As you may guess from the title of this chapter, Annie is running her own operation ... a personal one to surprise Auggie. It's not easy to hide things from someone who prides himself in knowing everything that goes on in the DPD.

Thanks so much for the alerts and kind comments. This is where I need to remind you that I have no connection with Covert Affairs except for an appreciation of the show, its cast and creators.

Chapter 3 – Running Her Own Operation

Annie concentrated on her translations the rest of the morning and into the early afternoon until she realized the odd noise annoying her was her stomach growling and demanding lunch. It was almost one thirty, and she knew Auggie had been working closely with his team wrapping up the paperwork and debriefs on yesterday's almost-disasterous mission. "No wonder he had a headache," she thought, "and if he doesn't eat something and get out of that office, it will be the same thing tonight."

Auggie heard Annie's footsteps come toward his office, but stop at the door. He waited, but she did not enter. Turning his chair to face the general direction of the door, he asked, "Are you waiting for an invitation?"

"No, silly. I was just making sure I wasn't interrupting something important before I asked you to take me to lunch. I'm so peckish from hunger, I don't think I can make it to the cafeteria by myself."

"Anne Catherine, is this a ruse to make me eat?"

"Might be … but I really am hungry and I could use some company for lunch. It won't take long because the lunch rush is way over," Annie said.

Auggie stood and picked up his laser cane saying, "OK, let me escort you to lunch so I can make sure you don't pass out on the way."

Over their lunch of salads, fresh bread and ice tea, Annie asked him about the prescription medicine he took for the headache. "I never saw you take that before. Is it something new?" she asked with a worried tone in her voice.

Auggie smiled at her, "No, you've probably never seen me take it because I'm generally downing a couple of pills about the time you're flying home from one of your missions."

"You sayin' I give you a headache?"

"You have created a few stressful situations, for yourself and for me to figure out," Auggie said lightly. "It doesn't happen regularly, but sometimes I get headaches, and the meds keep them in check before they become debilitating. I think you were right about my not taking time to eat yesterday," Auggie explained while trying to think of a way to change the subject.

Annie dived into her salad and munched happily while Auggie enjoyed a chicken salad club sandwich. "You know what I've been thinking, Auggie? We need some fresh air. Rather than running on the treadmill in the gym, how about we take a run or walk on one of the trails this weekend? … Or, we could do something else."

"Whatever you feel like doing, will sound good to me," Auggie answered. "You about finished? I need to get back?" he said as he collected his sandwich wrapper and chip bag for the trash.

"Last bite," Annie said as she swallowed her salad and washed it down with a sip of tea. She finished gathering their trash and dropped it in the trash barrel on the way out of the cafeteria.

"I could have done that," Auggie said.

Annie smiled up at him. "I know … It was just so easy to put your trash in my salad dish and throw it away together. Do you want me to stop doing things like that?"

"Mmmm … I was reminding you that you do not have to wait on me and clean up my trash," Auggie said lightly but with a serious undertone.

Annie stopped in the empty corridor, stretched up to her toes and whispered to Auggie, "I understand … now, are you going to let me take care of plans for Saturday afternoon?"

"Yes, you get to control Saturday afternoon." Auggie worried only a little about what she had up her sleeve, but he needed to get back to work.

Late in the afternoon when the DPD had become quiet, Annie glanced into Auggie's office to be sure he was immersed in his current project. Annie picked up her phone and called Amanda Anderson.

When Amanda answered, Annie thanked her for inviting her for Thanksgiving and providing the airline tickets. "Annie, we're so happy that both of you are able to come, the tickets are our treat. And I know Auggie enjoys flying in the First Class cabin, even if he won't admit it," Amanda chuckled.

"Well, I appreciate it. Now, I have a question that may seem odd. Do you mind?"

"I'm intrigued. What do you want to know? Annie, we don't have a dress code for Thanksgiving dinner."

"I was wondering. When Auggie was a boy, did he ride a bicycle?"

Amanda laughed, "He lived on a bicycle. He rode all over Glencoe on his bicycle. He rode to the club to swim and play golf, and to visit his friends. Why?"

"Dani and I were running along one of the running/bicycling trails, and I saw a place that rents tandem bicycles. I thought it would be fun for us to take a bike ride Saturday afternoon, but I wanted to make sure Auggie rode when he was a kid," Annie explained.

"Well, if you get him on one, will you get a picture and send it to me?"

"Thanks, Amanda. I'll let you know how this little adventure turns out. See you at Thanksgiving."

Annie quickly placed another call to the number on the bicycle shop sign she'd memorized several days ago. "Hi, I want to reserve your nicest tandem bicycle for a Saturday afternoon ride."

"Well, we have three tandems, and they're all the same. They're nice bikes," the shop owner said.

"OK," Annie said. "My name is Annie Walker, and what do I need to do to reserve one. Do you need a credit card number?"

"I don't need a card number, but I'll take your phone number."

Annie gave him her personal cell number, and said, "Great, I'll see you Saturday about one thirty or two."

Auggie walked up behind Annie as she concluded the conversation. He asked, "What's going on at one thirty?"

"You told me to make plans for Saturday, so that's what I'm doing," Annie said. "We're doing something outside and we're going to get lots of fresh air and fall sunshine."

Leaning over her chair, Auggie whispered, "Are you going to give me any more hints about your plans?"

Annie shook her head vigorously hoping Auggie would hear the swish of her hair and emphatically said, "Nope! I know you're going to love it. And since you always know everything going on, I'm going to do my best to surprise you. I'm running my own mission here, and it's not cleared for your eyes … uh … uh … your fingers … or ears. Oh, geez, Aug … I'm sorry … that was insensitive."

Auggie let out a little chuckle and patted Annie's shoulder before squeezing it. "No it's not. You forgot for a few seconds, and I'm flattered. Now, let's talk about dinner. Do you want to grab a bite at the tavern, or get some carryout?"

"Let's stop for some Chinese carry out on the way to your place. And after our conversation at lunch, you get to clean up the mess," she teased.

"I'll be happy to, but I know you're going to come along behind me and wipe up the missed crumbs," Auggie teased.

"I'm not talkin'," Annie shot back.

After dinner, Auggie tidied the kitchen and cleaned off the island while Annie sipped at what remained of her wine. "You want a little more wine," Auggie asked and he put the cartons of leftovers in the fridge.

"No, I need to go home this evening, and I don't want to have to take a cab," Annie explained as she moved toward the sofa. "By the way, nice job on cleaning off the island."

"Why, thank you," Auggie said flashing a smile in Annie's direction. (Annie knew he couldn't see her smile, but she ALWAYS smiled back at him) "Now, are you going to let me in on our Saturday plans … or your Saturday plans."

"No, it's a surprise. You worry about national security, and I'll be in charge of Saturday afternoon. I'm on the Russian desk the rest of the week, so humor me and let me surprise you," Annie pleaded.

Auggie joined Annie on the sofa and draped his arm around her after he'd settled into his spot. He nuzzled her neck with a few kisses and whispered, "I have some new interrogation techniques I could try on you. They are guaranteed to make you talk."

Annie giggled, "You are just terrible. You will find out Saturday. And that's final."

Auggie put on a faux sulk and then they both wilted into laughter.

Annie took a break from monitoring television feeds from Moscow and St. Petersburg, and went back to her desk in the DPD to make a phone call. Knowing that Auggie had some kind of Annie-dar, she made sure he was busy with his team before she called the number of a bike shop she'd researched on the web. As she dialed the number she felt a little guilty having used Auggie's personal laptop last night to find the shop.

"Big Blue Wheel."

"Hi, I need to do some shopping for some biking gear. I wanted to double check with you that you're going to have everything I need before I make the trip there."

"What is it you need?"

"I need to get bike pants and shirts for a man and a woman, and I also need helmets and gloves."

"I'm pretty sure I can fix you up miss," the man answered.

"Thanks," Annie said, "and your web site says you're open tonight until six. Is that correct?"

"It sure is," the shop proprietor answered.

Annie smiled a little smile of self-satisfaction. She'd checked Auggie's trouser size and she'd found a shop that had everything they needed. She'd managed to slip into the DPD and make her phone call without him detecting her. Now, she could slip into his office say a quick "hello" and make sure he'd be working late so she could hurry to the bike shop immediately when her shift ended.

The stealth part of her "mission" complete, Annie walked toward Auggie's office knowing that he would recognize her footsteps approaching. She was about three steps into the office when he turned his chair to her, smiled and asked, "Are you AWOL from the Russian desk?"

"Nope, just takin' a break. Wanted to touch bases with you. I have some errands I need to run after work, and thought you'd be running late tonight. Do you want to meet up at your place later? Or, do you want me to go on home?"

Auggie made a face while he thought. "I'm going to be tied up until at least seven thirty. Do you want to meet up at my place and we order a pizza or something later?"

Annie could tell he was a little stressed, so she squeezed his shoulder and said, "Later this evening, then."

Auggie nodded and said, "Later."

By five after five, Annie was in her car driving as fast as the limit would allow to the bike shop. At five thirty, she was parking the car in front of the shop. She burst through the front door and surveyed the displays. The owner came out of the back room wiping his hands to clean off the grease and oil. "How can I help you this evening? I'll be willing to bet you are the person I talked with earlier this afternoon. You need to outfit you and your significant other for a bike outing. Am I right?" he asked.

"You're good," Annie smiled. "First we each need some pants. Not bike shorts but long pants."

"What size and what color?"

"How do they run. Auggie is six feet tall, but he's slender and toned. I think I'd better get him black," she said, and then muttered under her breath, "since that's about all he ever wants to buy."

"He'd probably take a medium, then," the man said, pulling a pair of pants from the shelf. "What size shirt?"

Annie thought a few seconds, "Probably a large shirt, he works out a lot and he has broad shoulders," she said with a smile. "Do you have that black and gray shirt in a large?"

"Now, what would YOU like," he asked.

Annie surveyed the display of women's clothes, and picked out a pair of bright blue pants for herself and a bright blue and gray shirt. She tried on her gloves, and decided on the extra-large gloves for Auggie. She chose a blue and black helmet for herself and a black and gray one for Auggie. The helmets had inner liners to help make them fit correctly, so they'd just have to figure it out on Saturday.

Annie looked around the shop one more time. "Are there any other basics I need to get us for our first tandem bike ride Saturday?"

"You have the basics, and that's about all you really need. But, many bikers like to wear goggles for eye protection."

Annie thought a moment. "Since our first excursion is on a tandem bicycle that I've rented for Saturday afternoon, couldn't I get by with good sunglasses?" she asked.

"That should work," the shopkeeper said. "What about your friend?"

Annie hesitated. She never "explained" Auggie, and had never mentioned to casual acquaintances much less total strangers that her boyfriend/best friend/significant other is blind. Doesn't matter. It's no one's business. But this was different, and she was compelled to explain.

"Well," Annie began hesitantly, "my friend, as you call him, is blind. He never wears sunglasses, and I'm not sure I could convince him that goggles are necessary for an afternoon bike ride."

The shopkeeper took a pair of sturdy sunglasses off the display and a strap that attached to the earpieces to keep them secured on the head. "The glasses or goggles are for eye protection. It would be even more important for him, because he's not able to see that debris is blowing around. Neither one of you would want to spend the evening in the emergency room to have something removed from an eye."

Annie made a face and whispered, "Ouch."

"Exactly," the shopkeeper said.

"I guess I'd better get two pair of sunglasses."

As her purchases were scanned, Annie pulled out her debit card and held her breath waiting for the total: $427.83. "About what I'd thought," Annie thought to herself. She'd actually planned to spend $500, so she felt she was almost $75 ahead.

Annie was loading her purchases into her car's back hatch, while across the river in Langley Auggie powered down his equipment and called for his car service. He used his encrypted phone to call Annie to see if she'd finished her errands.

"I'm in my car and headed to your place, so yes, I have everything under control. How about you?"

"Just waitin' for my ride home. Whoever gets there first has to have an open brew ready to hand off to the other one."

"It's a deal," Annie laughed.

Annie parked her car a few places down the street from the apartment building's entrance and surveyed the area to see if she could see the car service vehicle. She looked up at Auggie's window, which was dark. If he expected her, he generally turned on the light for her … unless he forgot … or was playing a trick on her. She hurried into the building and up the stairs. She held her ear to the door and listened before she put her key in the door. She was steeled to have him pop out from behind something and grab her.

She slid the door opened as quietly as possible and checked either side of the entrance. It was clear. No Auggie. She gently flipped the overhead light switch and looked around the room. No Auggie. She checked the far end of the island. No keys. No phone. No folded cane. She'd gotten there first.

Annie stashed her purse in its usual place at the end of the dresser in the bedroom, hung up her jacket and slipped out of her heels into a pair of sport slides she kept in Auggie's closet. She surveyed the contents of his fridge and noticed he had a 12 pack of beer cooling. She called him. "What's your ETA?"

"I've been in the car about 15 minutes … so I'd say another 10 or so. Why?"

"I thought I'd go ahead and order the pizza. You want sausage, mushrooms and black olives on your half? I'll get veggies on my half."

"Sounds good. Did you find the beer?"

"Yep, I'll have one waiting for you."

Auggie ended the call and Harold said, "Auggie, I've noticed that since last winter you don't seem to dread going home at night the way you used to. I'm happy for you that you've found someone as great as Annie."

"How did you know I dreaded going home?"

"Anyone with half a brain could see it. You just seemed sad. I don't know if it was your expression or your body language, but I could tell you kind of dreaded going home to an empty apartment."

Auggie laughed. "And I thought I had everyone convinced I was happy as a clam."

Harold started to slow the car. "Someone's pulling out of the spot right in front of the door, Auggie. When I'm in, you'll have a straight shot at the entrance."

Annie had called and ordered the pizza and a large salad to share, so she stretched out on the sofa watching the street for Auggie. The SUV parked, Auggie got out and turned back to say something to the driver before he made his way across the wide sidewalk to the apartment entrance. She watched him for a few seconds and smiled. She wistfully wished he could look up to the window to see her so she could wave or do something silly like throw him a kiss … "that's a selfish thought, Annie," she told herself as she hurried to get the beer.

The heavy door to the apartment rattled open. Annie, standing just a few feet inside the door said, "Welcome home. In which hand would you like your beer?"

Auggie took a couple of steps toward Annie with his left hand extended gently and found her right shoulder. Running his hand up her neck to her cheek, he bent down, kissed her cheek and said, "Let me stash this gear, and I'll be happy to hold one in each hand."

Annie pivoted under his arm and snuggled next to his left side as he walked toward the island. She took a couple of steps out of his way while he folded and secured his cane and placed his encrypted phone in its docking station. Holding out both hands, he commanded, "Beer!"

Annie placed a napkin-wrapped bottle in his right hand. He smiled and took a long swig. "When's the pizza supposed to arrive?"

"Any minute now," Annie said as she took his hand and gently tugged him toward the sofa.

After their pizza supper and a couple of beers, Annie packed the leftover pizza in bags and put them in the freezer while Auggie wiped down the counters and loaded their few dishes into the dishwasher. They bumped into each other in front of sink and laughed. Auggie draped his arm over her shoulders and asked quietly, "Are you going to be able to stay tonight?"

"I don't know if I have any work clothes here. Let me see what's in your closet," she answered looking up at his expectant expression with a half-smile.

She hurried around the corner through the bedroom and into the closet to the end of the rod where she generally kept a few work outfits as well as some casual clothes. And there, in cleaner bags, freshly cleaned and pressed were two pant suits and three blouses. "Auggie! You took my clothes to the cleaners. Now, I have to stay."

"That's what I was hoping," he answered with a wide, warm smile.

Friday morning Annie and Auggie hurried into the main entrance at Langley early, so they could swing by Starbucks for coffee and a scone before work. After her last bite, Annie remarked she needed to get to work on the Russian Desk so she didn't fall behind in her monitoring assignment.

Auggie sighed.

"What's wrong?"

"I know it's silly, because I can't see you sitting at your desk, but when I know you're not there, even when I'm ridiculously busy, I feel a little empty," Auggie admitted while he reached across the table and seductively rubbed her arm.

"Oh, Auggie … I'm three doors down in the same corridor, not halfway around the globe," she teased.

Do you think Annie will be able to pull off surprising Auggie with the Saturday afternoon bike ride? Check back to see what happens in Chapter 4. Thanks for reading. As Auggie says ... later.