Chapter 9: Unexpected Circumstances

Unknown location

"There are two MI6 British spies coming through the airport today. They are staying here in Miami for 2 days before leaving to go elsewhere. I want them intercepted and brought in so that I can have a chat with them. We have the picture of one of them. We ran his alias name through the databases, and got another name which we were able to run a check on and find a picture for him. The other man does not exist. He is not in any databases or anything. He seems to have popped up randomly in England two years ago. These agents are partners and will be communicating through the standard watch communicators. To locate this second agent, you will need to be watching every security tape and have your eyes peeled for someone who is nonchalantly talking into a watch. Remember, these men are not amateurs. Do not underestimate them. You are dismissed."

Airport in Miami, Florida, USA

"Whew!" Ben exclaimed. "I am so glad we got off of that plane. I've really never cared for flying that much, and this jet lag is NOT helping."

"Aren't you in a grumpy mood, Jake," Alex replied with smirk.

"Ha-ha, very funny, Will," Ben retorted.

"Hey, it's not like I picked our aliases. I would've chosen a much better name than this."

"Whatever. Mr. Blunt gave us this mission, and we're expected to see it through the end. Now, here's our first test. Will we get past immigration? I mean, we do have fake passports. Plus, I've heard rumors of this airport being run by the CIA. I say we split up and meet each other at the hotel later. You go that way and go through one of the lines at that extreme end, and I'll go through the other side," Ben instructed Alex.

Ben didn't wait for a response, but simply melted into the crowd. Behind him, Alex did the same.

Ben was feeling fully confident when he handed the attendant his passport. His confidence failed when the attendant scanned it about 4 times before peering at it very carefully.

"Excuse me sir for a minute. I'll be right back," the attendant stated before taking his passport and walking over to a man who had been standing on the edge of the crowd and giving the passport to the man.

Both of them walked back over to Ben.

"Excuse me, sir," the new man started. "There seems to be a slight problem with your passport. Please step this way so that we can get this sorted out."

Ben nodded, not wanting to attract too much attention and began to follow the man while keeping his eyes peeled for Alex.

He sighed with relief when he saw Alex standing in front of a window, fixing his hair in the reflection. Ben was sure that Alex could care less about what his hair looked like. He was pretty sure that Alex was really watching the proceedings in the reflection, while giving the façade of fixing his hair.

"Don't worry, Ben," came the voice from the communication device in his ear. "That guy is CIA. My guess is that they knew you were coming, and Mr. Byrne decided to have a chat with you. I'm pretty sure they switched your passport out for a fake one. Just, whatever you do, do not answer any questions that pertain to me. My guess is that they searched our names and got a picture for you and drew a blank for me. They most likely are trying to figure out which person in this crowd is your partner. Just say 'classified' as answers to those questions. I'll answer them when I show up at their headquarters."

Ben 'scratched' his nose, "Okay, Alex. Stay safe. You're sure this guy is trustworthy and is definitely CIA?"

"Yes. I give you permission to beat me to the pulp if that guy turns out to be a terrorist. I've worked with him before," Alex replied, now walking towards the front doors, eager to be out of the building now that he was sure he would be spotted for talking into a watch, no matter how discreetly he did it.

Ben was silent for a moment because he was watching the CIA man who was leading him to who knows where. The CIA man had a cell phone out and was talking almost too quietly for Ben to hear.

"Yea. I got the agent. I'm bringing him to HQ…How should I know if he suspects what we are doing? It's not like I can ask him…still no sign of the partner, but I can't really be looking if I'm keeping my eye on this agent…Really? You've located him? ...Have you nabbed him yet? ...Why not? ...ARE YOU SERIOUS? You let him walk out of the building? Pull every agent you can and scour the streets for him. He's most likely been in contact with the guy following me and knows that his partner has been compromised. Question is: what is he going to do about it? ...No, I don't expect you to know the answer to that question… I'm coming to help. Get some other agent to come and get this guy and escort him. Our unnamed agent who appeared 2 years ago is a higher priority than someone who has actually lived… Be there in 2."

The CIA agent ended the call and turned to look at the MI6 agent. His face was impassive, but the CIA agent had a good idea that this agent had just overheard the entire conversation.

"George! Come over here! Our friend here had a slight issue with his passport. Can you handle this for me? I have a meeting I need to be at and before I go, I have to catch up with another friend," the CIA agent called to another man who was passing by.

"Sure thing. I'll make sure he gets right where he's supposed to," George responded.

During this exchange between the two men, Ben talked to Alex. "They're switching the agent whose taking me wherever. Your buddy took a phone call and is really mad that some other agents apparently allowed you to walk out of the building without apprehending you. I'll keep you posted."

And so, Ben found himself following a new face, but that of someone who was also a CIA agent.

Within a moment, Ben and George reached a parking garage, and found a black limo with darkly tinted windows waiting. George opened the door for Ben and gestured that he go through first.

Ben complied and slid into the seat. Moments later, he was followed by George, who slid in next to him.

The door closed, and the locks automatically clicked.

"Now that there's no way for you to escape, why don't you tell me a bit about your partner? Let's start with his name…if you don't want to answer these questions, fine. Just know that bad things can and will happen to you," George told Ben, before gesturing towards a man who, up until now, had been hidden in the shadows. "His name's Blake Lewinsky."