Running For Their Lives

Chapter One - NSB Headquarters - 8/12/84 - 4:00am

Steve staggered groggily into the NSB conference room, ignored Hansen and Kirk and spoke directly to his boss. "Oscar, you know how much I love these middle of the night calls - and seeing these two at this hour is a really special treat - so what's up?"

Oscar's face was deathly serious. "There was a break-in last night at the Pentagon; the War Room."

"That's supposed to be impenetrable," Steve interrupted.

"It was."

"Did they catch someone?"

"Yup. Subject is charged with Burglary, Destruction of Government Property, Felony Theft of Government Records...and Double Homicide. Two guards were killed."

"Shot?" Steve asked.

"Broken necks," Hansen told him grimly.

"So why am I here?" Steve wondered. "You need me to do an interrogation? I'm sure you've got better people for that -"

"Steve -"

"I mean, I could give it a shot, but -"

"Steve," Oscar said quietly, "go take a look at the prisoner in Interrogation Room A. But look through the one-way glass; don't open the door."

Steve walked down the hall, peered through the glass, and felt as though someone had punched him in the chest, stealing all his air. He literally couldn't breath, couldn't move. Seated at the table in the tiny room, in shackles and chains, looking confused, frightened and very much alone, was...Jaime. Steve nearly sank to his knees in shock. He didn't see Oscar standing behind him until the older man placed a hand on his shoulder to bring him back to reality.

"Oscar," he said, very slowly, "please tell me that's Lisa Galloway."

"Sorry, Pal. Lisa's locked up under heavy guard in the federal pen."

"Which is where she's going," Hansen said, joining them. "If I don't have her executed."

Oscar looked angrily toward the NSB Director. "Do you suppose you and your lackey could conduct your business somewhere else for a little while, and let me talk to my operative?"

"Which one? The ex-pilot who crashed a 30-million dollar project, or the double-murderer?"

Oscar's face and neck turned crimson with rage. "Go, Jack. Now."

"Nice people you got working for you Goldman - some real winners," Hansen said snidely as he and Kirk boarded the elevator.

"Ignore him," Oscar told Steve. "Let's go back to the conference room."

It took Steve several minutes after they were re-seated before he could speak. "That's not Jaime...it can't be."

"When was the last time you saw her, Pal?"

"About six months ago, we had our physicals with Rudy at the same time."

"How was she then?"

"No different than usual. Oscar - Jaime would die before she'd betray her country. You know that."

"I do. But I have to deal with facts, here, Steve. She hasn't worked for me in quite awhile, because she was so upset and bitter when they denied her retirement. I've been giving her an unofficial retirement and pretty much leaving her to herself. Anything could've happened. She could've grown angrier, could've been offered a truckload of money -"

"There is no way!" Steve shook his head emphatically. "Is she telling you she's Jaime? What did she say?"

"Nothing. So far, she hasn't uttered a word."

"Here's a solution for you: cut a finger on her right hand. When she bleeds, you'll know she's not Jaime."

"I had to get a court order to do that; it just arrived. I've got Rudy on his way, and he's going to take a blood sample for DNA testing. He'll make a small cut on her right index finger at the same time," Oscar explained.

Steve nodded. "What did you need me to do?"

"In the meantime, like I told you, she's refused to say a word. You've known Jaime pretty much her whole life. I'd like you, if you think you can handle it, to go in there and try to talk with her. Look in her eyes..."

"And tell you if I see Jaime or a stranger?"

"Basically, yes."

"Ok," Steve agreed. "Maybe she'll even talk to me."

"Thanks, Pal. I know this is difficult, and I do appreciate it."

Steve nodded again and headed back down the hall.