked with Mireille to find Kirika. Gazing at the cemetery, it was not lost on Randy the significance of this place. The weathered headstones many illegible bore the names of Noir candidates who died within these very walls. The forgotten yet not forgotten. He and Mireille found Kirika kneeling before a headstone bearing the name of Chloe.
Standing back Randy waited. Mireille knelt next to Kirika whose hands were resting atop Chloe's grave, "Kirika. We have to go now." Kirika turned her tear streaked face towards Mireille, "Can we perhaps come back sometime to visit?" Mireille sighed and pulled Kirika toward her, "Yes we will. I promise."
Kirika and Mireille stood and began walking back to the Land Rover passing Randy Baldwin in silence. Randy turned to follow but looked back at the grave that held a woman once named Chloe. Laying at the foot of the headstone a tarnished silver fork, its forks nearly black he pondered the significance of fork as he continued after Kirika and Mireille.
Thursday, July 7th 1500 hours, L' Hospitalet-pres-L'Andorre, France
Ned Smith sat with Randy and Gina Baldwin in the waiting area of the private clinic going over the final paperwork and reviewing the lab results of Irena and Nina Baldwin.
Randy while driving to the clinic had pondered how he was going to break the news to Gina that he was going to be bringing Irena and Nina back with them to the United States and that he was adopting them.
He had little to worry about as Gina broached the subject first and demanded that they take the young girls back with them. Randy had at first considered telling Gina that it would be impossible, but Ned Smith with briefcase in hand spoiled the surprise when he intruded on the couple telling Randy he had the adoption and immigration paperwork.
Ned picked up the small bowl looking at the contents, "You should know Randy that what the girls were taking was an improved version over what the Agency types have previously seen. That tiny liquid jell capsule, is the final component to the process."
The small nearly black liquid filled capsule filled Randy with disgust, "It takes away reasoning, turns two young girls who by right should be enjoying the life of a teenager and makes them cold blooded killers."
Gina Baldwin shuddered, "The so called trial at the militant military compound, it was more of a test of that pill than a test for Irena and Nina?" Randy nodded, "Apparently so. Sir Galen was trying to see if it worked well enough, to use more innocent children for what ever he had planned to carry out."
Sister Katrina walked from the hallway into the sitting area with her two aids and joined the group, "Monsieur Baldwin, Madam Baldwin. The doctor has suggested that both remain overnight for additional tests and observations. The chemical imbalance within both will stabilize more as the remainder of this sickening drug leaves their bodies."
Randy turned to Sister Katrina, "You are aware that Irena and Nina can now be considered my step-children?"
Sister Katrina nodded, "Yes, Monsieur Baldwin I am and for that I am grateful. They need to be taken away and removed from this environment. They need to enjoy the remainder of their lives elsewhere." Randy replied, "Sister Katrina, when you spoke of the attack against you 15 years ago back at the convent that involved Kirika and another woman named Chloe, I noted the reaction of Kirika it was as if she had no recollection of the event."
Sister Katrina her eyes thoughtful, "Yes. It appeared she did not remember our meeting, but I do remember her vividly, I too was surprised at the reaction." Ned interrupted, "Randy, the earlier variant of the drug that may have been used on Irena and Nina did tend to cause memory loss at least that is according to analysis by the Agency. Perhaps Kirika and Chloe were drugged over a period of time? This may have something to do with Ms. Yumura's memory losses. The Soviets themselves even stopped testing it on their own subjects in the mid-1990's. The pill samples that you kept for us are definitely not of Russian manufacture so someone somewhere has been working to improve it."
Sister Katrina frowned, "The late Sister Altena had utilized many tools to get her way. Kirika did spend time with her before being sent away or in her words, "Casting the seedling to the wind" which could account for that period in her younger life where Sister Altena may have used drugs to forge both Kirika and the late Chloe to her way of thinking."
Randy stood, "It matters little now. Sister Katrina, it would behoove you to discuss this drug issue with the Soldats. Send a message loud and clear that there will be little tolerance for use of these types of drugs or even the manufacture. If I get wind of who helped supply Sir Galen with this crap, they can be assured they will indeed meet the same fate that he did. If you will excuse me, I need to speak with Mireille and Kirika alone." Ned Smith watched his old friend leave the waiting room, "Sister Katrina, you should remember to put an exclamation point at the end of that warning. Mr. Baldwin spoke his mind with conviction and he will carry out the threat personally and frankly if information can be obtained as to where these drugs were manufactured, I am sure Mr. Baldwin will act on the information. Mrs. Baldwin, Sisters, if you will excuse me I need to return to Paris. Gina tell Randy I will be expecting him. See you in a couple of days."
Randy found Mireille and Kirika where had expected them to be, sitting in the small observation room that viewed the hospital room of Irena and Nina. Both young girls were sleeping. The doctor considered that a good sign. The chemistry of the human body when in imbalance tended to force the body to rest. Little angels is what came to his mind, their peace found.
Sitting next to Mireille, Randy withdrew two envelopes from his jacket and passed them to Mireille. Fingering the sealed envelops, Mireille turned to Randy Baldwin with a questioning look, "Randy?"
Randy looking at Irena and Nina replied, "Consider those as gifts from me and Gina as well as a retainer fee." Mireille who tried to return the envelopes was stopped by Randy's hand, "Gina requested that I do so. I am not going to argue with her in that regard and you would lose the argument as well."
Mireille pursed her lips, "So it is not over?" Randy frowned, "No by any stretch of the imagination. In the morning we are going to be driven back to the airfield and I going to fly all of us back to Paris. Gina needs some time to work with Irena and Nina. Sister Katrina is being gracious by having Sister Kanna to drive one of the Land Rovers back to Paris for us. I am giving her the other for use at the convent. I want to locate the manufacturing facility and shut it down permanently with Noir's help. It can not be allowed to continue creating drugs of this nature."
Kirika turned to Mireille, "Monsieur Baldwin has a point. Others could take attempt to take up the cause, not just here but elsewhere." Mireille sighed, "Very well Randy, you will likely do it with or without our help. We will assist in this matter. As to where you will be staying in Paris, have you given that some thought?"
Randy smiled, "Yes I have. I and Gina with our two new adopted children will be staying at this address." Randy showed Mireille the address, as Mireille looked back in surprise; "That is next door to us! How did you…?"
Randy getting up chuckled, "Real-estate agents can sometimes work miracles. I have rented the entire building for the week so as to ensure privacy. I figured it would be in our favor to be so close together." Kirika watched Randy Baldwin leave the room then turned to Mireille, "Monsieur Baldwin at times is a conundrum." Mireille sighed, "Yes Kirika he can be."
Friday, July 8th 1300 hours, Toussus-le-Noble Airfield, France
The Gulfstream settled to a smooth landing and taxied to the hanger where it would be stored. Irena and Nina Baldwin wide eyed during the flight had looked out the windows watching the French countryside pass below the aircraft during flight. Gina Baldwin had observed Irena and Nina's reactions during the flight as had Mireille and Kirika. The three women all coming to the conclusion that the young girls had never been exposed to air travel. That had been a part of the puzzle that Gina had begun to unravel. Each young girl had successfully managed to travel by ground transportation easily enough, but the lack of being exposed to the complexities of traveling by air raised the question as to why.
Randy answered Gina's question with a simple explanation, "In order to facilitate travel between borders, the members of the European Union relaxed standards of inspection for travel by rail, bus and car. Imagine having a border inspection at every state line in the United States. It would soon be impossible to freely cross from state to state, just to go to work or even enjoy a vacation. The European Union relaxed standards allows one to live in one country and work in another or just enjoy another's member nation hospitality."
Randy closing the door of the Gulfstream, "A French citizen traveling to Germany and a German citizen doing the same on a daily basis to live and work, and with Euro-Rail passes one can travel anywhere on the continent in relative obscurity. Remember, what I said about initially intercepting Irena and Nina elsewhere? It would have proved nearly impossible to do so even if we had been able to find out what they looked like. Melded into the crowds unnoticed they would have been impossible to find."
Gina pondered the comment, "By utilizing such methods of travel, and at such a young age they would have appeared to be teens enjoying a holiday. A customs inspector would only give them a passing look and would continue on." Mireille nodded, "Nearly perfect camouflage. Unless identified in some fashion they would continue to conduct assignments. Speed and time constraints would not be a factor." Randy watched as Irena and Nina walking next to Kirika looked in various directions at aircraft large and small as they either passed overhead or taxied nearby, "Avoiding the need for air travel, they would just go from place to place according to an agenda already mapped out. Sir Galen figured it would work and for the most part he was right."
Arriving by taxi an hour later at their destination in Paris, Randy helped Gina get the girls settled in their temporary home for the week. Gina Baldwin both a mother and an educator needed time to become acquainted her step-children as did Randy. It had not been lost on either Randy or Gina for both Irena and Nina to raise their hands when called by name. Why did both Irena and Nina do so in the first place? In a school environment such as a classroom that would be acceptable but in a public place it would be both out of place and odd.
There was the matter of their training as well. Just how much education in the art of killing did Irena and Nina receive? Would there be a danger for Corey and Ashley to interact with the two young girls? It had been another reason that Randy had chosen to stay near where Mireille and Kirika lived. If things got out of hand, Mireille and Kirika would be able to assist. Randy hoped he would not have to utilize their services.
Sister Kanna arrived late that evening with the Land Rover, carrying a hand written letter from Sister Katrina. Reading the letter and writing a short reply that thanked Sister Katrina for her assistance Randy drove Sister Kanna to the train station where she would travel back to the convent.
While Randy was gone, Gina Baldwin discovered some answers to Randy's questions as to Irena and Nina's behavior. Identical twins, Irena and Nina were a mirror image. Irena was right handed, Nina was left handed. When called by name their habit of raising their arms was a way to tell them apart individually.
Irena explained to a stunned Gina Baldwin that if either she or Nina had failed to raise their hands when called, each would be struck by their "teachers" if they did not do so. Mireille who had come over to the rented home to stay with Gina had noted earlier that Irena and Nina both had cringed when she had approached the young girls while at the convent.
Gina regaining her composer delved into the delicate issue of how much offensive and defensive training that Irena and Nina had received, "Irena can you please tell me what kind of things you and Nina were taught?" Irena replied, "We were taught to kill people, but neither me nor Nina enjoyed it." Mireille frowned, "What kind of things were you taught? Please demonstrate without causing harm to anyone."
Irena using Nina demonstrated various techniques, which astonished even Mireille; who had Irena stop. Mireille looked at Gina, "Both apparently are well versed in the art of killing by hand. Being supplied the drug which removed their inhibitions to killing made both Irena and Nina thoughtless killers."
Gina musing replied, "Being taught to be able to kill with their hands was bad enough, but giving those firearms to them was even worse." Mireille removing the magazine and the live round from her Walther asked Irena and Nina to dismantle then reassemble the weapon. Both Irena and Nina completed the field stripping of the Walther in what Mireille regarded as record time.
Randy returning from the train station observed the bizarre testing being conducted by Mireille in the kitchen, "Mireille? Is that really necessary?" as Randy set several bags of groceries on the counter. Mireille replied, "It was necessary to understand their skill levels."
Randy sat at the table next to Irena, and took her hand into his "Irena from this point forward neither you nor your sister is to either pick up, handle or even fire a weapon without permission from me or your mother. Is that understood?" Irena and Nina both smiling replied, "Yes Father."
Randy looked at Gina, "What is the plan for tomorrow?" Gina smiled, "Shopping. Lots and lots of shopping," as Randy raised an eyebrow and replied "Well I suppose Irena and Nina need some new clothes, just take it easy on the wardrobe. We can get them more things when we get back to the States."
Randy with Gina took Irena and Nina to their bedroom and put them into bed. Seeing that both girls went fast to sleep, Gina and Randy returned to the kitchen, where Mireille had finished putting away the groceries.
Gina heating hot water for tea sat at the table with her husband and Mireille, "Randy both Irena and Nina are well versed in the defensive and offensive arts of the assassin trade. Mireille's having them demonstrate their weapons knowledge was even more enlightening." Randy picking up the kettle poured the hot water into Gina's cup then Mireille's.
Randy thought a moment, "Gina? What about the overall educational level of Irena and Nina?" Gina sighed, "They both have been well educated, though how they were educated does disgust me. You might have noted they would cringe if we approached them when we admonished them for something that they might have done wrong."
Randy nodded, "I saw that when we were at the convent, I took it as something that they would do normally."
Gina shook her head no, "Irena stated that when either she or Nina made a mistake their "teachers" would physically hit them. There is a right and wrong way to teach; physically striking a student when they make a mistake is morally wrong and unacceptable."
Randy sighed, "What about their raising of hands or I should say their entire arms when either were called? Is that something that was ingrained to them during their instructional lessons?"
Mireille interrupted, "It was apparently part of the educational process. When either was called on, they would have to raise their hands in order to be recognized. Though after a period of time, one should be able to tell Irena and Nina apart in terms of individual mannerisms," Gina in agreement nodded "Randy Irena is right handed and Nina is left handed. It is a common situation in twins, where though they may be exactly identical there are minuscule differences."
Randy leaned back in his chair, "Ok, so we can tell them apart in that fashion. What about language skills? They obviously read and write English, what others have you been able to find out?" Gina frowned, "Their language skills are astonishing. They both can read and write German, French, Italian, and Spanish and of course English, but this one I could not understand neither could Mireille. Sliding the note book tablet over to her husband, Gina took a sip of her tea as Randy read the tablet, "It is Russian."
Gina looked in astonishment at the writing "You can read that?" as Randy nodded "Yes as well as speak it." Mireille laughed, "You are surprising Monsieur."
Saturday, July 9th 0800 hours, Paris, France
Randy Baldwin kissed Gina along with Irena and Nina goodbye at the United States Embassy. Needing to return the borrowed equipment, Randy also needed to talk shop with Ned Smith. Kirika Yumura and Mireille Bouquet would act as escorts during the shopping trip so Randy had little worry if anything untoward took place. Who would in their right mind would even bother his wife and his step-daughters with Noir present.
Ned Smith standing next to Randy Baldwin watched the Land Rover drive out through the security barrier then turned to his old friend, "I suppose you have something you want to talk about?" Randy grinned, "You could say that Ned. Let's get inside."
Ned wheeling the equipment cases on the hand truck opened a walk-in vault and placed the equipment on the shelf, then with a wave of his hand directed his visitor to his office.
Ned retrieved two folders and handed both to Randy as he sat in a chair near the desk, "Tabitha sent the paperwork to retire you again. As far as the Agency is concerned your involvement is completed. Just sign at the red X and you are done." Randy read the paperwork and then the letter head bearing the Presidential Seal, "I guess the old man is relieved," as he signed.
Ned Smith sighed, "In more ways than one. Frankly, I was completely in the dark so was I guess the old man as well. Those two women with you, I remember them from last October just who the heck are they?" Randy frowned, "Ned. You really do not want to know. Just leave it at that." Ned nodded, "Considering what has gone on, I do not need to know. Oh yeah, Tabitha said for you to read the London Times, the obit section."
Ned retrieved the news paper and handed it to Randy who opened it to the suggested must read section, "Sir Richard Galen, dead at age 61 in motor carriage accident…"
Randy read the article and mused silently, "Well to stage his death by being involved in an accident with a tractor trailer then having a fire to boot someone worked rather fast, too bad about the Jaguar."
Handing the paper back to Ned, Randy opened the second folder, "You forwarded the tablets to the Agency lab in Virginia? Ned nodded, "Yes by overnight diplomatic pouch. The private clinic was fine for the routine stuff, but the lab boys and girls wanted the real McCoy to work on. They were able to get a good reading on all components. Nasty stuff, if taken long enough would induce after a period of time memory loss among other things. The folks back at the lab were given estimation as to how long both girls were exposed to the drug. They advised had they continued to take them for another month, that there would have eventually been brain damage. In short, you got to them in time."
Randy sighed, "I have a lead onto where the drug was manufactured. According to a reliable source it is here in France. I think that the Agency should inform the local authorities in some fashion."
Ned Smith leaned back in his chair, "Do you have a specific location or just a general region?" Randy withdrew an envelope and passed it to Ned who opened it, "Son-of-a-Bitch. Damn Randy that is close-by." Ned turned and retrieved a printout and handed it to Randy who read the contents, "A private school? How did the Germans find out about it?"
Ned shrugged his shoulders, "An incident two days ago. It seems a female student from the school went to a nearby German village and raised unholy hell. Our Agency Chief in Berlin picked it up from the local news and decided to follow-up. Read the print out."
Randy read the rather dry details, "Young girl, estimated age of 13 to 14 years of age entered small village where she began to randomly attack passer-by's. Local police responded and were incapacitated by the young girl. Additional reinforcements were called and responded. Young girl apparently well versed in weapons having disarmed the initial responding officers, engaged the reinforcements in a running gun battle back to school grounds where upon running out of ammunition she then engaged the police officers in hand to hand combat. Six additional officers were either injured or wounded during melee. The girl is finally taken into custody after being tasered, and after receiving no acknowledgement from administrators of private school, authorities entered the grounds and found nineteen additional students. The young girl was medically found to be under the influence of an unknown drug. The other students are still being medically examined."
Randy set the printout on the desk, "Oh my god." Ned? Do you have confirmation as to what the girl was under the influence of?" Ned shook his head no, "Not yet. The Germans are keeping things to themselves for the time being. Is there a connection with your two kids and the ones at this private school?"
Randy sighed, "Yeah I think so. Do me a favor and have the Berlin Agency Chief do some more digging and perhaps it would be wise to forward to the German authorities the composition of the drug. It will help their doctors to treat the effects of the drug. I know it is sensitive but they need to know." Ned nodded, "Ok as you wish. I'll have Berlin get cracking on the school itself. Anything in particular you want to know?" Randy standing to leave, "Yes, I want to know everything that the German authorities know and more. I want to know just what the hell went on there and who supported the school as well. Tabitha will take an interest in this. Oh yeah by the way, that drug facility? Have it raided and shut down or I will do it myself. If I have to do it, there will be nothing but a big frigging crater left when I am done. Good day Ned."
Ned Smith leaned back in his chair watching Randy Baldwin leave. Musing a moment, Ned Smith picked up the phone and started making calls. Three hours later, French authorities acting on an anonymous tip raided a small but well equipped pharmaceutical factory located west of Paris, France.