Chapter 5

The next morning, it was time for Cara to do what she'd been dreading for weeks. She needed to check in with her handler. Kate, Lucy, and Jane went over the plan with her one last time and Jane gave a sympathetic smile.

"I'll be watching you from a distance the entire time. Don't search for me or try to figure out where I am. It will draw attention and I'm very good at tailing people," assured Jane.

"Got it. I feel good about this," said Cara as she put on her jacket.

"You should," assured Kate.

"Good luck, Cara," added Lucy and Cara smiled at her.

"You too. I know I've given you a hard time, but thanks for doing this."

"You're welcome." Kate smiled at their interaction.

"Alright, you have everything you need," asked Kate.

"Actually, there's one last thing," said Cara. Before Kate could question her, she grabbed her face and crashed their lips together. Jane's jaw dropped and she placed her hand over her mouth as she quietly laughed.

"Seriously," exclaimed Lucy and Kate pulled back from a very smug Cara as Lucy threw her hands up in exasperation.

"What the hell, Cara," exclaimed Kate as Cara sighed happily and grabbed her bag.

"Hey, I might die today and I always promised myself I would kiss those lips again if I got the chance. So, Lucy, if I survive, you can kick my ass later. Kate, great lips, and Jane, see you out there…hopefully," said Cara before leaving the stunned group and the apartment. Kate frowned even more when Lucy started laughing.

"Why is that funny," asked Kate and Lucy giggled.

"I can't even blame her. You do have great lips."

"Okay, can we all focus, please," exclaimed Kate and Jane shook with mirth as she grabbed her bag and put in her earpiece.

"She has guts. I'll give her that. Heading out," said Jane as she tried not to laugh.

"I hear you laughing. I hear you all laughing. I already have in my earpiece," said Kate. Lucy wrapped her arms around her waist and smiled at her girlfriend.

"If someone kissed me because they thought they might not make it out, would you really go all cavewoman on them," asked Lucy and Kate slowly nodded.

"I would plot their death and make sure they actually didn't make it out."

"You really do have quite the dark side, babe."

"I worked for the CIA and my father is a piece of work. I don't know what you expect from me." Lucy giggled.

"Let's go do some definitely illegal, probably not sanctioned stuff," said Lucy as Kate followed her out of the apartment.

Kate and Lucy were able to walk together on the busy streets of Moscow until they got a block from headquarters. At that point, Kate crossed the street as Lucy continued toward Artezio. It was a frigid day and Kate stopped to grab a cup of coffee as she watched Lucy from the other side of the crowded street.

"We're in position," said Kate into her earpiece.

"We might have a problem," said Jane and Lucy slowed her pace as Kate frowned.

"What's wrong," asked Kate.

"Cara reported to her handler, but they don't seem to be heading to the usual safe house."

"Do you think she's blown," asked Kate.

"I don't see a struggle and she's not giving any of the signs from the car that we talked about."

"How do you want to proceed? You're there and I can't see what's going on. What's your gut saying?"

"Stick to the plan. I'll protect Cara. You protect Lucy."

"You know I will. Luce, you're up," instructed Kate from across the street as she watched her. Lucy put on her best smile and strolled into the building. Kate took a sip of her coffee and sighed.

"Alright, Lucy's in. Ernie, time to be the voice in her head."

"On it, Lucy, Kenneth Lawrence is your recruiter. He should be waiting for you in the lobby," informed Ernie. Kate tossed the rest of her coffee in the trash before crossing the street to get a closer look. A young man in a black suit smiled when he saw Lucy and approached her with his hand out in greeting.

"You must be Cammie, I'm Kenneth, but my friends call me Kenny." Lucy smiled shyly and shook his hand.

"Oh wow, how did you know it was me? I don't even have on my name tag yet," she said with a hint of Texas drawl coming through in the process.

"Your picture doesn't do you justice. You have beautiful eyes."

"Thanks. I'm super excited to be here. I can't believe how big Moscow is. I got lost twice." He chuckled.

"I got lost my first day too and I speak fluent Russian. It's like, hey guys, put up a sign or two. Some of us like to know where we are going." She laughed.

"Exactly," said Lucy and he smiled even more at her.

"Wow, you have a beautiful smile. You must hear that all the time though."

"Is this guy serious," grumbled Kate and Jane giggled.

"You're doing great, Luce. Draw him in and make him put his guard down," encouraged Jane.

"You only need to keep him preoccupied for another minute," added Ernie.

"Actually, no, my boyfriend back in Texas rarely gives me compliments," said Lucy.

"I better not be the boyfriend back in Texas," muttered Kate before entering the building and going in the opposite direction of Lucy and the recruiter.

"Well, he should. So um, welcome. We're glad you're here and we hope you plan on staying. If all goes well, you and the boyfriend will be doing long distance for a while…because you…because you'll be working here and enjoying that work," he explained and Kate sat down in the lobby, scrolling through her phone as she pretended to be waiting for her appointment.

"Smooth, Kenny," mumbled Kate as she watched them from the distance.

"To tell you the truth, things haven't been good between us for a while. That's why I'm so happy about this position. This is such an exciting opportunity."

"It's a great company and I'm happy I get to show you around today."

"Call coming in now," said Ernie and Kenneth frowned as his phone buzzed in his pocket.

"That's strange. I thought I put it on do not disturb. Sorry, let me just take this real quick."

"Take your time. I need to go to the little girl's room. Which way, this way," she asked as she intentionally pointed in the wrong direction and he grinned.

"Other way," he said as he pointed at the sign down the hall.

"Right, be back," she said with a giggle before heading toward the restrooms.

"Alright, he should be on that call for a while. I sent up some red flags to his bank about his credit cards and some suspicious activity. You're in the clear, Luce. Head down the escalator to the bottom level. There are two guards, but they…well, they actually seem preoccupied," said Ernie.

"I'll see if I can slip by them," whispered Lucy.

"Be careful, please," said Kate as she casually headed in Lucy's direction. Lucy took the escalator down to the bottom level and noticed what Ernie did. Two guards had their eyes glued to the television.

"Don't worry about the cameras. I have those covered. You just focus on the human elements," added Ernie. The two guards had their backs to her and she managed to slip right past them and around the corner where there was a locked door. Before she even had to ask, the latch clicked and light turned green.

"You're all clear through that corridor. Make a left and the guards at that door should be out to lunch." Lucy crept down the hallway and managed to have the restricted access double doors in her sights, but heard two voices behind her.

"Two guards are coming my way," she whispered as she looked for a place to hide.

"What? No, they should be at lunch still," said Ernie as he checked the cameras.

"Well, I see them with my own two eyes."

"The nearest door is the restricted access one. Can you reach it," asked Ernie.

"Not without them seeing me or alerting more guards," she said as she looked around to find a place to hide. One of the guards spotted her and yelled in Russian at her as the other put his hand on his gun. She put her hands up with an innocent smile and they jogged over to her. Kate snuck up behind the guard with his hand on his gun and injected him in the neck with a syringe. Lucy punched the other and he fell to the ground. She kicked him in the face and knocked him unconscious as Kate knelt down to inject him with another syringe.

"What is that," asked Lucy as Kate checked their pulses.

"Just a sedative, the worst part of having to punch someone out is not knowing when they will wake back up. This gives us more time. Come on, let's get these guys behind that desk we passed in the other corridor. Ernie, how did that happen," asked Kate before helping Lucy drag one of the guards down the hallway.

"I don't know. They should be gone for half an hour. There should be a window of free time there."

"Wait, what were the other guards watching on the television," asked Lucy.

"Some sporting event, I think hockey," said Ernie.

"The winter Olympics, are the Russians playing today," asked Lucy and Kate nodded her understanding.

"That's something we couldn't account for. They came back early to watch from their posts," said Kate. She let out a grunt as she and Lucy dragged the other guard down the hall as well.

"We might be able to use that to our advantage though," said Lucy.

"Sweden, they are playing Sweden right now," informed Ernie.

"Good, can you knock out the cable," asked Lucy.

"Oh, smart, yeah, I can do that pretty easy. Just give me a minute, sit tight." Kate crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow at her girlfriend as they waited by the desk.

"What," asked Lucy. Kate didn't say a word and Lucy tried not to smile as she rolled her eyes.

"Of course you aren't the boyfriend back in Texas."

"You sure, I could always compliment you more," she said as she pretended to run a hand through her hair like Kenneth did.

"Women have been flirting with you this entire time and one even kissed you, but that's what you are focused on," challenged Lucy.

"You don't use that on me, do you?"

"Use what?"

"That golly gee, I'm just so cute and innocent thing," reminded Kate and Lucy batted her eyes at her with a sweet smile.

"Why would I do that," teased Lucy and Kate smirked at her as Ernie got their attention.

"Alright, the cable is out and the guards are annoyed about that."

"Unlock the restricted access doors for us," instructed Lucy as they headed back down to the hallway and he did as she requested. She quietly opened the door and poked her head in to see three soldiers shouting at the television screen and arguing with each other. They were focused on trying to find the cords to the cable and television while Kate followed Lucy's lead. She stealthily crept past the security station and around the corner with Kate right behind her. They waited by the only locked door left and sighed in relief when the latch clicked and the light turned green. They slipped into the server room and Lucy handed Kate the small device.

"We're in," whispered Lucy as Kate opened the glass door to the main server station.

"Doesn't matter which port, correct," asked Kate.

"Nope, any will do. On my mark though. I'm going to turn back on the cable to distract them again. When I say so, plug it and get out of there. I'll do a remote activation," instructed Ernie.

"Ready," said Kate.

"Three, two, go," said Ernie. Kate plugged the device into a USB port and headed for the exit with Lucy. They could hear the soldiers cheering as the hockey game came back on and Lucy peeked around the corner to see that they were focused on the game. They managed to make it past the soldiers, down the corridor, and back to the escalator away from the rest of the guards without incident. Lucy let out deep breath and Kate cleared her throat.

"Incoming, see you outside. Ernie, activate it," whispered Kate as they reached the top of the escalator and stepped back into the lobby. Before she could ask what was going on, Kenneth waved her down.

"There you are. I'm so sorry about that. It was my bank. Someone stole my credit card information," said Kenneth as Kate casually strolled by him and headed toward the exit. Lucy let out a gasp.

"That's horrible. Do they know who it is? You know, my mom saw a special on 60 Minutes about identity theft. I hope they got it all sorted out."

"Yeah, but they had to freeze my cards and send me new ones, which is a bummer. I was hoping to buy you lunch in the cafeteria. I guess I could use my points instead. What do you say? Want to grab a bite before we start the tour," he asked hopefully.

"That sounds great," she said with a bright smile. Suddenly, the fire alarm echoed through the building.

"What's that," she asked and Kenneth groaned.

"Probably a fire drill, but we have to exit the building either way. Lunch and the tour will have to wait, but I'm sure it's nothing." Five soldiers rushed past them and down the escalator.

"Actually, we should probably get outside," he amended and hurried toward the exit like the rest of the people in the lobby. As soon as they were outside, Lucy was suddenly thankful for her small frame. It was easy to lose the man in the crowd of people and she headed in the opposite direction of him as he called and searched for her. She managed to cross the street and head away from the building as the fire trucks and police arrived. She spotted Kate up ahead, casually leaning against the side of a building with her hands in her pockets.

"We're clear," said Kate as Lucy caught up with her and they headed down the street.

"The server has been destroyed. I have confirmation," said Ernie.

"Good, Jane, you've got the green light…Jane," asked Kate. Lucy frowned when her boss did not respond.

"Tennant," asked Lucy.

"I'm here. I had to get clear first." They both sighed in relief.

"You okay," asked Kate.

"Yeah and I figured out why the detour. Apparently, her handler likes to bet on the games. Everything is fine. I'm about to get her out. We'll meet you there," said Jane and Lucy smiled brightly at Kate as they headed to the U.S. Embassy. The intel had been destroyed and Cara's cover hadn't been blown. They were almost home.

Half an hour had passed since Kate and Lucy arrived at the embassy and Kate was trying to remain patient, but Lucy was worried as she paced in the courtyard.

"Ernie, can you track them," asked Lucy.

"There's a lot of signals bouncing at the moment, but I should be able to triangulate their location. Wait, they should be there already," he informed and Kate frowned in confusion as she looked around.

"At the Embassy in Moscow, you sure," asked Kate.

"Yes, the tracker is pinging loud and clear." Kate gulped and pulled out her gun.

"Something's wrong. Lucy, run," she instructed. Lucy pulled her gun as well and suddenly they were surrounded by officers.

"Officer Whistler, Special Agent Tara, drop your weapons," called a man in the distance and Kate cursed under her breath when she recognized the voice.

"Mateo," asked Kate and Lucy frowned in confusion as a man in a black suit appeared from around the corner with four other men.

"Drop the gun, Kate," said the man and Kate glared at him when she noticed none of the guns were pointed at her.

"I'll drop it when they stop pointing their guns at her," she informed and he chuckled.

"Always such a negotiator. I was told you were out and yet here you are, meddling in our affairs. Your father is pretty happy about that, but me? Not so much. Drop the gun and don't make any sudden moves."

"Then leave her out of it," said Kate and Mateo sighed, but nodded at the officers and agents. They dropped their weapons and Kate did as well while the men surrounded them.

"You've gone soft. I at least expected more of a fight. I guess that shouldn't surprise me. I've heard working for the DIA does that."

"Kate," questioned Lucy and Kate sighed as she put her gun away.

"Just trust me, please," she whispered to Lucy and her girlfriend nodded as she put away her gun.

"Where are they," asked Kate.

"We offered the Special Agent in Charge more amicable accommodations, but she refused to leave Cara's side. Loyal, that one, I can appreciate that." She walked over to him and drew her gun again. He didn't flinch, but his agents pointed their guns at her as she stared him down.

"That was your second mistake, taking them into custody," she informed as she handed him her gun.

"And my first," he asked as he took it.

"Pointing guns at her." He chuckled.

"Only you would make threats while being out gunned and out manned. This way, ladies," he instructed. Lucy glanced over at Kate and she nodded as she followed him into the embassy.

"You two have been quite busy. I have to admit, he said you would pull it off, but I didn't really believe him. The way he talks about you, it's like a boogeyman," said Mateo as he opened a door to a conference room. They sighed in relief when they saw Jane and Cara sitting at a table. Kate frowned when she noticed they were both handcuffed.

"Take those off of them," she instructed.

"There you go again, making threats, demands, acting like you run the show. You don't. Things aren't like they were before you left. I'm in charge now and how I see it, you four illegally traveled to Russia, threatened national security, and could've started World War III."

"I was retrieving the operative you wanted to take the fall because you couldn't do the job you were supposed to do. The mole has been handled, by the way."

"Mole, what mole," he questioned and she shrugged.

"I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to him. Put him on with me, now."

"What part of you don't run the…sir…yes, sir," said Mateo as he clenched his jaw in frustration. She pulled Lucy over to her and gave her girlfriend a sad smile.

"I'm going to get you out of this. Will you please go over there with Jane and Cara," she asked, but Lucy shook her head as she frowned.

"No, I don't need this hero crap. Just tell me what's going on and we'll figure it out together."

"My father is diabolic. That's what's going on. I really need you to trust me right now." Lucy slowly nodded and begrudgingly went to stand by Jane and Cara. Kate took in a deep breath as Mateo took out his earpiece and handed it to her. She took out the earpiece Ernie was currently yelling into and placed it in her pocket before putting the other earpiece in.

"Hello, Director."

"Is that any way to speak to your father?"

"I have a few choice words I could call you instead, if you like."

"If you wanted back in, all you had to do was ask."

"I think we both know that's not what's happening here. Did you set her up or was this just yet another situation you could take advantage of once you found out who the mole was targeting?"

"I often find that if prepared for any situation, luck feels more like a simple nudge in the right direction."

"Let them go."

"How I see it, I have three CIA operatives who need to be brought in for a briefing and an NCIS special agent who shouldn't even know they exist. You should've firewalled her, Katie. You know how this works."

"That's the second time she's been threatened since we arrived. I really would discourage you from making it three. Enough of the games. This is how this will work. Your boys are going to let them go catch their plane and go home. In return, I'll come in."

"Kate!"

"You can't be serious."

"That's not necessary," said the three women all at once, but Kate ignored their pleas.

"This was always how it was going to end. You let them go, you get me back. One caveat."

"There always is with you." Kate stared Mateo down as she made her demand.

"Mateo has to go. I'm not giving him the satisfaction of taking me in. Call him off as a sign of good faith. Give him that vacation to Rio he used to talk about all the time," she said with a smile as Mateo glared at her.

"Put him back on." She smiled even more as she handed the earpiece back to him.

"But sir…of course…how do you know it isn't a…yes, sir…understood." He gritted his teeth in anger as he stood toe to toe with her. He placed the earpiece back in her hand and smirked.

"This isn't over. I'll see you when you get back."

"Whatever you say," she said as he marched out of the room. She put the earpiece back in and could hear her father laughing on the other end.

"You never did like him."

"He's a misogynist who doesn't work well with women. There's nothing to like. Now, back to why we are all here. Let them go and I will come in willingly."

"Cara stays."

"Cara goes or I go."

"Kate…" She began to pace as she argued with him.

"We can do this all day or you can take the win and gloat about it later. They all go or things in the embassy are going to get a bit messy. I'm sure the Russian media would just love that."

"I have a condition."

"You always do," she said as she shoved her hands into her pockets.

"No gun, no phone, no games." She glanced over at Lucy, Jane, and Cara before giving a curt nod.

"Deal."

"Deal." Kate tossed both earpieces on the table as the agents began to take the handcuffs off of Jane and Cara.

"What the hell is going on? Why is the director of the CIA bargaining with you over this," asked Lucy and Jane sighed as an agent released the handcuffs off of her.

"This is exactly what he knew she would do. Kate, you didn't have to do that," informed Jane.

"We both know I did. Cara, don't," warned Kate as Cara began sizing up the agents.

"We can take them and all get out of here," assured Cara, but Kate shook her head.

"He played us. He knew there was a mole. He knew you were in trouble. He knew I would help and he knew he could barter your freedom for mine. Go, you know I'll be okay," said Kate as Cara shook her head in disbelief. Lucy ran over to Kate.

"You can't seriously expect us to leave you here," said Lucy and Kate sighed as she pulled her into her arms.

"Luce…"

"I'm not doing that. You had to know I wouldn't do that."

"Lucy, look at me." Lucy took in a deep breath to regain composure as tears filled her eyes. She looked up at her girlfriend as Kate laced their fingers together.

"I need you to trust me."

"So all of this was for nothing, we went through all of this, just so you can go back," challenged Lucy and Kate wiped a tear from Lucy's cheek.

"Noah and Emma, preferably twins." Lucy frowned in confusion.

"What?"

"Our hypothetical kids' names," said Kate before surrendering to the agents and following them out of the room. Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration and Cara tried to push through the agents as Jane held her back.

"Come on, let's go before the director changes his mind," said Jane, but Cara scoffed.

"No, this is insane. That can't just be it. We were out and now she's just gone? There has to be something we can do. Lucy, why are you just standing there," shouted Cara and Lucy looked over at Jane, who gave her a sympathetic smile.

"There's nothing we can do from Russia. We'll figure this out," assured Jane and Lucy slowly nodded. They were stunned into silence as they exited the embassy, trying to figure out what went wrong.

AN: Okay…hear me out lol. Do not come for me! You know how this works by now if you have read my other stories. Kacy endgame is the only thing I know how to write. More soon!