Chapter 3

The DIA office on base was quieter than usual. Saturdays tended to be used when officers needed to continue working on pressing matters, so many weren't in the office. Jane and Lucy followed Kate down to a secure level into a vaulted room and Kate locked the room down before pulling the USB from her pocket and plugging it into the computer to open an encrypted file.

"I've narrowed down the list of suspects to these four," she informed as Jane and Lucy glanced over the profiles of the officers.

"Wait, Deena and Carlos? I thought they were your friends," asked Lucy.

"Unfortunately, you can't be too careful and intel is its own currency. There are a lot of people willing to do a lot of things to get it. I like Deena and Carlos, but I have to follow the trails. Speaking of which, looks like I can clear Deena from the list. I placed a tracker in her software to detect suspicious activities before we had lunch last week. She has the means and access, but hasn't tapped into any files that would raise red flags."

"What about your director? She's new, right," asked Lucy.

"Not possible, she joined after the leaks started. Plus, I vetted her myself for the position. I was part of the search committee to find the former director's replacement. She's clear." Jane sifted through the documents and zoomed in on one.

"Cross Kristophe off the list too. He's too new and even though he has the access, his accounts are supervised until his probationary period is over," said Jane.

"So then that just leaves Carlos and Rob. I guess we have to interview both. I can interview Carlos if that's going to be too difficult for you," suggested Lucy.

"I've always had my suspicions about him. In fact, we should start with Carlos," admitted Kate.

"How long have you had suspicions," asked Jane.

"He fits the profile. He has the access, the means, he blends in as much as possible, and for someone I see often, I know very little about him."

"But, you are friends," reminded Lucy.

"Creating a rapport is a great way to deflect and there are some flags with him," said Kate and Jane nodded in agreement as she sifted through his file.

"He's too much like a chameleon," agreed Jane.

"You mean he blends in with us too much? We just hung out with him last night," said Lucy and Kate sighed.

"Which means he knows about you and our relationship, sometimes the best way to keep people off your trail is to make everything about them. When we talk, Carlos makes sure it's always about me, my relationship with you, how I feel about things, Carlos doesn't like to talk about himself. That changes now," said Kate as she clenched her jaw in anger. Based on the look on Kate's face, Lucy hoped for his sake, Carlos wasn't the mole.

Lucy, Kate, and Jane waited in the interrogation room for Carlos to arrive. They requested that he meet with them and had base security on high alert in case he tried to leave before they could. Lucy sat down as she waited and Kate paced back and forth.

"How do you want to play this," asked Lucy and Jane shrugged.

"Naturally, which means Kate and I are the bad cops," said Jane with a smile.

"And you are the good cop," added Kate. Lucy nodded in understanding as the door opened and Carlos slowly entered the room.

"What's going on," he asked and Lucy motioned toward the empty chair.

"Have a seat, we have some questions and just want to check in with you," informed Lucy. He noticed how Kate continued to pace and Jane leaned against the wall behind him with her arms crossed.

"Sounds intense, everything okay?"

"You tell us. There's been some activity recently and we want to know if there's anything you need to tell us," said Lucy and he gulped as he shook his head.

"No, I…I'm good. Everything alright with you two? Last time I saw you, you were ditching us last night."

"There it is. Deflection," said Kate as she stuffed her hands into her pockets and approached him.

"Do you know what I do for a living, Carlos," asked Kate.

"Same thing as me."

"No, you and I, we are very different. Do you know what I used to do for a living before I joined the DIA?"

"No. I got curious once and tried to check, but it was classified, like red tape, highest security level classified."

"And why do you think that is?" He swallowed hard as he shrugged again.

"I don't know."

"Aw, come on, Carlos. You're smarter than this," said Kate and Jane smirked.

"Is he? Maybe we are approaching this all wrong. Maybe it isn't about what he knows, but about what he doesn't know intentionally," suggested Jane as she stared him down and Kate slowly nodded.

"Let me fill in those blanks for you then. I used to spend a lot of time making sure a lot of very bad people told me everything I needed to know about them. You'd be surprised at the tactics one can use to get information," said Kate as she began to roll up the sleeves of her shirt.

"What are you doing," he asked.

"Kate, give him a chance to answer," said Lucy and Kate sighed.

"We're on the clock," she reminded before forcefully pinning his head to the table and twisting his arm outwards. Jane hid her amusement at how shocked Lucy was by the move.

"Nice technique," complimented Jane.

"Thanks, it's been a while. I'm a bit out of practice," admitted Kate.

"I can't feel my arm. Kate, please," grunted out Carlos and she sighed.

"Well, the alternative was I could've broken it, but I figured this was nicer."

"Kate, give him a chance. Carlos, tell her, please," begged Lucy.

"There's nothing to tell," he yelled and Lucy shook her head as Kate rolled her eyes.

"This is why you can't do things the nice way," she warned.

"Kate, don't! He's your friend. He has the right to explain," argued Lucy.

"He can still talk with a broken arm," she yelled back. Before she could contort his arm in an unnatural direction, he used his other hand to frantically tap on the table.

"Okay, okay, okay, I'll tell you! I did it. I fed intel to the Russian mob. I did it," he confessed. Kate glanced up at Lucy and smiled at her as she let his arm go.

"Gold star," she said.

"Thanks, I've learned from the best," said Lucy as she smiled proudly at Jane.

"I don't know. I quite like being the bad cop," teased Jane as she and Kate pulled up their chairs and sat across from Carlos with Lucy. He shook out his arm and tears filled his eyes. Kate crossed her arms and stared him down.

"I might have let up, but I sure as hell won't next time. Talk," she demanded.

"I was approached by a man who knew where I lived, where my family lived, and how to get access to me whenever he wanted. I wanted to come forward, but he threatened my family. I looked him up and found out he was muscle for the Russian mob."

"What did he want," asked Lucy.

"He asked me to send encrypted files to a private server. I didn't do it often, three times before yesterday and I thought I was done, but…"

"What did you send yesterday," asked Kate.

"I never ask for a lot of details, only what I need in order to know what to search for."

"And, what details did you need," asked Jane.

"He wanted to know about an agent and gave me an employee ID number to cross reference. It could be one of our people, but I wasn't sure. I don't check the files. I don't even read them. I simply send them over as encrypted codes through the server. I don't actually even open the files. I create copies, delete the access registry codes, and then send the file to a private server that's accessed later on their end."

"And you think that somehow keeps you clean? That it doesn't matter that you are serving up intel that gets our agents killed," asked Kate as he scrubbed his face with his hands.

"I'm sorry," he whispered and she shook her head in disbelief.

"When did you send the file," asked Lucy.

"Yesterday before I left work."

"You mean before you joined us for drinks," corrected Kate and he looked down in shame.

"So they already have it in their possession," asked Lucy.

"Not yet, the file gets rerouted several times before it ends up at its destination. I sent it yesterday. It will arrive today, be downloaded on one server tomorrow, and then be transferred to multiple others to cloak it before it can be accessed from the home server."

"Meaning," asked Kate.

"Monday at the earliest, it can't be accessed before then. I've checked before to make sure I was covered on my end. They never open the file right away for some reason. Kate, you have to believe me. I never wanted to do this, but it was my family. What else was I supposed to do," he pleaded, but she refused to look at him. Jane spoke up, knowing Kate was trying to control her temper.

"They probably have someone running scans on the files to make sure our agencies aren't tracking them," said Jane.

"So that means we still have time to intercept it," said Lucy and Kate slowly nodded.

"Where's the main server kept," asked Kate.

"I'm not sure." She smirked and glared at him.

"Well, you better get real sure, real fast," she warned.

"I can find out, but I can't do it from my computer."

"Why not, you've betrayed your country from it," reminded Kate.

"The Russian threatening my family told me they have someone watching me here."

"Another mole," said Jane as she groaned.

"I don't know who. I was never told for a reason, but whoever it is will alert them if I start poking around or try to alert someone else." Kate remembered the last person on her list and gave a curt nod.

"Sounds like we owe Rob a visit then," said Kate.

"Are you sure it's him," asked Jane.

"He's the only one left that has the access and clearance. He's also the only one left in the office today, so even if we are wrong and he isn't the other mole, the real one wouldn't be here to see it. Carlos, you're coming with me. We're going to use a secure server to find out where that file will end up. Lucy, Jane, can you go keep an eye on Rob for us?"

"Will do," said Jane as she and Lucy headed out of the interrogation room. The silence was deafening as Kate stood up and Carlos gulped.

"Kate…"

"No talking, let's just get to work," she said before grabbing him by the arm and pulling him toward the door. She made sure no one was following them before heading down to the secure vault. He immediately went over to the computer in the room and began searching for the server as she watched his every move.

"If you so much as think about betraying me or alerting them…"

"I want to catch these bastards as much as you do, if not more."

"I doubt that."

"They threatened my family and ruined my life. I never wanted to work with them. I had no choice."

"You could've told me," she reminded him as he typed furiously on the computer.

"I didn't even know who you actually were, Kate. I still don't. For all I know, you're working with them." She reflectively took a step toward him, but stopped herself as he put his hands up in surrender.

"I'm just saying I didn't know who to trust," he amended before getting back to work. After several tense minutes of her pacing and him inspecting servers, he sighed in relief.

"Found it, Moscow, it took longer than I thought because I assumed it would be on a military base."

"It isn't?"

"Nope, it's there," he said as she looked over his shoulder at the map.

"A tech company?"

"They have servers already in place and the resources to maintain security for them. I'll send the information to the encrypted number I gave you in case of emergencies." She pulled her phone out of her pocket as it buzzed.

"I guess that means this thing is bugged by Russians?"

"Of course not. Kate, I'm sorry. I never wanted anyone to get hurt. I was scared and didn't know what to do. What happens now?"

"I can't protect you from this. I'm not even sure you deserve protecting. People died, Carlos, our people, trying to save lives and stop terrorists. That's who you helped, terrorists."

"A black site, that's where they will send me," he asked as his voice cracked and he tried to fight back tears. She looked away, not having the heart to see him cry.

"Most likely." He sobbed at the words and she closed her eyes for a moment as she mulled her options.

"There's still the issue of Rob and what he may know. I'm going to call in a favor, put you up someplace safe until this is over, and then we'll go from there."

"What about my family, my parents, my grandparents, my sister…"

"You aren't blown yet, but someone on that file will be if the Russians get it. That file you sent put an agent's life in danger, an agent I know and care about. Your family is safe as long as the Russians think you did your job. Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"Like I said, someplace safe. I can't have Rob killing you or alerting the Russians before we intercept the intel. This is what you're going to do. Compose yourself, go to your desk, sign out and do your usual routine like you are closing up for the day. Get in your car and meet us at the gas station down the street. We'll make sure Rob isn't following you. If he is, we'll make contact another way. If not, we'll get you someplace safe within the hour."

"So, you're going to help me, even after everything," he asked hopefully.

"I'm going to make sure you don't blow anyone else's cover before we can try to make this right. Come on, we're on a tight schedule." He quickly nodded, wiped his eyes, and followed her instructions. Lucy and Jane kept an eye on Rob as Carlos left for the day. Once they were satisfied he wasn't following him, they met Kate by her car.

"He's clear," assured Jane as she and Lucy got into Kate's car and they headed off of the base.

"You okay," asked Lucy as Kate tried to remain focused on the road.

"I had a feeling for a while now. I should've acted sooner."

"This isn't your fault," assured Lucy.

"If I didn't allow him to get close to me, to use us against me, Cara wouldn't be in trouble right now. I would've seen it."

"Don't do that to yourself, Kate. We all know how our jobs work and we all make choices," reminded Jane from the backseat and Kate tightened her grip on the steering wheel.

"Yeah," she mumbled.

"So, what happens now? Where are we going? This isn't the way to your place," said Lucy.

"We need to sit on Carlos and make sure he isn't in danger. Rob probably thinks he's done for the weekend, but we need to keep him in our sights. We can't do that and go intercept the file, so I called in a favor from an old friend who lives nearby," informed Kate.

"Old friend, which agency," asked Jane.

"Not one of ours."

"But on our soil and you allow it," asked Jane and Kate smiled slyly.

"That's why she owes me a favor." Jane nodded her understanding and Lucy openly stared at her girlfriend.

"I don't know if I should be turned on or worried about the amount of resources you have at your disposal," admitted Lucy and Kate winked at her.

"Turned on," she assured.

"Good, I was leaning that way." They pulled into a gas station and Kate spotted Carlos's car. He parked in a far corner of the parking lot and was fidgeting as he got out.

"Be right back," said Kate before parking and getting out of the car. Lucy saw her whisper something to Carlos and head in the other direction. He followed and she and Jane watched to see where they were going. A woman got out of a gray SUV by one of the gas pumps and Lucy eyed her suspiciously.

"You ever notice how her old friends are all women," asked Lucy and Jane giggled.

"Learning how to use what attracts people to us is part of the training. You have nothing to worry about and even though I know you will worry anyways, remember who she comes home to. It's obvious she only has eyes for you," reminded Jane and Lucy nodded, but still wished she knew what was being said between the beautiful woman and her girlfriend.

Kate smiled appreciatively at Adilah as the woman gave her a suggestive wink and looked her up and down.

"Kate Whistler, as I live and breathe."

"I need you to babysit, just for the weekend." Adilah glanced at Carlos before stepping closer to Kate.

"What's in it for me?"

"I don't tell US intelligence who resides on their soil."

"You've already used that one."

"Okay, then I will owe you a favor."

"Now we're talking."

"Within reason," added Kate.

"Oh, I can be very reasonable. So, what's his deal? Is he going to be a problem?"

"No, he's just way in over his head. Keep him safe please. I'll call when I get back."

"From where?"

"That's classified."

"It always is with you," said Adilah. Kate turned to Carlos and was caught off guard when he hugged her tightly. She awkwardly patted his back.

"Thank you, Kate."

"Don't thank me yet. That black site is still in your future, but I might be able to see what I can do about making it a bit more comfortable for you. Stay here, don't make any trouble for her, and I'll see what I can do if this ends well." He quickly nodded as she headed back to her car.

"Call me, Whistler. We still need to compare notes," teased Adilah and Kate playfully rolled her eyes at the woman before getting back into the car.

"Pretty friendly friend of yours," said Lucy as she arched an eyebrow.

"She dropped everything to help us out. The least I can do is let her flirt."

"So you admit she was flirting with you."

"Oh definitely, the life of an agent can be very lonely," said Kate and she giggled when Lucy threw her hands up in exasperation, but didn't say another word about it. Instead, she reminded herself about what Jane said. Kate only had eyes for her.

With Carlos no longer in play, Kate, Jane, and Lucy headed back to Kate's apartment to explain what happened to Cara.

"So, I was right. They know I'm an American."

"They don't have the intel yet. We are going to intercept it," assured Kate.

"And what if we can't? You really think the CIA is going to step in? You really think your father is going to look out for me? I have to run. I can't stay here." Jane shook her head.

"That's not the right play," warned Jane.

"The Russians already know," reminded Cara, but Kate shook her head.

"No, they are suspicious and they are suspicious of most of their assets, most intelligence agencies are, including ours. Even if they want to do something, they won't without proof. Doing so would bring down the morale of the agency and make other agents paranoid. If they don't have the file, they can't pin anything on you and we can get you out," explained Kate.

"So how do we play this," asked Jane.

"Cara has to go back in long enough for us to get the file and then get her out. We know where the server is and we just have to figure out how to destroy the intel," said Kate.

"And how are we going to do that? Hacking isn't exactly my specialty," asked Cara and Lucy perked up.

"Ernie, we ask Ernie. Carlos was able to find the server and Ernie is considered more skilled and advanced with computers," suggested Lucy.

"We can't have Ernie out in the field. It is way too risky," said Kate as she began to pace.

"Lucy's right though. We can still have him help us. It's your call, Kate. You're the one that would have to read him in, so you decide what to tell him," said Jane.

"I'll see if he can at least give us some ideas about how to destroy the server," agreed Kate before heading into her bedroom to make the call while the others continued planning.

"The hardest part is going to be getting into Russia and gaining access," said Jane.

"Are all your previous aliases burned," asked Cara.

"All, but one, I'll be fine. Lucy, you're going to need one if you're going."

"Of course I'm going." Cara smirked.

"Why? You don't have the training or an alias, plus you're a distraction. I need focused Kate, not this soft version she becomes with you."

"So that's why you don't like me? Because I actually make Kate care and have feelings?"

"I don't like you because I don't know you."

"I'm one of the only people trying to help save your ass while you feel sorry for yourself and act like somehow Kate owes you something. Look, I might not be CIA or ex-CIA or whatever, but I'm a good agent. Russian intelligence is trying to kill you and your boss doesn't seem to give a damn. Maybe instead of getting pissed off at me, you should be happy I'm trying to help you survive."

"Oh please, you aren't doing this for me. You are doing it for Kate."

"Damn right and maybe that's what you can trust. You and I, we don't like each other. That's fine, because we don't have to. All I know is that my girlfriend feels responsible for you. She puts enough weight on her shoulders as is and I'll be damned before I let you add to it because she thinks she's somehow responsible for all the adults in her life making their own decisions," argued Lucy and Jane stepped in between them.

"This isn't helping. Cara, it really isn't up to you at this point. We need people we can trust and if I'm going to be in on this op, I want Lucy there. If not, you can take your chances and call your actual handler and boss to let them know you're probably blown," said Jane. Cara crossed her arms and was quiet as Kate rushed back in.

"Good news, Ernie says he has a device that can help fry the server. He's meeting us at the air base and…what did I miss," asked Kate.

"Nothing, just all of us getting to know one another. Lucy, you should go pack a bag. Kate, you and Cara should come get us on the way to the air base. I have a go bag at the house. I'll grab it and be ready to go," instructed Jane.

"I have a go bag in my car," said Lucy and they all looked at her curiously.

"What, I'm still an agent and I like to always be prepared. Plus, I keep extra stuff in there for when I end up staying over here." Kate smiled proudly at her.

"I guess I'll have to make some room in the closet for you. I can't very well have you living out of a go bag just to spend time with me," she teased and Lucy kissed her cheek.

"I'll be in the guest room until it's time to go, contemplating my life choices," grumbled Cara.

"Seriously, what happened? I was gone for one call and the mood shifted," said Kate, but Jane waved her off.

"She's just stressed. If I had Russian intelligence on my back, I would be grumpy too. I'll be ready in half an hour," said Jane as she headed for the door. She noticed Kate following her to the door and turned back to her.

"What is it?"

"I appreciate this, but I also know this isn't what you signed up for. You have a family to think about," reminded Kate.

"I signed up for this long before you even became a handler. We both know that. In our line of work, anything can happen, whether that's CIA or NCIS. I leave every morning knowing that my kids and family are safe and will be protected if something happens to me, this is no different. Besides, this is a three-person op, and Cara has to go back in. You need me and one of these days, you're going to realize that if you need me, I'm here, no questions asked."

"Thanks, Jane," said Kate as she opened the door for her. Jane gave her a wink and headed out, knowing they were on the clock and a life was hanging in the balance.

AN: I like showing Lucy, Kate, and Jane at work. I miss the boys and love the NCIS team at full strength, but some missions call for a woman's touch. ;) More soon.