Villa Scorpio

Giles flipped through various satellite channels. In front of the tables, Lars, Alys and Dani sat surrounded by file folders. They were reading every file within the years targeted by Alys - the late seventies and early nineties. It was a tedious and thankless task but it had to be done. Two other minions assumed the role of data entry operators as they took the finished folders and crossmatched against SIMON's data.

The distinctive voice of Jackie Templeton came over the speakers. She was being interviewed by the BBC.

"As I've said before a large packet of information was delivered to my desk. I'm assuming that it was the same packet that, uh, Scotland Yard, Interpol and others have received. I … uh, just got it a few days earlier. That's why I was at the Foundation trying to verify the allegations as best I could," said Jackie.

"Since you were there, did you see the terrorists as-" began the interviewer.

Jackie leaned forward in her chair. "There were no terrorists. None."

"Dr. Larchenko is on record as attributing the attack to armed terrorists."

"I've covered insurgencies in various parts of the world. I know what terrorists look like up close and personal," said Jackie. "The building collapsed inwards. Bombs went off from inside."

"Which supports Dr. Larchenko's reasoning."

"Was she there? No. I was," insisted Jackie. "The Foundation is not isolated. There are houses and buildings all around. I think terrorists would have been easy to spot, don't you? No one has come forward."

"We've had reports of explosions and fires filed by area residents," said the interviewer.

"I don't think gunshots were reported though," said Jackie. "There was a lot of noise. Windows shattering, people yelling as they got out of the building. I was yelling at the guards and the administrators. It was chaos but I didn't hear any gunshots. Not one. That's why I don't believe it could have been terrorists."

"The Vienna police department is continuing their arson and bomb investigation. There are rumors of several high government officials leaving office for personal reasons. Know anything about that?"

Jackie smiled. "My lips are sealed until … tomorrow."

"C'mon, Jackie, don't be a tease. What's happening tomorrow?"

"Read my byline in the papers. I promise you won't be disappointed," said Jackie. "Let's just say that the Foundation is not the benevolent institution it represents itself to be."

"She does know her business," said Alys. "That was a near perfect interview."

"As long as the real truth is revealed about that ghastly place, I'll be happy," added Giles. He looked at a notepad. "How is renovation of the new property going?"

"Slow. The house is in much disrepair. Worse than the Villa had been," said Lars. "Fortunately, the structure of the house is sound. The most critical rooms will be ready by the time Raine and Shane bring Ms. Curic to her new home. By the way, Giles, the prefabricated homes that will be our new cottages will be delivered in a few weeks."

"It's going to be nice to be able to stretch out. We're stacked like sardines in the Lodge," said Dani.

A new broadcast filled the air. "At this time, the authorities have not confirmed the wild rumors surrounding the death of Greek tycoon Pompey Vakalos. The coroner has confirmed that he did not die of natural causes but would not reveal anything further. They are-"

"Vakalos? As in Helena Vakalos Cassadine?" asked Dani.

Giles' lips thinned and he refrained from replying. He listened more closely to the broadcast. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lars put the folder down and shut his eyes. He was listening intently too.

"Our sources have told us that Interpol is considering the case to be the result of an assassination. They are rumored to be following leads to an infamous assassin known as the Scarecrow," said the reporter.

Lars head snapped back. His eyes narrowed.

The news continued, "The Scarecrow retired years ago. Rumors abound that the mantle has been passed on. If this is true, the decades long hunt for the elusive hunter will begin again. This is Howard Orney reporting."

Lars shook his head. "No one has ever been able to identify him not for sure."

"He's that good?" asked Dani.

"He's become a legend by hiding in the shadows," said Alys.

"How does a paid mercenary become a legend?"

"If he was one man, he would be over a hundred by now."

"What?"

Lars cleared his throat. "The intelligence services know he exists and that the Scarecrow identity is passed on to another who is trained identically. Over time, the truth has been hidden under dozens of layers. I do not believe his identity will ever be known. That may be for the best."

Shortly, Giles excused himself. He left the Barn opting for a brisk walk to the Lodge and back. Several meters away from the immediate perimeter of the Barn and Villa, he descended to the river's edge and contacted Andre in France.

"Have you heard? About Pompey?" asked Giles.

"Yes and it wasn't me," said Andre. "Heloise won't let me out of her sight while I'm recovering. I fell through four floors you know. I've been on heavy painkillers since we arrived."

"The reporter seemed so certain it was the Scarecrow's work."

"Interpol must have some evidence that they haven't released yet," said Andre.

"Planted evidence?" asked Giles.

"Yes or maybe something else. Vakalos was in the middle of the Meditteranean, on his own ship and no sign of the cause of death on his body. Myterious deaths attract conspiracy theories like moths to flame," said Andre. "As much as I want to avenge Jacques' death, his implicit request to me was that I would not use Scarecrow to exact that pound of flesh. Given time, I'll get Helena by other means. Heloise is more upset about these rumors than I am."

"Upset? Why?"

"Woman's intuition of upcoming doom," said Andre. "Mine in particular."

"Does that mean that the Scarecrow came out for some air and is going back into the closet?"

"No," said Andre. "The rumors got one thing right. This genie is out of the bottle and it means to stay out."

WSB Headquarters, NYC

In the conference room, Martin Ross fumed as he watched the Templeton interview with Connie, Frisco and other top level operatives. When the broadcast finished, he snatched the remote and turned off the monitor.

"THAT should have been OUR investigation!" said Ross. "How did a reporter get the scoop on US?"

"She's a good reporter," said Connie. "I've congratulated our counterparts at Interpol."

"We had no inkling of this? A major world-class institution is … is shot up by terrorists and we knew nothing in advance? How is that possible?"

Connie shook her head. "It wasn't terrorists."

"Templeton seems to know more than she's saying," said Frisco. "Her sources are good."

"That's not the point, Frisco," said Ross. "We get a packet and the contents are dynamite. It's our job to find out this sort of information. Why didn't WE find out first? Isn't this what Guardian is for?"

"Ross, we're not omniscent," said Connie. "Our analysts are poring over the packet just like EVERY OTHER intelligence agency on the planet who were all in the dark. We should be thankful that there are still some people out there with a conscience. We're working with the FBI and Justice to freeze all Foundation funds and continue the investigation on a state by state level. This is cut and dried for us. We have other problems to focus on."

Ross sighed. "Not the defectors again. It's taken cared of."

Connie dismissed everyone else before continuing the discussion with Ross. "I'm talking about our disappearing informers and couriers. I got an update from Lorne Atwell. It would have been better if you'd briefed me beforehand."

"It was trivial and Europe is not your area anymore," said Ross.

"I don't care about that! Get your head out of the sand," said Connie. "We need to fully brief State on this TODAY. They have to know so they can increase security at consuls and embassies just in case."

"For the love of god we are not in a state of war here, said Ross. "We are not breathing a word of this. They already know too much thanks to your meddling." He rubbed at his temples. "It's … it's a phase … a changing of the old guard DVX style."

"I want to start an operation to get as many of our informers out of the line of fire," said Connie. "We owe them that much for the years of service-"

"They knew the risks going in. They're on their own," Ross grimaced. He rose. "I … I need to get an aspirin."

"Your migraines are back?"

"No, it's more like a tension headache. It's been a long day." He rolled his neck. "Connie, we need to sit on this until we have verification from sources we trust."

"Ones YOU trust you mean."

"Fine! Whatever," said Ross.

Connie noticed how flushed his face was. "Go get your aspirin. We're done here."

"I mean it, Connie, not a word to State. We don't want to panic them. There's no reason to."

"Don't I always do what's good for the Bureau?" asked Connie. "Remember, I'm taking a personal day tomorrow."

"Seeing your grandson?"

"Hmm, it's been a long time," murmured Connie. "Operations is all yours tomorrow."

Ross moved to the door, "Don't you mean Frisco is all mine?"

Connie smiled, "Can't you two just get along?"

Connie locked her office door. Adrenalin made her jumpy. Her heart hammered. She leaned against the door and took a few deep breaths to calm her thoughts and emotions. With renewed purpose, she began placing phone calls. The first was to the Bureau's chief physician.

She picked up the handset and connected to a number committed to memory. "Lionel, it's Connie."

"Connie? Is it time for your yearly physical already?" asked Lionel in his Boston Brahmin accent.

"I'm calling about Martin actually."

"Nothing wrong I hope."

"I'm worried about his migraines and headaches. I think it's all this stress."

"He did take the vacation I ordered," said Lionel. "How severe are these migraines? He doesn't have a history of them."

"You … you don't know about his headaches?"

"First time I've heard of it," said Lionel. "Let me see the computer. I hate these things but they are handy."

Connie fidgeted in her seat. She could hear the single finger keyboard tapping that Lionel employed. At his age, he refused to adapt too much to new technology.

"No record of Ross coming by, my dear."

"Maybe he just got pain pills. In and out."

"Per procedure, the chief physician, me, must see any director level employee personally and immediately whatever the situation. No director may ingest any medication unless prescribed by me or my office."

"Lionel, I believe that you need to evaluate Ross as soon as possible," said Connie. She took a deep breath. "In my capacity as Director of Operations, I … firmly believe that Ross is impaired and cannot carry out his duties."

Lionel cleared his throat. "That is a serious charge, Director Townley."

"I am requesting an immediate intervention and evaluation by you and your staff. I want Ross relieved of all duties during your evaluation," said Connie.

"In the chain of command, his responsibilities become yours. I must question your motives."

"There are others who will confirm these migraines. Also, there is evidence that his judgment is impaired. I am prepared to contact the executive panel on this matter."

"You must be very sure, Connie."

"I am."

"Personally and professionally, I shall have no part of a coup."

"I'm looking after the welfare of the Bureau, Lionel, and you know I don't fool around about that, If I'm wrong, I'll be the first to admit," said Connie. "I'll be gone in the afternoon but I can be here in the morning. Will you evaluate him?"

"Yes. I shall summon him down here first thing tomorrow," said Lionel. "I would like a preliminary report on these migraines. How about dinner tonight with the wife and me?"

"A home-cooked meal? I'm there." Connie hung up the phone. She began calling a few foreign consulates where she had contacts. Her last call was to Vladivostok.

"Connie, wonderful to hear from you. It's been a busy few days," said Ambassador Philip Coughlin. "Is this professional or personal?"

"Professional, I'm afraid," said Connie.

"Shoot. Get it over with."

"This is probably old news to you but I wanted to make sure you had complete information," said Connie. "There have been a series of disturbing events within the DVX which are rippling throughout our operations. As usual, your areas of interests will undoubtedly be affected."

"Damn it! He assured me that it was a … a simple operation. Nothing is ever simple with you people. Why don't I ever learn?" asked Coughlin. "How much negotiating will I have to do?"

"Negotiating? He?"

"I was told that your operatives had all been … been removed from my area. Is this not so? Do I have to go, beggar bowl in hand, to ask for their release? I don't mind being raked over the coals but I'd better get a thorough and truthful explanation first."

Connie stood up. The cord stretched as she walked to and fro behind her desk. "Step back a little. I have no idea what you're referring to. What operatives?"

"A team of operatives were murdered at a hotel here. I've spun it as being a hit by Russian mafia."

"Philip, I swear to you that there are NO WSB operations in Vladivostok. Zero."

"They had all the markings of a hit squad. One of them survived long enough to give my aide a confirmation number. He was confirmed as one of yours, Connie. I never would have cooperated so easily if they weren't yours, you know that."

Connie picked up her pen. "What was the number you were given? And don't tell me you don't remember because I KNOW you keep notes."

After a few minutes, Coughlin rattled off the phone number and the operative badge number. "I spoke at length with Arnold Vandenberg."

"That phone number doesn't sound familiar but the name is," said Connie. She accessed SIMON and asked for data on the telephone and badge numbers. The reply came swiftly.

Her screen displayed: THESE NUMBERS ARE ASSIGNED TO THE GEMINI GROUP.

Connie thought quickly. "Philip, my … my mistake. This one slipped by me. Sorry for the confusion."

"Whew! Just tell me I don't have to bail anyone out," said the ambassador.

"No. I'm calling about something else." Connie related the information regarding defectors and informers.

"I'll let my deputy know and that's it. If anyone comes in from the cold here, I'll call you first," said Coughlin.

"Personally, you understand?"

"I see. I think," said Coughlin. "You feel very strongly about this?"

"Yes, I do," said Connie. "This information isn't being let out via official channels."

"The Cold War is over."

"Says the man who managed to ferry dissidents out of Berlin for four years without ever falling under suspicion."

"They were far too busy looking at you, Connie." Coughlin chuckled. "I will handle my end as usual."

After the call, Connie stared at the words on her screen for a long time. The letters seemed to jump out at her in larger and larger print.

"What the heck is a department specializing in corporate matters doing sending a squad to a foreign country?" She accessed personnel records. "Arnold Vandenberg, who are you?"

After a few minutes of searching, she had her answer. There was no record of an Arnold Vandenberg.

The Scorpio Ranch, Australia

Robert found Anna and Robin in the living room. They were watching the news and Jackie's interview.

Anna spotted Robert coming in. "It's done. The packets are loose."

"And a job well done all around," said Robert taking a seat next to Anna.

"It was a HUGE risk for all of us, Robert."

"We came out of it smelling like roses," said Robert. "Why so pensive and serious?"

"Because we're not done. It's the tip of the iceberg."

"We've handed it off to the proper authorities. Let them worry about it." He put an arm around Anna. "We are officially on vacation."

"And indirectly hiding out until the fuss and bother is over with," said Anna.

"Mom's right, Dad," commented Robin. "The Foundation is out of business but their … their product is still out there."

"Our next step is informing most of the intelligence services about Compound X. We need to put the information together," said Robert.

"You need an antidote."

"Well, yes, we do."

"I've been looking through Alex, Eve and Raine's notes on the case. You have a pill that blocks the effects but it's of limited effect," said Robin. "I've going to write down everything I know about Peter's research and mine. The sooner an antidote is found the better."

Genji came into the room. He handed the phone to Robin. "Robin? It's a call for you."

"Thanks. Who is it?" asked Robin.

"A relative of yours - Charlotte Devane."