Villa Scorpio
Thinking calming thoughts the entire way, Sean entered the Villa by the loggia. Quietly, he walked towards the study but paused as his ears detected the ongoing conversation. By habit, he looked around and saw no one. He inched closer and closer to the half open door while his mind recorded all he was hearing.
"Anna, I think she was working on the drug. The one given to Andrew and … Eve and maybe the same as Helena's drug."
"Do you KNOW what you're saying?" asked Robert.
"I don't WANT to believe it, Robert!" cried Felicia.
"Robin would never be a party to … to developing a mind altering drug. Just … just no … never."
"I know what I know. It's her writing and signature," insisted Felicia. There had been a time when she would have backed down in an argument with Robert. Those days were past. "Look, Robert, I'll get the file to you as soon as I can. Then you can decide."
"Save it," said Robert curtly. "I KNOW my daughter."
Frisco broke in, "Why are we arguing about this? Whatever it is the file is implying happened years ago. We need to focus on right now."
"Mr. Peacemaker, Frisco?" observed Anna.
"I know when to pick my battles and THIS is the time we should be working together not fighting amongst ourselves," said Frisco. "If Felicia says this is Robin's handwriting, then I believe her. Let's move on to next steps."
Robert glanced at Anna. "You can't be considering this to be true?"
Anna's eyes were haunted. "We both know that morality and ethics have no influence when the choices are life or death. Robin is a survivor, Robert. We taught her independence and resilience but her will is her own. I think she could have done this if it was a matter of her survival."
"Not knowing what this drug is she wouldn't!" argued Robert. "It would be like … like handing out death sentences to random people on the street."
"We left a teenager behind, Robert. But the person who met me at Wildwind was an adult with knowledge and life experiences we know nothing about. You know how willful she can be once she's made a decision," said Anna. "Frisco has a point. We are speculating on something that happened too far in the past. How relevant could it be to the present?"
"I'm going to find out how relevant even if I have to tear that building down around Elena's ears," said Robert.
"Uh, no commando raid on the Foundation. Not even you could escape the political fallout," said Frisco.
"I want Alex and Dimitri in here while we talk," said Anna as she contacted her sister. "Robert, get Mac and Dianara on the other line, please."
In the hallway, Sean shook his head. He whispered, "What the hell am I doing? They heard the chimes. They know I've arrived. Best to play it straight." He stretched and straightened then stepped back a few paces. He walked forward calling out, "Anna, Robert, where are you?"
Robert voice drifted out into the hallway, "In the study! Felicia and Frisco are on the horn."
Sean strode in. He tossed his coat on the couch. "Hi, Princess, Frisco!"
"Sean! It's been forever, man," said Frisco.
"Sean, I'll brief you about everything you missed later," said Anna. "Right now, we need to all get on the same page. Our operatives have arrived in Europe and already executing their assignments. From Felicia, we have a new lead in Vienna and with the Foundation. Robert needs to be in Vienna, not Paris."
"Too right," muttered Robert.
"Nestor and Shane will be diverted to Vienna immediately. I'll move Edgar and Raine to Paris after their assignments in Scotland and London are completed," said Anna.
"Isn't Shane a demolitions man?" asked Felicia.
"Raine tells me that he can do wonderful explosions with simple household chemicals," said Robert.
"Shane for potential firepower then and Nestor for systems hacking," added Anna.
Mac's voice came over the phone. "Nice. You'll have at least two ways of breaking in, Robbie."
"I thank you, team leader," grinned Robert.
Soundlessly, Alex and Dimitri walked in and sat down on the couch.
"I have some contacts at Austrian Intelligence, Anna. Should I check them out?" asked Dianara.
"Yes, please. Sound them out but leave off at the smallest hint of Foundation bias," instructed Anna.
With a confused look on her face, Alex asked, "Is the Foundation matter back on the table?"
"Oh, yes, jumping up and down no less," said Robert. "Felicia has found information that … that indicate Robin was a researcher there and … "
"And she could have been working on our mystery drug," finished Anna. "I'll fill you two in on the details later."
Alex nodded understanding. Her mind began to go over some avenues of thought based on this new bit of information.
"Fill me in as well," came Andrew's voice from the doorway. He was still in the same clothes as yesterday.
"Fell asleep in the Lair I see. I'll fill you in later. Go up to bed and use it," snapped Anna.
"Can't. Belle called and told me to brace myself for a visit from Tiffany," answered Andrew. "I shall return. I need coffee."
As Andrew shuffled off, Anna looked at Sean. "Tiffany?"
Sean shrugged. "I know next to nothing. Less than nothing." His expression turned serious. "Oh, wait, it might have something to do with something that we discussed earlier."
"Something important?" asked Robert.
"It has nothing to do with THIS meeting. We can take it offline, okay?" asked Sean.
"Fine," said Anna. "Alex, I want you to pore over the Foundation files one more time for any possible references or connections to Robin. A bit of judicious checking up on Andrew would not be amiss."
"He does look strung out doesn't he?" asked Robert.
"Too many all nighters in a row I would guess. Teenagers have all this excess energy but it has to run out some time," said Alex.
"He has something on his mind. Something that is driving this obsessive work schedule," said Anna.
"He's always been rather dedicated when he has a particular mania to investigate," said Robert.
"I don't like it. He needs rest," said Anna with firm conviction. "Patrick can't bear to be at their house so he'll be staying at the cottage with Emma. Emma's daytime care and wellbeing have been arranged. Andrew can ease up."
"Immovable force meets equally immovable force," said Robert.
"We'll see about that," said Anna. "Returning to our topic. Dimitri, please check in with any contacts you may have in the area that could be useful to us."
Dimitri said, "Certainly. The Foundation has to have made enemies and critics. Does anyone find it odd that said opposition has been so quiet all this time?"
"You're right. That's an angle we never thought to investigate," said Robert.
"The circle of large foundations is a small one, Robert. As head of the Andrassy Foundation, I have reason to ask around and I will," said Dimitri.
"Thank you," said Robert. In their short acquaintance, Robert was finding more and more he liked about Alex's husband. He had to find the time to get know him better.
Still yawning, Andrew leaned on the doorway sipping his coffee. "What's my assignment, mum?"
"Four hours of sleep then I want you to siphon off more information from the Foundation's systems via SIMON's backdoor method," ordered Anna.
Andrew shook his head. "They've closed that door. I'll have to make a new one."
"Don't bother with finesse. Just get inside," said Robert.
"Next, Frisco, Felicia, do you have a safe house there?" asked Anna.
"Not per se," said Felicia. "But don't worry about us. We'll be fine."
"I have to split off, Anna. I've been putting off this WSB assignment and Connie's about to go ballistic on me," said Frisco. "I hate missing out on this one though."
"You gotta keep your day job, remember?" said Robert.
"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya," said Frisco. "It's such a pointless assignment."
"The WSB is just like the regular force. Haven't you learned that by now?" asked Sean.
"I'm normally reserved for more of the by-the-seat-of-your pants stuff," said Frisco. "I'll stay here until backup arrives. Then I'll go play babysitter."
"Frisco, stop being so dramatic. It can't be THAT bad," said Anna.
"Shadow security work for a visiting bigwig by the name of Chase Masters. Never heard of him," said Frisco. "Any five year person could do this. It's nothing more than a glorified bodyguard. His bio says that he's second generation. Did any of you know his father?"
Sean controlled his reaction but barely. He pretended to cough so he could look away for a few minutes. "I've been out of the WSB loop a long time, Frisco."
"The name doesn't ring a bell with me," said Robert. "Anyone coming off vacation always gets the grunt work. That's procedure."
"How … how long is your assignment?" asked Sean in a casual tone.
"A few weeks at NYC I'm told," replied Frisco. "I'll finish it up then come join you guys."
Robert cleared his throat. "No. No haring off."
"This is my goddaughter we're talking about."
"I haven't forgotten that but I don't like putting all our eggs in one basket. I don't want you to blow your position on the inside. Got it?"
"I understand that but … jeezus, Robert, I want to come in. I want out of the WSB," said Frisco. "You and Anna are in the clear. Andrew is practically untouchable. Nothing else is keeping me in."
Felicia added softly, "We have other plans in mind, Robert."
"The Bureau isn't what it was. You warned me about it but I thought it would get better. It hasn't. Or, maybe, I've finally grown up. Who knows?" said Frisco.
"I see," said Robert. "How soon do you want to resign?"
"Today but I know that's not possible," said Frisco. "The minute that Robin's found I'm outta there."
Anna shared looks with Robert then with Sean before saying, "We understand, Frisco. You and Felicia decide when. In the meantime, stay -"
"Frisco, pull over. Look over there!" exclaimed Felicia.
"Honey, I didn't think you'd blow up the place for real," replied Frisco. "I was joking."
"What's going on?" asked Anna.
"Clouds of dark smoke from the direction of the Foundation. It's the biggest thing in the area. It has to be it," said Frisco.
"It was a very small incendiary. They could have put it out with a fire extinguisher," said Felicia. She gasped. "Unless they're destroying the live evidence. Oh, god, no! No!"
Robert sprang into action. "Simon, scan police channels local to the Foundation, include all public services like fire and rescue," ordered Robert on his phone. "Playback here."
"Confirmed. Executing now," said Simon. This was followed by static then a stream of German, mostly curse words. Robert put his phone on the desk and close to the other open lines.
"It sounds like it's not a big fire but the fire marshal is ordering … patient evacuation," said Dianara translating in real time. "But the Foundation is resisting the, ah, suggestion. They are trying to keep things on the quiet."
"Let's not help them," said Mac. "Why not leak this to the international press? I know one top reporter for the International Herald based in Paris. She'd kill for this info. Stir up the nest a little if you get my drift."
Robert chuckled. "I get. I like. Will you do the honors, Mac?"
"She? Do I know her?" teased Dianara.
"She's an American, actually. Jackie Templeton," said Mac. "She's a rabid Sheila when she has juicy news to look into."
"It's a small, small world," said Robert in a sing song way under his breath.
It was Anna's turn to tease. "Know her, too, Robert?"
"Just a little when I first came to town," said Robert not meeting Anna's direct gaze.
"Color me as not surprised," said Anna.
Dianara interrupted with more translations. "There's been a power outage at the Foundation. The electricity and gas have both been turned off as a precaution. They're on back up power. Roger Barrett is furious about it."
"I can just see his face," remarked Sean. "Couldn't happen to a nicer guy."
Suddenly, Andrew blurted out, "Gotta go!"
"What for?" shouted Robert.
"Things in chaos. On back up power. Best time to try a systems break-in." Andrew sprinted out heading for the Barn and his Lair.
The chimes signaling an arrival played over the house speakers.
"Another visitor?" asked Robert.
"Vincent," replied Anna. "I need to tell him about Eve and Robin personally. He knew one or maybe both during the time line of when we think the switch was done. He may know something."
"Couldn't hurt," said Robert.
"Seems like everyone has assignments except me," said Sean.
"That's because what we want from you is in your head," said Anna with a small smile.
Felicia said, "If no one minds, we're getting off conference. We need to get to a safer location."
"Understood. Check in when you're safe," said Robert. There was a click and Anna turned her phone off ending the video conference.
Alex and Dimitri stood up. Alex said, "I'll be in the Lair. I can access the records faster there and, perhaps, I can help Andrew pinpoint records we would be interested in, medically speaking."
"I'll start making my calls," added Dimitri.
"Dimitri, could you tell Vincent to wait for us in the living room?" asked Anna.
Dimitri nodded and led Alex out of the study.
"I'll get off, too. The news about Robin has hit the station, Robbie," said Mac. "Quite a few of the old timers know her personally. I'll do what damage control I can."
"I've been summoned to NYC tomorrow. Reasons not given but I believe it's my official debriefing," said Dianara. "I'll continue to monitor the scanner from here. I'll let you know anything interesting."
Mac and Dianara ended their part of the conference leaving only Sean, Anna and Robert in the impromptu meeting. Robert closed and locked the study door.
Sean did his best to seem relaxed when that state was the farthest thing he was. He could feel his heart rate speeding up and the sweat form in the small of his back. He took some deep breaths then asked with a wry smile, "My turn for the inquisition?"