NOIR

Chapter Three

Substitute

By Steve Edward

Sunday, April 2nd, 1300 Hours, Le Charmel International School of Academia

Gina Baldwin had viewed the white board at the head of the classroom with disdain then returning to the storage cabinet removed instructional materials that she had to sort.

Outside of the classroom, a squeaking noise approached then the source, a flat bed cart pushed by Oliver Heaton entered the classroom.

Oliver reached down then lifted a box setting it on the counter spoke, "Madam Baldwin, I located the new text books. I brought them up for you. How are things progressing?"

Gina setting the study materials aside replied, "Considering that the council had begun packing things up before the trustee intervened; just marvelous. How did the review of the transcripts go?"

Heaton replied, "All are up to date at least for the department, but most records still were not transferred from the previous week, I suspect in part due to the sudden departure of the original teacher."

Gina replied, "A joint work session with other departments?" Oliver spoke, "A necessary evil and the quickest route to have things in order for the review by the Education Ministry. The transcripts await our pens." Oliver gazed about the classroom then his eyes fell upon the whiteboard at the head of the room then said, "Oh my. That needs to be cleaned."

Gina spoke, "I'll take care of it." Oliver pulling the cart with him said, "You would not think someone would go that far would you?" Gina replied as she said, "Death threats written in the heat of the moment do not necessarily mean that they will be carried out; but it shows the childish behavior of that who wrote it, Monsieur Heaton."

Waiting until Oliver was well down the hallway; Gina retrieved the digital camera in her purse and standing at the rear of the room, snapped off several photographs.

Kelly Summers entered the foyer of the Baldwin Foundation passing the unoccupied desk of Adeline Adora then entered the inner offices. The Watch Room where ongoing operations of the Baldwin Foundation were monitored occupied by several men and women; an intern named Timothy May stepped out upon seeing her.

"Good afternoon Ms. Summers," said Timothy. Kelly sitting at her desk and logging into her workstation replied, "And to you Mister May. Timothy, I have a list of people I want checked out beginning with a man named Sanford Christopher who is a French National. Start locally and then spiral out the search for information. I know its Sunday, but it can not wait till Monday."

Timothy accepting the list, headed for the Watch Room and his workstation.

Mireille Bouquet adjusted her wrap slightly then said, "Your choice of transportation Monsieur is surprising considering you are attending a diplomatic function." Randy letting the clutch out on the Land Rover Defender replied, "I am not here to show off Madam Bouquet."

It had been awkward to ask Mireille to accompany him because of the argument they had. However, she conceded since Gina would normally have been with him. Randy, had decided to be low key and chose the Defender; which was the same vehicle the twins Irena and Nina with Kelly Summers had charged into the middle of gun battle some two years earlier.

Compared to the other vehicles lining up for entry into the compound, it was a tank and it was low key to boot. Entering the search area, a uniformed Marine in Class A blues approached and taking his invitation stepped back.

Mireille said quietly, "Like shooting fish in a barrel and if a bomb goes off the blast is directed upward," as she gazed around the vehicle at the blast barriers.

Receiving the signal to proceed, Baldwin drove through the main gate, then following directions of the embassy staff turned into the visitor parking area instead of following the limousines.

Exiting the Defender, and walking to the passenger door; Baldwin opened it and taking the hand of Mireille Bouquet helped her exit the vehicle then together they walked to a side entrance where a Marine opened the gate and allowed them to enter the garden.

Most of the attendee's were mid-level representative types who were in essence messengers. While one, would read in their newspapers or see in newscasts that diplomatic relations may be rocky on the official level; it was vastly different on unofficial levels.

Baldwin used these events to convey his own messages and to receive. Alfred Stolzberg once said to him "Listen to the concerns and not the rhetoric. Give them an out option; never back them into a corner."

"I say old man, how does one get away with bringing such beauty while still married," said a British accented voice from behind Baldwin. Mireille replied for him and said to the speaker, "When his wife gives her permission and she is unavoidably busy to attend."

Randy turned to greet the speaker, Roderick Barton. Keeping his expression neutral, Randy spoke "So how are things on the British side of the Channel?"

Roderick replied, "Considering how well the program developed by your foundation is progressing; most satisfactorily. I was going to discuss some differences with your wife but they can wait for now, however I have been hoping to see Ian since he supported the same program for use in France. Have you seen him yet?"

Randy spoke, "Just arrived. Anything particular going around under the table?" as Roderick moving off replied, "You might check with your Homeland Security representative. It seems there was a recent success, but those that took credit are not responsible."

When Baldwin spotted who was the Homeland Security representative he said to Mireille "Looks like an old friend is back amongst us," Mireille Bouquet turning to see whom Randy was looking at replied, "I see. Monsieur Smith."

Ned Smith, formerly the Central Intelligence Agency Station Chief of the embassy had paused at the outdoor buffet putting together his plate when he spied Baldwin and then the woman next to him.

Putting down the tongs, Ned picked up his plate and headed for them. Looking in the direction of an unoccupied table at the rear of the garden, he signaled to Randy that they would meet there.

Randy stopped at the nearly deserted coffee table to place his order along with Mireille's, and then taking the drinks, he followed Ned Smith. Setting the drinks onto the table then assisting Mireille with her chair, Randy took his seat.

Ned spoke, "Well what as surprise. Randy, Madam Bouquet; it has been a while." Mireille replied, "Indeed it has Monsieur Smith. You are now with the American Homeland Security?"

Ned studied his plate of food then said, "About a year now. Got too good at busting smuggling and what I was doing caught their eye."

"It would not have anything to do with the attempt to smuggle a Russian Hind Twenty-Four Military Attack Helicopter through Savannah last year would it?" said Randy with a smile. Ned looking around then leaning forward slightly replied, "Uh no comment."

Mireille spoke, "A gunship?" Randy nodded, "Inside a shipping container disassembled and complete with rocket launchers. Customs agents using a shore side scanner found it. Good work on that one Ned."

"Well if someone bought it on EBay, I hope they got their money back," said Ned. Taking a bite of his food, Ned swallowed then said, "Seriously that was a wild tip. Stateside agents are still trying to find the buyer. Anyway how are things with the twins both big and small?"

Randy spoke, "All doing well, though the little ones are in their terrible two's. Multiply that by two and you get the picture. As for Irena and Nina they have adjusted and will be entering collage soon though I am debating the merits of those stateside with those here."

Ned replied, "My God it has been that long too, nearly four years."

Randy spoke, "Time does fly, but changing subjects Roderick Barton made mention about a recent success. What did that Brit know that I don't?"

Ned reaching beneath his jacket withdrew his PDA and set it up right facing Baldwin then spoke, "Ever hear of a guy nicknamed Ammar the Trapper?" Randy shook his head then replied, "No, not familiar. Who is he?"

Ned spoke, "Should be was. Anyway, the man was a member of al Qaeda. Bomb maker and teacher, coalition forces had been hunting for him in western Iraq and eastern Syria.

He got the trapper nickname from the devices he built. Set a small one for a decoy and it go boom and you send in a heavy armored to check the area out. When the inquisitive heavy gets into the right spot, a bigger boom and you loose the heavy and in the worst case the crew operating it."

Randy spoke, "I know we lost some Abrahams, was it because of this Ammar?" Ned taking another bite replied, "Yes and the brass wanted his proverbial head. However, a funny thing happened last week. Intel received a report on where Ammar had hold up right down to the Latitude and Longitude so they sent a team in to deactivate the problem. Only thing was when the strike team gets there, no resistance. You could say that what they found was a ghost town of tents."

Ned reached over to his PDA and pressing a key displayed the photograph of the late Ammar then spoke, "Ammar was wily as they come. Small group, always on the move and training eager students on the fly, so the strike team came in under darkness and hot but had nothing to shoot at. Who ever took out Ammar did it systematically and by ground too boot. Outer guards first, then the middle and finally the inner. After that, Ammar was likely the last one alive and faced his killer alone, which is of course if he woke up. The strike team leader figured he had been dead at least twenty-four hours."

Randy noting that Mireille was wearing a satisfied expression replied, "So what is the big deal? The al Qaeda bomber is dead." Ned jabbing a sausage spoke, "Well the thing is we don't know who did it. The story by the way about a Marine patrol finding him is a cover story for the original strike team. It will be released stateside, Monday."

Randy adjusting his chair glanced at Mireille who seemed focused on Ned's PDA. She was smiling.

Randy spoke, "So no one took credit?" Ned seeing Mireille's expression replied "Nope. Damn big mystery and I have heard the brass want to give a medal to the person who pulled it off." Changing subjects, Randy spoke "So what exactly are you doing back in Europe Ned?"

Ned Smith replied, "Working with counter-terrorism people. The smuggling has been a focus point. That little undercover stunt your foundation pulled got a lot of attention. That reporter who wrote the expose on the smuggling highlighted the fact that besides human trafficking, one could get certain things through with little inspection. As a result it has been high priority to get the technology in place to at least begin rudimentary inspections."

Mireille replied, "Dedicated scanners for rail cargo?" Ned spoke "Yes, but they have to be high-speed. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to scan a cargo container. Mathematically wise to "scan" each container on a railcar it can cause innumerable delays. Trains of course have to keep certain schedules and you add that disruption to the turnaround time of a container ship, shipping companies start screaming. Then there is the "Just in Time" supply chain that many companies use today to save money. Screw up and cause a shipment of left hand door handles to be late and you can shut down an entire factory for 24 hours or more, then of course no cars leaving the factory screws up more shipping."

Randy did not envy Smith's job, one that required him to balance the needs of the United States with that of those who were his counterparts in Europe. There would be no sense of peace and safety until the world rid of the likes of Bin Laden and other terrorists who wanted to subjugate those to their views with threats of violence and despair.

Ned spying another contact said, "Nice talking to the both of you, but I have rounds to make. Enjoy the party." Then getting his plate, Ned wandered off as Ian Falk coming from the buffet joined Randy and Mireille.

Ian taking the seat previously occupied by Ned spoke "Monsieur Baldwin, good to see that you could make it."

Sunday, April 2nd, 1500 Hours, Le Charmel, France

Sanford Christopher gently swirled the wine within the glass then sniffing slightly to sense the aroma, bringing the wine glass to his lips, sipped and rolled the drink across his tongue. Setting the glass down onto the table, he sat back in his chair and looked at his visitor.

In a heavy accent of German, the visitor said, "It appears Herr Christopher that your intent to close the school was by-passed. We had an agreement that this would be done. Please explain yourself?"

Sanford spoke "A minor setback. The headmistress had sought the help of an American teacher to finish the quarter and somehow the American had the request reversed. No matter, with the Ministry of Education conducting a review of the school, they will find that my request was indeed valid."

The German replied "This American? What is her name?" Sanford spoke "A Mrs. Gina Baldwin." The German showing a slight surprise replied, "The wife of Herr Randy Baldwin? She is at the school?" Sanford spoke "I did not pay close attention to whether she is married to a certain individual, this Randy Baldwin why would you show such concern; I found nothing of interest in her credentials."

The German spoke, "Herr Christopher, this Gina Baldwin is married to the head of the Baldwin Foundation. He has caused problems for others in the past. In all likelihood it was he who had the closure order reversed, not the woman."

Sanford replied, "Then what about the trustee? Have you heard of a barrister named Lucio Magnus?"

"Yes, the name and that of his occupation is familiar," said the German. Christopher spoke, "He has seen to it that I and the council are barred from acting on any further school matters and he has the Ministry of Education sending observers. They will be here Monday. I can not proceed further with them present."

The German replied, "I will handle that matter. Still as council president, you have certain rights to be present at the school, see to it that you are Christopher. That will be all, and good afternoon Herr Christopher."

Sunday, April 2nd, 1700 Hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Paris, France

"So you think you can get someone to deliver the booklets I need by tonight?" said the voice of Gina Baldwin to Lehman Hermes the duty officer inside the Watch Room.

Lehman replied, "It will not be a problem Mrs. Baldwin, I will have the duty courier dispatched and on the way to you in an hour. Where should he drop the items off at?"

Gina Baldwin looking at main hallway of the Administrative Building replied, "Main entrance of the Administrative Building will be fine, have it addressed to me clearly and wrapped for the elements just in case." Lehman acknowledged the request, and then hung up.

Lehman opened the work schedule then seeing whom the listed courier for the evening, picked up the phone and punched a preprogrammed button. Waiting a few moments, he pressed another then hearing the beep that the page had gone through replaced the handset.

The Land Rover Defender's presence in traffic had given a silent warning to other drivers that they should be giving it a wide birth. That was some comfort to Randy, who had witnessed some of the driving habits of the citizens of Paris. The solid steel body and reinforced protective bumpers with off road brush guards ensured anyone meeting it would remember the encounter. About the only other vehicles, which would bother it were larger trucks or another Land Rover.

Mireille Bouquet spoke, "How did Monsieur Falk find reviewers on such short notice?" Randy finding an opening and taking it despite the outraged honking of horns replied, "They were originally scheduled of course, but when the councils request came through he had merely told the review team that it had been delayed. You were there when he called the team leader and told her to proceed onto Le Charmel."

Mireille replied, "Still to be able to have such a contact within a government ministry is impressive. Your foundation has opened numerous inroads." Randy glancing at Mireille to see if in any fashion that she was joking said, "Cultivating friendships as we go. I still prefer keeping it low key."

Signaling the turn into the parking garage, Randy slowed as a familiar Vespa and rider entered the drive ahead of him. It was Risto Ganic. Following the Vespa, Randy entered the parking area reserved for the foundation and parking the Land Rover; exited the vehicle with Mireille. Risto removing his helmet, waved at Randy as he held the elevator.

Mireille silently appraised Risto as she entered the elevator with Randy. The young man was dressed casually but with protective riding gear in the appropriate places.

Risto spoke haltingly in English, "Mister uh Monsieur Herms requested I deliver material need by Madam um Mrs. Baldwin. Study books um pamphlets?" Randy replied "Study books? That is interesting, and all the way out there to Le Charmel on a Vespa, not exactly a fun ride. I got something else for you make the trip. See Herms first then stop at my office."

Arriving at the main entrance, Randy with Mireille proceeded past the Watch Room towards his office. On the way, Mireille heard a familiar voice sending her greetings, "Madam Bouquet good evening," said Kelly Summers as she came to her feet.

Mireille seeing Kelly replied, "And to you Madam Summers. It is good to see you again."

Randy said, "Perhaps we can continue this in my office," as he glanced at the Watch Room. Kelly Summers replied, "Yes Sir." Followed by Kelly and Mireille; Randy continued to his office where he closed the door and offered seats to both women.

Randy removing the tie and sitting at his desk spoke, "Kelly? What did you find out about the council members and their president Sanford Christopher?"

Kelly replied, "I transferred the files to your work station that we have so far been able to put together. They are in PDF format. Topping the list is Christopher. Frankly, how he is still on the council at a private school is beyond me; however, he is a concern since the former teacher that left suddenly alleges that she did so because Christopher tried to rape her."

The slight twitch above Baldwin's left eyebrow was the only indication of his hidden anger that Mireille noted, but the tone of his voice changed and softened as he replied "The former teacher, Tamara James?" Kelly spoke, "Yes Sir. She did not contact authorities out of fear that it would be a he said she said. Christopher apparently wielded a nasty pen too. He was holding her employment transcript over her head. If she said anything, he would release it. If she left the country, he would merely send a transcript that reflected her accomplishments of being an excellent teacher."

Mireille spoke, "He blackmailed her?" Randy said, "James was participating in a teacher exchange program. If one does not do well, the program administrators will not be so inclined to have a teacher with a poor record participating. When James returned to the United States to a teaching position there, the record of her work in the exchange program would become available to any seeking to employ her. Those prospective employers would also be inclined not to have her in their classrooms." Kelly replied, "In essence raping her all over again, and she could do little to complain."

Randy spoke, "I presume you did have her seek medical attention?" Kelly replied, "It took a bit of persuading; but the clinic reported she had checked in. She was bruised badly, but no direct contact though Christopher did leave some semen on her undergarments. The guy is a snake and that is Ms. James words not mine."

Randy spoke, "What about this incident in Berlin, Germany? I see that he was charged with molestation; that should have precluded him from even being at that school or even on the council."

Kelly replied, "Not sure exactly since it was never prosecuted. The courts in Berlin are closed so I cannot get to the records however, the victim and parents suddenly declined to go through with the charges. As for how he wrangled a position on the council get this; Christopher began sponsoring both the boy and girl soccer teams a year ago and went so far as to buy them new buses to get them to games, buying uniforms and equipment too."

Mireille replied, "He then perhaps bough his seat? However, if I am to understand correctly Le Charmel School of Academia is not a high-ranking school, but performs well with its education programs. The down turn only came recently?"

Randy replied, "The Council controls the purse strings, but what the headmistress provided to me is completely different that what is on file at the Ministry of Education. Christopher in his position has slowly been able to whittle away those that attend the school. The boiler explosion, the accident involving one of the buses and an incident within the school gymnasium where the parallel bars collapsed during exercises made parents who sent their children there unnerved."

Kelly spoke, "Lucio sent a quick e-mail to advise that they will have 175 confirmed in attendance by Monday. To be viable the school has to have at least 250. If they do not get the numbers raised, tuition rates will have to go up after the spring break. He states the reviewers will consider those numbers when they submit their reports. If the Ministry disallows the increase over the spring break, then the school's last effective day of operation is Friday."

Randy paused as the knock on the door came and giving permission to enter, he stood as Risto Ganic walked into the office with Lehman Hermes. Lehman spoke, "Sorry to disturb you Sir, however Mister Ganic said you wanted to see him?"

Randy replied, "Yes I did. Since he has to go to Le Charmel, Monsieur Ganic needs a ride to handle the job."

Opening a desk drawer, Randy removed a set of ignition keys and tossed them in the air to Risto who caught them deftly. Risto looked at the keys and the ring attached to the emblem engraved in silver and the letters highlighted in blue. Risto looking first at Lehman then Randy said, "BMW?"

Randy replied, "It is a K 1200 GT with a deep graphite metallic paint job. Consider it a company vehicle. You have the experience to handle it and it has the saddlebags to carry the study booklets. Just be sure to balance the bike out properly. Do you have your instructions already?" Risto nodded then said in French, "Deliver to main entrance of Administration Building. Ensure they are protected from the elements before leaving." Lehman spoke, "Those are the instructions from your wife Sir. Should there be any changes?" Randy replied, "What Gina says goes. Have a safe trip, Monsieur Ganic."

The Baldwin household was quiet except for the soft sounds of recorded Japanese string music. A scent of jasmine tingling ones senses gently, caressing the inner soul rose from incense sticks.

Kirika Yumura studied both her subjects, Olivia and Harmony Baldwin. Both were as Kirika sitting properly on either side of the low table that separated them and each like Kirika were wearing kimonos.

Arrayed on both side of the twins were the remaining Baldwin household. Corey and Ashley with Irena and Nina attired in respective Japanese style clothing were sitting on either side as Kirika was instructing Olivia and Harmony in proper etiquette, something that some would have said was too early for the rambunctious twins. However, Kirika recalled the Baldwin's nanny in Tokyo, Saya who handled the twins with a calm demeanor never raising her voice.

Saya's approach had worked very well, but Saya declined to return to the United States with the Baldwin's and the twins once out of her sight and control reverted to being the "Terrible Duo". Kirika using psychology and a change of wardrobe had the twins believing at least for the time being that she was Saya.

When she and Mireille arrived at the guesthouse, Kirika wearing her kimono given to her by the Baldwins on her birthday had entered the house first ahead of Mireille. The twins recharged after their "nap" in the park were raising the roof. Olivia the first to see Kirika stopped in her tracks then clearly speaking Japanese called out to her sibling Harmony. The dead silence that followed was remarkable and Randy doing a double take said "Saya? What the heck, where did you come from?"

Kirika's uncanny resemblance to the Japanese nanny had fooled the "Terrible Duo". Kirika/Saya ushering the twins back to their playroom told them to sit and both did. Then closing the door, Kirika/Saya said to Randy "I will baby sit them on one condition and that is to enforce proper discipline and etiquette and your remaining children will participate. They do have their Japanese clothing here?"

Nearly speechless Baldwin replied, "Uh no problem Kirika. You could pass as Saya's double which might benefit us and I do believe the kids have their wardrobe from Japan." Kirika spoke, "Do not mock my dress Monsieur Baldwin. I am doing this as a favor to Madam Baldwin. Is that understood?" Randy replied, "Clearly."

The chiming of the clock announced the time as the front door opened. Gregor, who had remained in the hallway, came to a sitting position. Kirika Yumura seeing the dog's reaction spoke, "Your father and Madam Bouquet have returned."

Randy entering the playroom stopped and surveyed the scene then said "Any problems Saya," the question in Japanese for the benefit of Olivia and Harmony. Kirika replied in kind, "None, Master Baldwin. They were well behaved. I will prepare them for bed." Kirika/Saya rising to her feet seemed to glide around the table then encouraging the twins to follow; she led them off to their room.

Mireille watching the procession disappear from view spoke "I will have this to say for Kirika. Her patience was tested. You will be wise not to draw her ire any time soon Monsieur."

Randy hearing a thud turned to see Corey topple over replied "I will remember that," as Corey groaning spoke "My legs! They fell asleep." Ashley managing to stand replied, "Corey little brother. How many times have I and your step-sisters told you to wiggle your toes when sitting like that, jeez!"

Nina moved over to where Corey still laying on his side spoke, "One can massage your legs. One minute and they will be fine," as Irena joining her began rubbing Corey's legs to restore circulation.

Randy spoke, "Me and Mireille will be in the study. I believe you can change to normal clothes, just keep things quiet."

Sunday, April 2nd, 1900 Hours, Le Charmel School of Academia

Gina stirred the coffee in her cup thoughtfully, as she reread the e-mail she had sent to her husband with the photo attachments. Using the wireless network, instead of the schools intranet system precluded anyone on campus from reading the message she had sent.

The distant rumble of thunder announcing the approaching storm front filtered through the open window of the staff quarters, which she had taken up residence. Satisfied that her message would not alarm her husband, Gina closed the e-mail program then shut down the laptop and put it away.

Returning to the table, she brought the class lesson book and began her own review of what she was to teach. She had been outside watching the last of the students arrive, returning to their dorms for the beginning of the weeks class. Headmistress Camus stressed that commuting to and from school was both a waste of time and stressful for students eager to learn. The soft chimes sounded at 1800 hours, signaling to all students present on campus to return to their dorms and for those arriving to quickly check in and return to their rooms for evening studies.

Lucio Magnus making his own rounds had announced in passing that the school week would begin with an additional five students, bringing the number to 180. It had been encouraging to hear for Gina.

The Watch Room quiet except for the noise of cooling fans circulating air conditioning among the computers and the soft hushed voices of those on duty was where Timothy May continued his background research.

Hermes was nearby speaking softly into his headset with his counter-parts in Atlanta and Tokyo in real-time by satellite, the respective offices had their own on-going missions taking place and staying together on the proper page was important.

Adding the last of his research to the investigative file on the school council members, May turned his attention to a seemingly insignificant item relating to the school itself.

Historically, the school had never been in the public eye in the past except perhaps when one of its soccer teams or gymnastic members had made significant contributions to their respective sports.

However, this piece of information dating prior to the establishment of the school on the grounds of the former winery garnered more of Timothy's interest so much so he interrupted Hermes. "Mister Hermes? Would you look at this and give me your take on it?"

Lehman Hermes turned in his chair and began reading the article. Moving his chair closer Lehman said, "So Le Charmel was the site of a German Military Garrison, what about it Timothy?" May replied, "Read the next section, it concerns Le Charmel after Paris was liberated in August of 1944; the Germans were on the run and had looted Paris of art work and other valuables before it fell. Guess where a lot of it went?"

Lehman spoke, "Le Charmel? However, that would be stupid still too close to the front lines. What is that see archival notes about?" Timothy clicking on the link read the new information then said, "Remember bad ass Hitler had his heart dead set on invading England at the beginning of the war? He ordered invasion script for issue in preparation of invasion. Paper script is about useless, but how about coinage, gold and silver to be precise."

Lehman spoke, "Mister May, you have authorization to expand historical research. I guess the National War Archives will be earning some badly needed money; get to it."

Timothy typing access codes, connected within moments to the duty archivist in Washington D.C. who read the initial request then activating her camera replied, "Good evening to you in Paris Mister May. What format do you desire the information?"

Timothy spoke, "PDF format for written, direct scan of any negatives set for TIF format. Video footage records standard US format." The woman making notes replied, "Time estimate is three hours." Timothy said, "Acknowledged, thank you Ms. William, disconnecting."

Sunday, April 2nd, 2000 Hours, Foundation Guest House, Paris, France

The e-mail attachments from Gina Baldwin displayed on the large screen Plasma Monitor were of a high-resolution digital quality. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura studied each closely with Randy Baldwin.

Mireille commenting on the photographs of the damage to the Science Building said, "The exterior view is remarkable, the builders had designed what appeared to be decorative panels into the building structure to give way to overpressure of a boiler explosion. The design seemed to work."

Randy replied, "Someone did their homework. Same principle used today by certain airlines for their baggage compartments. The Israeli airline EL AL for example has blowouts installed on all their major passenger aircraft, so that if a bomb did get onboard the blast takes out the panels leaving the plane still able to fly. Still there is structural damage, but nothing that can't be repaired."

The next photos were of the oddly camouflaged covered bridge as Kirika spoke, "Madam Baldwin made fun of her transportation a golf cart. The covered bridge until seen up close has the appearance of being ancient. Without examining it directly, one could assume it has considerable weight supporting capabilities."

Randy reading the description of the bridge in his wife's e-mail replied, "Lucio went with her on a tour of the campus. He found a build date of 1943 and what's more a weight plate in German signifying the capacity at 75 metric tons."

Mireille thought a moment then said, "It would have been able to support a tank, but 75 metric tons? What kind of tank weighed that much in World War Two?"

Randy doing a quick search on World War Two German armor replied, "Only one vehicle even came close to that and it was the Tiger 2, which weighed in at 69 tons full combat load. Lousy combat vehicle, overweight and badly underpowered; few could even touch it, much less engage it, Allied troops resorted to using towed field artillery pieces to take them out."

Kirika spoke, "Perhaps Le Charmel was a German Command Center during the war?" Randy reviewing the notes on the school replied, "A French collaborator apparently sympathetic to the Germans allowed them to use the winery buildings. The details are sketchy, but before the former winery conversion to a school, the French government had seized it shortly after the war. The collaborator was punished by loss of his property."

Going to the next photographs, displaying the Grist Mill then onto the classroom where Gina would be teaching Mireille said, "Presuming that is a spur of the moment threat, is that further worry for you Monsieur?"

Randy reading the scrawled warning on the classroom whiteboard replied, "If Gina considered it a worry she would have already called. I'll defer to her judgment for now."

Mireille getting to her feet spoke, "Well then if there is nothing else, Kirika and I will leave. You know how to reach us, au revoir Monsieur Baldwin."

The KT 1200 GT BMW Motorcycle that Risto Ganic was riding had proven to be well behaved and well balanced. The windshield and fairing protected Risto from the rain that had begun to fall, deflecting it to the side and over his head. Having adorned a rain suit, Ganic was still dry, as he exited from Route A4 and entering the countryside drove towards the school.

Mounted behind the fairing, the small satellite navigation screen changed colors to alert him to another turn. With quick practice he had learned to operate the finger controls mounted on the handle bar and with his thumb, he tapped the paddle and pressed a small side button that magnified his position on the screen.

Slowing and then turning into the gravel drive Risto, with a flash of lightning that illuminated the surroundings drove into the surrounding woods.

The German studied the men gather around him in the rain then spoke, "You each have your objectives. I want this mission ending by morning light to be successful. Herr Major? The intercept of the Ministry Representatives, and the exchange of places were successful I see. What became of those we replaced?"

The major replied, "Herr Doctor, they remain unharmed but will sleep for some time. Our replacements will assure cooperation from within when the time comes."

The German said "Very well major. Activate the required equipment, and then proceed as planned." The major saluted and with a snap of boot heels departed into the darkness.