SECRETS AND SPIES
Chapter Twenty-Four
Bella's story
June 2018 – Oregon:
"Call on line one for you, Bella."
"Okay. Gimme two seconds. Do you know who it is?"
"Nope. Guy sounds like Morgan Freeman. If it is the lovely Morgan, tell him my gran wants to date him."
"Okay, Sam, I'll see what I can do."
As soon as Sam says the name, Morgan Freeman, I know who's calling me. A recognizable voice from my not too distant past. A voice I hoped I'd never hear from again. Before picking up the call I take a deep breath and automatically straighten myself in my chair as though I'm sitting to attention. Weird!
"Colonel!" I say as soon as the line connects.
"So you've guessed who's calling. Well done, Swan," he drawls in the deep voice I remember so well.
"My colleague hoped you were Morgan Freeman. It'll be a shame to disappoint her, Sir."
Colonel Henderson laughs before speaking again.
"This isn't a social call, Swan. You're being … how does M in James Bond put it … reactivated. It's been three years since you left the service. You must've been expecting this?"
"I suppose so, Sir. To be honest I hoped you'd forgotten about me."
"Not a chance, Swan. The Brigadier is your biggest fan since you saved his life."
"That's an exaggeration, Sir."
"Not how he sees it, Swan. Attention to detail is what saved the day. Spotting the luggage had been tampered with saved many lives, including yours."
"Just doing my job, Sir."
"Yes, well, we have another job for you now but don't panic. You won't be in uniform and you can carry on working in Oregon for the time being. When you get home after work, a package will have been left with your neighbor, John. Inside is a secure cell phone. I'll call again at eight with your instructions. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Goodbye for now."
The line goes dead and I'm left holding the phone while I digest what just happened. Sam's head immediately appears around the door so she was definitely listening in."
"Who was that?" she asks sounding incredulous, meaning she'd probably lost count of how many times I used the word 'Sir'.
"An ex-Army colleague. He's calling me later. He wouldn't say what about."
"Don't let him tempt you to re-enlist, please," Sam whines. "You're the bestest and nicest designer we've ever had."
I laugh at the compliment but I'm worried by what the Colonel means when he said I could stay in Oregon, 'for the time being'. I really like it here and I'd be sorry to leave. Six weeks into a dream job and this happens. I knew I was tempting fate when I applied for it as I truly hoped this wouldn't happen.
"I'll make coffee," Sam offers and disappears, leaving me to regret once again signing on for five years when I was a naïve and stupid eighteen-year-old.
I'd served just over three and a half years when the 'incident' happened where I saved the Brigadier's life. When the terrorists realized their plot had failed, in that their explosive device was discovered before it was loaded onto the plane, the situation quickly escalated into a savage shoot-out where three of my colleagues were killed and I was left severely traumatized. I did save many important lives that day. Tragically others who were important to me were lost, including the guy I'd been dating for a while.
After undergoing a rigorous mental assessment where after four months of psychiatric treatment I was diagnosed with PTSD, I was allowed to take a service break of a maximum of three years on the understanding I would be recalled to active duty to serve out the remaining year of my original term. My leave expired on June 22nd - today is June 29th. I'd been ticking off each extra day on my imaginary calendar praying I'd got away with it. Obviously, God hadn't been listening.
The rest of the day drags. I'm anxious to get home and find out what my old Unit has planned for me but find the time to drop into my local store to buy cigarettes. I'd occasionally smoked weed before the incident and began smoking tobacco after it happened which admittedly helped me cope. I managed to stop when I left college but I'll need either ciggies or alcohol to calm my nerves tonight. It's wise not to be drunk when the Colonel calls, so ciggies it is.
As I light the first one outside the store my hands are shaking violently. I'd hoped the trauma of that awful day was behind me but obviously it's not. No amount of training prepares you for seeing guys you've worked alongside for months killed by illegal exploding bullets. The nightmares faded after a year. My guess is they'll return tonight.
At eight, I'm sitting by my new cell phone anxiously waiting for the screen to light up. A third of the pack of cigarettes has already gone and I feel sick through nerves and excess nicotine. It rings and I say hello. The Colonel goes straight to the point, as though he's carrying on where the previous conversation left off.
"Swan. You remember James Hunter?"
"Yes, Sir; one of my Special Ops trainers."
"Hunter left the Service not long after you went on leave. He started up a personal protection business in Atlanta and from what we know he built up a good reputation. We had no concerns until a few months ago when we received intelligence he'd been working with some very dubious people, including unfriendly foreign governments."
"Hunter?" I interrupt, which is something I would never dare do if I was actually standing in front of the Colonel. "No, Sir. Hunter's an asshole, but he wouldn't do anything illegal or treasonous. He's too much of a patriot. He sleeps with Old Glory as a bed covering, allegedly."
"We're not sure whether the stories are true, which is why we want you to work for him."
"Me! Why?"
"We need someone on the inside to report back to us. We know he's in the market for new recruits so we're arranging for him to get your contact details. He'll be fed a story that you're looking for more lucrative work because landscaping isn't paying you enough."
"And then what?"
"My guess is he'll initially sign you up to take on personal protection work. Maybe when you gain his confidence you can find out what he's really up to. The money's good, Swan, so take advantage of being paid twice. Your military salary will be reinstated from July 1st so you could do well out of this."
"Do I have any say in whether I want to do it?"
"You could refuse, but you'd be recalled to the Unit full-time starting next week. Look, Isabella, I know you and what you went through, and I'm sure you don't want to return to active service. Take this job. With luck, this could be an easy way to see you through to the end of your military career. Twelve months – that's all it is."
The Colonel's voice had softened. He called me Isabella which he's never done before, which makes me wonder whether he's found me this job as a favor. He saw the state I was in when I was receiving treatment for mental trauma, and the last thing he wants is an unreliable agent in his Unit. He told me confidentially that the Brigadier himself denied my request for an honorable discharge after my treatment, but he did approve a service break. So it's either take the job or return to the Unit. The decision is a no-brainer.
"Okay, Sir. I'll do it. I'll let you know when Hunter contacts me."
"Good girl. You'll be sent an email address where you'll leave regular intelligence reports. Use this cell for emergencies. We'll expect to hear from you every week, even if it's a 'nothing to report' report.
"One year? That's all?"
"One year, Swan. You'll be a free agent rather than a military agent at the end of June 2019."
"I'll count the days, Sir."
Early May 2019
Email to Colonel's contact – code name 'Dick Tracy'
Hunter has asked me to protect a young guy called Edward Cullen who's based in Lakewood, Colorado. I've agreed to take on this contract as it's near my mom and Cullen is a landscape designer. There's an opening in the company so if I like it there, I might get a long-term job out of this. This contract is initially for six weeks. I presume it will be extended if the client thinks it's necessary.
I've only been told Cullen's father is some sort of computer-whizz. He's asked for protection. He's worried that his son might be abducted by industrial terrorists as well. All sounds a bit paranoid and crazy to me. If I hear anything juicy I'll report in but I can't see this being anything more than a low-key protection job. Boring, but it pays mom's medical bills.
My military contract ends next month so I'm not really obliged to keep monitoring Hunter any longer than that. Will you inform the Colonel I'll be on the Service payroll as agreed until June 30th, but no later. Tell him I'm sorry I've found no evidence of illegality other than the one email Hunter accidentally copied me into which linked him to the company that were recent victims of intellectual property theft.
Two hours later:
Dick Tracy to Swan
Thanks for the Intel. Edward Cullen's father is a 'person of interest'. Considered to be an asset to the US economy. CIA unclear why he has requested protection for his son. Will investigate and get back to you.
One week later:
Swan to Dick Tracy
Starting work at EC's company tomorrow. Anything I should know?
Dick Tracy to Swan
No. Good luck.
Three weeks later:
Swan to Dick Tracy
Need advice fast. EC on way to San Fran. Father dead – no other info. How do I deal with Hunter?
Dick Tracy to Swan
Behave normally. Call Hunter – tell him what you've heard. Will get back to you. Be careful.
Dick Tracy to Swan later in the day
Cullen's death not straightforward. CIA aware of the incident and is dealing with it. SFPD has called it a suicide. It definitely isn't. Hunter may be involved. Be VERY careful.
Dick Tracy to Swan
Colonel will call with instructions in the next few days. Situation getting complicated. Expect contact after 7 pm.
I slide my cell into my purse and continue working on Edward's design for the hotel as if secretly corresponding with a specialist unit of the military is an everyday occurrence. It's lucky I have Edward's office to myself while he's away as there's no way I want the others to find out about my double life just yet.
I'm gutted this has happened to Edward, and I'm glad I didn't see him the morning after he got the news about his dad. Emmett said he looked crushed when he dropped Mitzi off on the way to the airport. If it's not suicide it must be murder, so does Edward know this? I've a feeling he doesn't. Well, at least not yet.
I'm already regretting leaving Edward a drunken message on the cabin landline last night. I didn't have the balls to call his cell in case he picked up. He's such a great guy and I'm definitely head over heels. I've got a feeling he likes me too. When I walked in with my resume I couldn't believe my luck. He's got to be the sexiest man I've ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately Jake still won't take no for an answer. I'm hoping Edward isn't holding back asking me for a date because he knows Jake's after me. Why is life so frickin' complicated? My hormones go into overdrive whenever I lay eyes on him which is not professional. This hasn't happened to me in years so I hope feeling like I do doesn't cloud my judgment if things kick-off.
Rosalie is the only one of us who's spoken to Edward since he left. He called again this morning but could hardly string two words together. His father's death isn't 'straightforward' then. What did DT mean by that? Hopefully, I'll find out from the Colonel soon.
Mitzi's been sleeping on Edward's chair since he went away as if she knows something isn't right. Dogs are awesome.
Bella's apartment the day after the funeral:
Call from Colonel Henderson
"Good evening, Sir."
"Good evening, Swan. Are you on your own tonight?"
"Yes, Sir. I live on my own."
"Good … well … this is top secret, Swan. Normally your rank wouldn't be given this level of intelligence only the Cullen situation is turning into something very serious. For a start, the body in the car was not Carlisle Cullen's. The CIA has reason to believe he's been abducted, and more than likely is being forced to produce a device so advanced if it fell into the wrong hands it could tilt power towards whichever government controls it. We're concerned that Edward could be abducted as well, to force Cullen to cooperate with his abductors."
I can't stop myself gasping when the Colonel says quite casually that Carlisle could be alive. I'm instantly outraged on Edward's behalf and don't hold back from saying so.
"Before you go on, Sir. Are you saying you're happy to allow Edward to continue believing his father is dead, when you know he's still alive?"
"Well, we don't know he's alive, Swan, but yes."
"Pardon me for cursing, Sir, but that's effing cruel and also downright illegal. Are you saying the police are involved with the military in a conspiracy? That an autopsy's been faked along with a death certificate? His family attended a funeral yesterday for Christ's sake, and his Will has probably been read by now. What gives you the right to mess with Edward's life like this?"
"National security gives me the right, Swan. There are more important things happening in the world than being concerned about hurting one young man's feelings. But think this through logically. If the police or the CIA, or the military go public and declare to the world that it wasn't Cullen in the car, this could spook his abductors into killing him before we have a chance to find out where they're holding him. At the moment whoever's got Cullen thinks they've got away with it. They may slip up. As for being cruel. Personally, I consider it would be far crueler to give Edward hope, because the chance of his father surviving after he gives up his secrets is virtually zero."
Even though the Colonel's logic is sound, I want to yell at him about how unethical and wrong this is. If Edward wasn't the person in the middle I would tell the Colonel to go fuck himself and take the Court Martial that followed willingly. I'm determined to stay calm and professional though because Edward's safety is my number one concern, so I take deep breaths to control myself and refrain from speaking my mind.
"What else should I know, Sir?"
"The people that the CIA presume hired Hunter to protect Edward and his father are all dead. Eight scientists in a laboratory in South Africa perished in an explosion a few days after Carlisle was last seen alive and on the same night that he was allegedly found dead. Two more of the lab's scientists that had previously gone missing were found murdered in the Bush the following day. Documents recovered from the building indicate Carlisle was working with this laboratory, which is why we're able to guess what he was working on. Also, we suspect it was the South African lab that put the money up to sponsor your predecessor at The Yard to get the job in England. We're checking this out discreetly. It's too much of a coincidence that these scientists died at roughly the same time as the body in Carlisle's car was found. The two incidents must be connected."
"But surely Hunter's reach doesn't stretch as far as South Africa."
"Agreed, which means the CIA suspect an organization much larger and wealthier than Hunter's is behind this. It could even be a country. The CIA is investigating who this could be but my priority is you and Edward Cullen. We have to ask ourselves why Hunter didn't come forward and tell us he'd been hired to protect Carlisle after he was found dead and that he had been asked to protect Edward? There's got to be more than wanting to preserve his business reputation."
"That's sort of what I thought, Sir. Now I'm worried about how dangerous these people are. Do you think Carlisle knew he was in any sort of danger?"
"No, I don't think he did. There's still a lot we've got to find out, but I'm leaving that to the CIA."
"Jesus!"
"Even though I've every confidence in your abilities, Swan, I'm sending members of the Unit to help you protect Edward. They'll come equipped as dirt bikers, which will give them a good reason to be in the mountains. How you use them is up to you. The team leader will be in contact as soon as he gets to Denver. They're traveling overland from the desert and will be with you in a couple of days."
"Why don't we just hide Edward, Sir?"
"Because that would alert Carlisle's abductors that we're on their case. We don't want them to suspect there's an investigation taking place."
"Anything else?"
"Only that I want you to stay at The Yard until this situation is concluded for good or ill. If Hunter tries to pull you out of there you've got to resist. You're our eyes and ears and the best protection the younger Cullen could have. The older Cullen is the priority of others now."
"Thank you, Sir. I'm not happy about Edward being exposed to danger, but I've no intention of leaving The Yard when my six-week contract is up. When will you next get back to me?"
"When we have more information, Isabella. In the meantime be extra vigilant. There are eleven people dead already. We don't want any more."
"Eleven?"
"Ten South Africans plus the dead guy in the car. We've no idea who he is yet. DNA profiling hasn't given us any clues. One last thing, Isabella. Under no circumstances must you tell Edward Cullen that you are still with Special Forces or that the CIA is involved."
"I wasn't intending to, Sir, but why is this important?"
"Because if, God forbid, Edward is abducted by whoever is behind Carlisle's disappearance, I don't want to risk Edward spilling the beans about you and who you're working for. What he doesn't know he can't tell if he's under duress. It's imperative that we stay undercover until it's clear we know who we're dealing with."
"I don't like lying to him, Sir."
"I'm afraid you'll have to, Isabella. It's for his safety as well as yours."
"Understood, Sir."
"Good, so be alert and stay safe."
The Colonel hangs up and I'm left to ponder what I've learned. I'm desperately upset for Edward as this should not be happening. It's was his father's funeral yesterday but who was in the coffin? Was anybody in the coffin for that matter?
As I'm trying to imagine what Edward is going through my other cell rings. It's James. I really don't want to talk to him but I pick up anyway. He starts talking without bothering with a greeting. Is he panicking for some reason?
"Bella, Edward is causing big trouble in San Francisco. He doesn't believe his dad committed suicide. Have you heard from him?"
"Edward isn't back yet," I reply, pretending to sound bored. It's vital I play down any real interest in Edward which could trigger James to be suspicious. "I haven't spoken to him yet, James. I've just been sending texts about what I'm working on. Do you want me to do some fishing?"
"No, Bella. Just let me know if you hear anything. I'm hoping the police haven't picked up we were protecting him and his father. I'd like it to stay that way."
"Okay – will do."
James hangs up and I send an email to Dick Tracy relating the brief but important conversation. I don't hear back.
So Edward is suspicious, which secretly I'm pleased about. I hope he doesn't ruffle too many feathers at the SFPD as whoever is behind this mess might try to get him off the streets sooner rather than later. When he gets back, if he sleeps over at the cabin on his own my biker colleagues will have to keep watch all night or I'm not going to get a break.
This whole situation is sick though, and much as I respect the Colonel and everyone else in my Unit, what they're doing to Edward is wrong, so so wrong.
Dick Tracy to Swan
Confirm EC is questioning police conclusions on his father's death and threatening to go to the media. Not good. SFPD will offer to 'reopen' the case to shut him up. EC has bought a return air ticket to Denver for Monday afternoon. Hunter has been commuting between Atlanta and an apartment in Fort Bragg which is where we believe some of his team live. He also rents a house close to Redwood City. We're monitoring each property and his training camp in Bakersfield looking for any increase in security or activity.
Swan to Dick Tracy
Contact made with bikers who will start night-watchmen duties when EC returns. Hunter keeps texting me asking for news. He's definitely jumpy.
Night of Edward's return to the cabin
Swan to Dick Tracy
Night watchmen report an unidentified SUV approached the cabin tonight. Watchmen didn't follow – do not want to alert whoever it is that he's being guarded. Please advise.
Dick Tracy to Swan
Don't engage unless EC in danger. Colonel suggests arranging a bolt hole nearby. Set up lookouts by road junctions. Take note of license plates if possible.
I can't help huffing when I read 'Dick's' last comment. I don't need reminding how to do my job. Whatever, I'm going out to the cabin with the guys tonight to check it over and reckkie the area. I haven't been on a bike for years so I hope I don't make a fool of myself.
I'm still angry that Edward has no idea his father could still be alive. The shock if Carlisle came back from the dead could send Edward over the edge, especially if he finds out law enforcement and other security agencies have known all the time. I'm tempted to feed him the idea that his dad may have been abducted, so if Carlisle is found either dead or alive it won't come as such a surprise or a blow.
I'll think this over before saying anything. Maybe he's already on that track and he'll work it out for himself. He's questioning the suicide declaration so anything's possible. Way to go, Edward!
Swan to Dick Tracy
EC told me and the rest of the staff that his dad has a basement in his house where he stores his files. Should I tell Hunter this? It might be a way of checking out whether he's ripping Edward off.
Dick Tracy to Swan
Yes.
Swan to Dick Tracy
Serious attempt to abduct EC from the cabin last night. Three SUVs with blacked-out windows spotted around 11 pm. EC and I spent the night in a wildlife hideout the guys and I reckkied two nights ago. One biker followed SUVs to a private underground parking lot in Denver – address below. Couldn't see who was in the vehicles. They broke into Edward's cabin and stole his laptop.
EC flying to San Fran tonight. I'm flying earlier to check on the house to see if it's being watched. Please inform Denver Airport Security I'll be carrying weapons in my backpack.
Spoke to Hunter this morning. I didn't tell him about last night and haven't told him Edward and I are going to San Fran. Hunter told me he wasn't interested in protecting EC anymore. I told him to go fuck himself.
EC plans to visit CC's dentist. He's suspicious police involved in a conspiracy (can't imagine why)? EC suspects his dad is alive. I had to lie to him last night in the hideout which I'm not happy about.
Dick Tracy to Swan
Colonel wants to speak to you when you get to San Fran. Text him when you're on your own - try not to be overheard. Intel is that Hunter is mixed up with a very dangerous guy who may be behind the attempt to abduct EC last night. Best not cut strings with Hunter yet. Play along with what Edward wants to do, but be careful.
San Francisco – Saturday afternoon when Edward is on the Marin Headlands with Yorkie
Swan to Colonel Henderson
Good afternoon, Sir.
Good afternoon, Swan. I'm sorry I wasn't available when you called earlier. Are you on your own now and able to report?
"Yes Sir. Edward visited his father's dentist this morning who confirmed the police didn't have his records when they said they did. Edward is even more convinced now that the police are involved in a conspiracy. I've rented a vehicle so we can get around easily. Until I got DT's text telling me to stay put in the city, our plan was to track down Edward's laptop which was close to Fort Bragg last night. It's now on the move. We're …
"Stop, Isabella. Hunter doesn't have Edward's laptop. We know who's got it and we're following them. They've been checking out Hunter's addresses which tell us they guess Hunter has Carlisle holed up in one of them but don't know which. You must put Edward off pursuing his laptop. He really shouldn't be doing any investigating at all. The people we think have the laptop are extremely dangerous."
"It's going to be difficult to stop him, Sir. But does this mean Hunter had nothing to do with the SUVs that chased us and broke into the cabin?"
"Yes. We believe Hunter's people were responsible for the first SUV visit to the cabin, not the second. The address in Denver the three SUVs returned to has nothing to do with Hunter. Another thing, Isabella. Laurent has been spotted in the city. He's no friend of yours so watch yourself."
"I guessed, Sir. Edward and I were chased through the city by Victoria this morning. I couldn't see clearly but I'm sure Laurent was with her. Is Laurent working for Hunter now?"
"Yes. He tied up with him when he left military prison. We've been keeping him under surveillance ever since. A few weeks ago half a million dollars was deposited in a bank account in the Caribbean we know he has access to, so he's definitely up to no good."
"Phew! Why would he be working for Hunter if he's got that sort of money coming in?"
"Exactly our question. Our guess is he's double-crossed Hunter on a job. We've no evidence though as the bank deposit was paid in cash, so untraceable."
"Jesus, what an asshole?"
"Quite!"
And Victoria. What's the story there. I didn't know she'd left the military. What the f.. What the hell is she doing working for Hunter? She despised him. And when Laurent was arrested she hoped he would be locked up for life. She was gutted when he got off the drugs charge and only got two years."
"We don't know why Victoria's gone rogue, Swan. It's a great disappointment to me personally. She left the service over a year ago but we didn't know she was working for Hunter until fairly recently."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't think your paths would cross in the time you had left on your contract."
"I wish they hadn't."
"I presume you've heard that one of Edward's colleagues from The Yard was abducted last night?
"I found out this morning. Edward was told Jake was dumped outside an ER. He'd been shot and roughed up. Any news who did this?"
"Not on who grabbed him or where he was being held. The abductors were spotted on a driver's dashcam though. Their description fits in with who we think is behind Carlisle's abduction."
"Who is it?"
"I can't say yet, only we know it wasn't Hunter's men."
"Are you suggesting you don't think Hunter is holding Carlisle?"
"No. Our latest Intel is that Hunter abducted Carlisle and has offered his knowledge to an individual who'll pay big bucks for it. The CIA needs proof this other guy is involved which means catching them both together, which is where you come in."
"Me, Sir?"
"Yes. We need you to take Edward to Hunter and convince him to hand Carlisle and his son over to whoever's paying for all this."
"But this is guesswork, Sir. You've got no real proof of Hunter's involvement and I'll be putting Edward in an extraordinary amount of danger. I can't ask him to do that. He's untrained."
"We have got proof now, Isabella. For the last two days, we've been listening to Hunter's calls. He's getting desperate. The buyer, as I'll refer to him, has threatened to pull out of the deal and has asked for his investment money back."
"But Edward will never agree to this, Colonel. You're asking him to risk his life."
"I'm not suggesting you tell him. If he believes you've double-crossed him it'll be more convincing to Hunter. You have to gain his trust again and convince him to cut his losses and get rid of the evidence. It's risky but we'll not be far away."
"So you know where he's holding Carlisle and that he's still alive."
"Carlisle was alive yesterday. We're not a hundred percent certain but we believe he's in a basement below a house in Emerald Lake Hills."
"Where's that? I've never heard of it."
"Silicon Valley, Isabella. You've heard of that, haven't you?"
So Bella is still in the Military, which a number of you guys guessed (handclapping emoji here). The Colonel obviously knows more than he's letting on to Bella. She's following his orders as she's obliged to do, and is the reason she's taken Edward to the villa and allowed Hunter's men to capture them.
Things are coming to a head. Carlisle was alive yesterday which is good to know. Bella and Edward are inside the villa where Carlisle could be in the basement. Bella is hoping the Colonel's Unit is close, but from what the Colonel said in the call, he's delaying the rescue as he's waiting for 'the buyer' to turn up, which means liberating Carlisle is now secondary to catching whoever is funding James Hunter.
Bella is treading a very dangerous path at the moment and also she's still under the impression that Edward believes she's betrayed him.
Joan x