Annie and Auggie have the suspect under surveillance ... wonder just what might happen as they keep tabs on him? Read on to find out.
Thank you so much for your comments and alerts ... and for your concern over Chapter 13 not showing up yesterday. Evidently, there was a glich with with web site. Oh well, Chapter 13 got posted; and I'm hoping this one shows up in a timely manner. It's fun to write and to share with you. Oh ... just the usual reminder that I have no assoiation with the developers, cast or crew at Covert Affiars, except for the fact that I think those guys rock!
Chapter 14 – Trailing the Suspect
The next morning Auggie and Annie dressed in layers to stay comfortable on their day of surveillance. Since they were dressed ultra-casual, they decided to find a Starbucks for coffee and breakfast rather than eat in the hotel dining room. After they'd downed their large cups of coffee, yogurt and the shared scone, they climbed back into the SUV and drove back to the cleaner.
Joan wanted a visual on the suspect to verify that the tracking devices were planted on the right person's clothing. Annie parked in the next block where she had a good view of the entrance to the business. Auggie handled communications back to Langley while Annie kept a close watch on the entrance to the business. Shortly after she saw the owner unlock the door and turn the sign from "closed" to "open," a handsome Asian man wearing sweat pants and a St. Louis University sweatshirt walked hurriedly into the shop and left a few minutes carrying what looked like the jacket and pants to which Annie had attached the tracking and listening devices.
She put down her binoculars and said, "Auggie, he's picked up the cleaning."
Auggie reached into the back seat and pulled his listening equipment onto his lap. While Auggie turned on the equipment, Annie started the car and waited to see which way he was going to turn as he approached the intersection. He turned left toward Tower Grove Park, so Annie eased around her corner to the right and followed him at about a half block distance. Auggie's equipment started picking up the noise of the car, the car radio and the plastic covering rustling. The GPS tracker was working, in case they lost sight of him.
He drove through the park to the neighborhood on the other side, and parked in front of a small, well maintained red brick house. As Annie eased past the house, the suspect carried in his cleaning. Annie circled the block and pulled into a parking place on the cross street where she had a view of the house. After about 15 minutes, Annie commented that she felt they weren't fitting in watching the house. Some of the neighbors were out walking their dogs and taking walks and were noticing the SUV.
"Mmmm." Auggie said, "that's not good. How far are we from the park you said we drove through?"
"A block and a half. Why?"
"We're both dressed causal and aren't you wearing your sneakers, too?"
"Yeah." Annie answered.
Auggie pulled out his encrypted phone and its Braille input device. He checked some settings on his laptop, made sure they were transferred to the phone, put in the phone ear buds and listened intently for a few seconds. An easy smile spread across Auggie's face. "OK, now, we're ready," he said.
"Ready for what?" Annie asked.
"We need to fit in. Let's take a walk in the park," he said as he reached down and picked up his cane.
"What about watching our guy?"
"Annie, we have his clothes bugged. If he parked on the street, we can easily put a little tracker on the car."
"We have a tracker to put on the car?"
Auggie smiled again and reached behind him for the duffle from which he pulled out a small zippered pouch. He unzipped the pouch to reveal several trackers. He handed one to Annie. She took it as he said, "We'll walk past the car, you'll drop something and when you reach down to pick it up, you can put the tracker behind the bumper."
"Sounds like a plan," Annie smiled. She stretched over the console and kissed him. "You're always a step ahead of everything. That's just one of the reasons I love you."
Auggie reached back into the duffle and pulled out a tiny webcam with a long USB cord. Annie watched with curiosity while he connected the electronics.
"Dare I ask what you're doing?"
"You may," he said and paused. "We're setting up some electronic surveillance so we can take our walk. This is a lipstick camera, and it should be small enough that it won't be too noticeable on the dash," Auggie said as he handed it to Annie. "Point it toward our guy's house, ok?"
As Annie took the small camera from Auggie, she playfully touched his fingertips causing him to grin. "Not now, Walker. We're on the clock." He turned on the laptop, logged in and made contact with his team in the Tech Center in Langley.
"Annie? … A little help please?"
"Sure … what can I do?"
"Take a peek at the screen to make sure our aim is good."
Annie looked at the computer screen and adjusted the camera to the left. She studied the screen for a second and asked if they could pull in closer. "There's a slide control on the side of the camera, if you want pull in a little tighter," Auggie instructed.
Annie fiddled with the tiny control and checked the screen. "That's better," she whispered.
Auggie sat the laptop on the floor beside his feet and tilted the screen down. After making a quick call back to Langley to be sure the signal was clear, Auggie opened his door, stepped out, unfolded his cane and asked, "Ready?"
Annie slid out of the SUV and joined Auggie on the sidewalk. As they walked, she described the neighborhood as well as discussing what restaurants they should check out for lunch and dinner … especially when there was someone else near them on the sidewalk. Auggie used his cane to guide him, and Annie walked beside him chatting with her right hand slipped into the gentle caress of his left hand.
They crossed the street and walked toward the suspect's car. Annie took off her sunglasses and held them in her left hand as she gestured while she talked. When they were almost even with the car, she slipped her hand from Auggie's and gently squeezed his wrist twice to let him know she was about to let her sunglasses fly.
Her toss was surprisingly accurate and the sunglasses landed under the car's front bumper. "Oh, good grief. I can't believe I'm such a klutz," Annie exclaimed for anyone who might be in earshot. "Wait, honey, while I get my sunglasses."
Auggie stopped and half leaned on his cane while he waited for Annie, who was down on her knees reaching under the front of the car to retrieve her sunglasses. In a fluid move, she picked up the glasses with one hand and as she steadied herself to get up, she placed the tracker under the bumper. Auggie could tell from the sounds coming from inside the house on his receiver that the suspect wasn't in a hurry to get ready for work and leave the house.
Annie and Auggie continued walking hand-in-hand to the end of the block where they turned to cross Arsenal Street and enter the park for the rest of their walk. They walked several blocks along the meandering path chatting about their Christmas shopping. To the few people they met on the path, they were thought to be a new couple who'd moved into the neighborhood. Auggie's phone chimed and he answered it, "Anderson."
"Auggie, our guy just made a phone call to his office reporting he was running late and would be leaving in a few minutes," a team member reported.
"Thanks … later."
Auggie told Annie they needed to head back to the car, because the mark was on the move. They walked quickly to the next cross walk and hurried back to the car. "Did they say exactly what he said?" Annie asked.
"Just that he was called the office to report he was running late and indicated that he is headed to the office. Since we sort of know where the office is located, we don't have to worry about following him too close," Auggie said.
"Yes, Sir." Annie said looking up into his face with a wide smile.
"What's that big smile for?" Auggie asked.
"Smile? What smile? How on earth did you know I was smiling?" Annie asked in mock indignation.
"Your voice just sounds happier when you smile. Everyone's does."
Annie gave him a little punch in the arm, and Auggie reciprocated by grabbing her by the shoulder, pulling her into his side and planting a kiss on her forehead. Annie giggled as they walked past the houses and duplexes.
"Here's the car," Annie said as she veered off the sidewalk and placed Auggie's hand on the door handle. She reached into her pocket and opened the door with the remote. "There you go," she said as she walked around the front of the car to get in.
By the time Annie had started the car, Auggie had activated his tracking and listening receiver and was whispering the information to Annie, who laughed. "This isn't funny, Walker," Auggie said in exasperation.
"Yes it is," she said. "It's just you and me in the car, and you're whispering. Are you sure this spy stuff isn't in your DNA? You are always the consummate spy."
Auggie turned toward Annie, "And you're not?"
"Not like you, Soldier Boy."
Annie wound the SUV through the streets of the south part of the city on her way to Highway 40, where she pulled into the westbound lanes to drive out to the commercial and light industrial area near the Missouri River where the development offices and laboratory were located. Since most traffic was one the eastbound lanes, they were making good time on the highway.
"Hey, Speed Demon," Auggie said, "you can slow down to at least the speed limit. Our guy just stopped at a coffee drive through."
"How do you know that?"
"Well, his tracker stopped moving; and I heard him place an order for a large coffee with skim milk. If you don't slow down, we may beat him to his office," Auggie teased.
Annie slowed down as she drove down the hill approaching research facility. "Good grief," Annie exclaimed, "this area has turned into a whole other city."
"What do you mean," Auggie asked.
"Last time I was here I was just a kid and it was the year after the flood. All that was left were a few buildings and the general aviation airport," she explained. "Are you hearing anything from our guy in your earpiece?"
Auggie shook his head. "Just his car radio and car noises. He's not too far ahead of us." A few minutes later Auggie reported the radio had been turned off and he heard a slamming car door. "Sounds like he's arrived at work."
Annie drove to the airport exit, crossed over the highway and doubled back through the street that ran through the industrial buildings. She spotted the suspect's car and kept driving to the next building's parking lot and found a spot to park where she could watch his car.
Auggie put his head back on the headrest to concentrate on the conversations he was hearing. Annie watched the people coming and going in the parking lot. Nothing seemed extraordinary or out of place. She glanced over at Auggie who was playing with a rubber band while he continued to monitor the conversations from inside the building.
Annie reached over and put her hand on Auggie's knee. He smiled and patted her hand, but then held up his hand to let her know he was listening to a conversation. Auggie was hearing a conversation between the suspect and his boss discussing a meeting they were having that afternoon in the office with one of the scientists who was working on the night vision project.
"It looks like nothing much is going to happen today, because they're planning meetings the rest of the afternoon," Auggie commented.
Annie thought a moment before she spoke, "So …. Do you think we could take a break and get a bite of lunch?"she asked.
"I think we can manage that," Auggie answered. "Do you have a place in mind?"
"I do, and I'm getting hungry. How about you?"
"Let me talk to the crew back at the Tech Center, so they are paying attention while we take a break."
Annie pulled out of the industrial park back on the highway and headed east where she would weave her way through West St. Louis County to the Trainwreck Saloon. She pulled into the parking lot of the bar and eatery telling Auggie he was about to experience the most awesome onion rings in the Midwest. Walking through the parking lot, they talked about how much of what they do involves waiting and listening.
"I'm not asking for something dangerous to happen," Annie said, "I just want …uh … there's a couple of steps … this mission under our belts so we can get back to D.C."
Walking across the wood floored porch of the Saloon, Auggie said, "I understand, Annie, but I gotta admit I'm having six kinds of fun being able to be out in the field."
"That makes two of us," Annie answered as she opened the door. They walked through the bar to a table in the restaurant area in the back. A waitress told them to take any open table. Annie whispered, "There's a two top against the wall to our right. That OK?"
"Sure."
Auggie pulled Annie's chair out for her and trailing his hand along the side of the table, seated himself. When the waitress returned with menus, Annie asked if she had a Braille menu. Flustered by the request, she apologized that they did not. Annie thanked her and took a menu from her.
"You didn't need to do that," Auggie said.
"Yes, I did," Annie replied sharply. "Restaurants need to be reminded they should provide Braille menus. What are you hungry for?"
"You mentioned something about onion rings … and I think a burger would go nicely with them," Auggie answered. He leaned across the table and whispered to Annie, "There doesn't seem to be too many people here, are there?"
"No … one other couple in the corner and a couple of guys having burgers and beer at the bar up front. It's late for lunch. Why?"
"After we order, will you show me where the men's room is?" he grinned. "I ... uhh … need to wash my hands."
"Sure," Annie said. "You'll be OK in an unfamiliar men's room? Geez, we always go places where you're familiar. Maybe this wasn't a good idea."
Auggie held up his folded cane. "I'll be fine," Auggie assured her.
After they'd enjoyed their lunch and checked in with Langley, Annie drove back to the industrial area where they'd left their suspect. Annie circled the parking lot, spotted his car and pulled into a space in the adjoining parking area. Auggie put ear buds in his ears and plugged them into a receiver that he switched on. He turned to Annie and asked her to call their crew at Langley to give them their 20.
She checked in, chatted with the tech for a few seconds and ended the call. Then they waited … and waited. Annie watching. Auggie listening. More than an hour passed and Annie reached into the floor of the back seat to retrieve her iPod out of her bag. Auggie listened to the sounds of her digging in her almost-too-big bag and teasingly asked if she had a small animal stashed in the bag.
"Silly … I'm just digging out my tunes … to help keep me awake. We spend more than half of our time watching and waiting for someone to do something," she sighed. "Our lives aren't nearly as interesting as the spies in the movies and books."
Auggie reached over and squeezed her shoulder, "Yes, but what we do actually can make a difference in the country's security. And as lofty as it sounds, it's not always exciting … you know that."
Auggie put his hand up as a signal to Annie to be quiet so he could listen. He then shook his head. "They were all saying 'goodnight,' and nothing sounded out of the ordinary," Auggie reported. "Sorry I had to give you a silent shhhh."
"Not a problem … here he comes across the parking lot heading toward his car. He's looking at his cell phone, but I can't tell if he's making or taking a call."
Auggie held up his hand again, then put his finger over the receiver in his ear to make sure he could hear. The suspect had taken a call from a buddy who was inviting him to meet him for a beer after work at what sounded like a tavern in his neighborhood.
"Annie, google up Tower Grove Tavern to see it it's in our guy's neighborhood. He's going to meet someone there after work."
Annie pulled out her phone and searched for the tavern. "You're right. It's two blocks north and one block west of his house. You feelin' like a beer after work?" she asked.
"Yes, but we'd be too conspicuous in a neighborhood place," Auggie said.
"Aw, come on, Aug. Let's go play with the natives."
Auggie shook his head as Annie started the car. "An officer's job is to blend in, and I'm pretty sure a blind guy and a smokin' hot blonde would stand out in a local hang out."
Annie glanced at Auggie a couple of times while she negotiated her way out of the parking lot. He sat facing straight ahead with a stoic expression, pretending to be listening for more conversation. "Auggie, we can pull it off. We're both wearing casual clothes. We can drive around to find a for rent or for sale sign and if anyone says anything we'll tell them we're moving to the city and are checking out the area."
"I understand," Auggie said, "but I'm not sure it's a good idea."
"Well, if you're worried about the blind thing and being noticed, we'll put your cane in my tote bag and you can put your arm around my shoulders … we're always walking that way. It won't be any different."
Auggie began to smile. Annie felt like she was breaking him down. "No, we're not going to do anything that could show our hand, Annie. Our guy has been with the Company for several years; and even though I still have my covert status, I'm known all over the agency. He could make me and I'd be jeopardizing the mission of finding out who he's selling secrets to."
"I thought when you began to smile that I'd convinced you," Annie pouted.
"I was smiling because you were working the problem so well. And … I would do it, if it were necessary. But we need to stay under the radar. OK?"
"Understood. But, we can pull it off. I know we can." Annie said.
"I appreciate your confidence in my abilities." Auggie said as he patted her shoulder.
Annie drove back to the suspect's neighborhood and found his car parked in front of his house. While inside his home, Auggie heard the man take a phone call. In the conversation, he told someone that he had additional information to "contribute to the project." From the rest of the conversation, Auggie surmised that instructions for the exchange of information would come in another contact. Auggie hoped it would be by phone.
Auggie relayed the information to Annie and explained it was more important now than ever to remain unnoticed in the background.
Annie answered, "Mmm huh. OK."
"Annie, would you call Joan and put her on speaker?"
Annie dialed Joan's direct number and she answered, "What do you know?"
Auggie described what they had found out and asked Annie to add anything he may have left out. Annie did tell Joan she'd wanted to go to the tavern, but Auggie nixed the idea. "He's right, Annie. It's too important to bring this to a conclusion quickly. We don't want to spend time getting sidetracked. Auggie has become a little bit of a legend around here and Chang may put it together. He's no fool."
"OK," Annie said.
"Now, give me a heads up the second you have intel on when and where the exchange will be made. It's time to bring in the FBI for the take-down," Joan said. "Don't try to be cowboys on this. Do you copy?"
"Yes, Joan," Auggie and Annie replied in unison.
Joan heard the smiles in both their voices. "Another management problem," she thought to herself.
Annie sat starring at Chang's house. Light filtered through the drapery on both front windows on either side of the front door. She assumed one was the bedroom and the other was the living room. The light to the right of the door turned off and a few seconds later, the other window went dark. In the twilight of a streetlight close to his house, Annie could see the door opening.
Annie was giving Auggie a second-by-second description of what she was seeing.
Chang started walking north from his house in the direction of the local tavern. "Auggie, do you hear anything?"
Auggie nodded. "I can hear his footsteps, so we lucked out and he didn't change into his favorite jeans." When Chang walked out of Annie's line of sight, she started the car and turned the corner to park behind his car and watched him walk up the street. When he turned the corner, she started the car and eased into the driving lane to drive to the tavern to see if that's where he was headed. She drove a little faster than she should up the two blocks and made a quick right turn in time to see him walk into the tavern.
"He's just walked into the tavern. Do you hear any suspicious conversation?" Annie asked.
Auggie shook his head. "No. Just the usual after-work kinds of conversations between friends. This place sounds a lot like Allen's Tavern would sound tonight."
"Hey," Annie said, "there's a little café on the other end of the block. Do you think it's safe for us to get a bite to eat there? If anyone asks too many questions, we can always use the line we're thinking about moving in around here."
They went into the café, which was filled with the locals eating dinner. They waited at the door until they were told to find a place to sit. Annie whispered to Auggie, "Table or booth?"
"Your call. Wherever you'll be most comfortable."
"Let's take the booth by the window and I'll sit where I can watch the door," Annie said as she started walking toward the booth. She stopped and put Auggie's hand on the corner of the table and took a couple of more steps to slide into her side of the booth. Auggie reached back for the back of the bench and slid in to his side.
The waitress brought them menus, but Annie … remembering Auggie's instructions to blend in … did not ask for a Braille menu. She opened her menu and asked Auggie what sounded good to him and reported she'd seen several people eating good looking salads. They each decided on ordering the grilled chicken breast salad and tea. Annie stacked the menus and slid them to the outside of the table for the waitress to pick up.
They ate their light dinner and chatted quietly because Auggie was still listening to the conversation in the tavern. Finally, Auggie said, "You can talk a little louder, Annie. Our guy is just having drinks with friends and trying to hit on a couple of women."
They finished their salads and visited the restrooms before they returned to the car for Annie to watch the tavern entrance. About the time Annie was thinking about whining because she was getting cold, Chang walked out and headed home … alone. She waited a few minutes before she followed him back to his house and watched as he turned on the living room light and then the bedroom light.
"It appears he's in for the night, Auggie. Do you think we can go back to the hotel, relax and warm up?"
Auggie chuckled. "How do you propose we do that?"
Annie punched him playfully in the arm, and with his quick reflexes he grabbed her wrist and held it for a moment before he slipped his hand in hers and kissed it. Annie giggled and said, "So, you find stake outs and surveillance romantic?"
"Only when I'm with you," he said grinning.
"You didn't answer my question. Can we call it a night?"
Auggie called Langley to talk to the night crew in DPD Tech Ops. He explained that Chang appeared to be in for the night, but to listen for any phone calls that would indicate where and when he would be having a meet. Before he ended the call, Auggie made sure his team was locked in on Chang.
"OK, Walker, it looks like we've earned some rest."
Looks like they may have the chance to take down their guy tomorrow. It may get interesting and there may be some action before it's all said and done.
Thanks for taking time to read. Later ...