Conference room Homeland L.A.

All the Washington Agents plus Katherine and Cabe were seated around the large conference table , the five trainees had been sent back to normal duties .

Cabe decided to speak first . " While on the way to the wharehouse , i received a text from Walter , to say Paige would be at the house at 10.00am. Monday so all the Baltic Holdings items could be removed from the house . "

A big smile broke out on Agent Thomas's face . Cabe saw the smile on Thomas's face , his own face began to show anger .

" Let me make something very clear , Paige is like a daughter to me , like Walter is a son to me . If i hear any of you show any sort of disrespect to her , you will have me to answer to . "

Katherine broke into the conversation . " That goes for me as well , Paige was a real asset to Homeland during her time at Scorpion and it would appear , she as already sorted out some of the paperwork on Baltic Holdings case . But most of all she is my friend .
But if i am honest , we would be the least of your worries ."

Agent Thomas looked a little confused . " What could be worse. than you two ? "

A big smile broke out on both Cabe and Katherine's face . both together simply said " Walter. "

" What could he possibly do ? " Agent Thomas asked with some anger in his voice .

Cabe answered . " When i first reconnected with Walter after sixteen years , please do not ask , all i will say it was because i lied to him sixteen years earlier . Any way he did not trust me because of that . He finally agreed to help but before he would help , he threaten me if i was lying he would go on line and wipe my life out . I know for certain no one would be able to find out he had done it . Now there may be an exception that one person who could find out . "

Agent Thomas swallowed before saying . " Ralph . "

Cabe nodded before speaking again , " Yes Ralph , do not forget Paige is his mom and if Walter did nothing he most certainly would . I think at times he his more protective of his mom than even Walter is . All this is just a friendly warning . "

Scott had been listening to the conversation that had been going on . " I am sure after what you have been told by both Cabe and Katherine , i am sure you will behave as true gentlemen and more importently Homeland Agents . However if i hear of any disrespect towards Paige , i will pull all of your badges . "

Agent Thomas simply said . " Yes Sir . "

" Right now we have got that sorted , Agents Thomas , Smith , Thompson and Mckay can you begin working the companies we know have been paying into Carlson's account . Katherine are their cars available for them ? "

Katherine removed two sets of keys from her jacket pocket and put them on the table . " Both cars are in the underground carpark . "

" Thank you Katherine , ok you four go check on at least one each of the companies . Monday you four can go over to move the items from Walter's house . Once cleared you can carry on your investigations , hopefully by Monday Walter and Ralph will have some more names . But remember what you have been told with regard to Paige ." Scott once again emphazied .

The four Agents left the room , after two of them picked up the car keys . Once they left Scott began issuing orders to the three remaining Washington Agents . Agent Mckenzie was once again sent down to the cells to relieve the trainee , Scott had sent down , when they returned from the empty wharehouse .

Once it was just the three of them left in the room . Scott turned to the two of them . " I think it may be benificial to the case if we check through the paperwork in your new office , Katherine . "

" This could well turn out to be another wild goose chase , he as been very careful with his dealings . It was only because Walter's mind works in a different way to any other person that he was found out . " Cabe said .

Scott thought for a moment before answering . " You may be correct but we still need to check . The evidence we have at the moment , could prove to be not admissable in a court . The actual account , we know he has , was hacked without permission or any sort of warrent . We need to find other evidence , now we have arrested Carlson , checking his office is a legal search as will be a search of his house .

The Baltic Holdings case will not be affected because Walter found the evidence in a house he owned . "

Cabe had begun to be more angry the more Scott talked . " Does that mean we will have to release Carlson ?"

A small smile broke out on Scotts face . " No chance at all . It may never get to court , but that does not mean he will not disappear . "

Neither Cabe or Katherine said anything as they began to follow Scott out of the conference room .

Reception area , Richard Eli's office block .

Walter had run down all the stairs from his office and rushed through the door into reception , a big smile broke out on his face as he saw Rachael standing there . She had not changed much , she still had the big Afro hairstyle and was wearing a multi-coloured , multi-patterened top over a pair of bright pink slacks , her outfit finished off by a pair of bright green trainers .

Probably for the first time in his life , he instegated a hug with someone other than Paige or Ralph . " It is really good to see you again , i hope you and your family are keeping well . "

Rachael as she returned the hug replied . " Everyone is fine , you look great , so much more grown up than the last time i saw you and hugging , you would jump a mile at the slighest human touch . "

" I have Paige to thank for that . "

" She must be a real superwoman . "

" Most definatly . "

Walter broke the hug . " Well were is it ? "

Rachael put her hand in a pocket of her slacks and slowly pulled a box out , which she handed to Walter .

Walter's hand s were shaking as he tried to ope the box , eventually he managed to open the box . his face lit up and a big smile appeared . He just stared at the ring , that sparkled under the bright lights of the reception area . "

" It, It ,it's even more beautiful than it looked on Paige's design . Thank you so much , it is perfect .

Rachael , the smile had never left her face. " It was my pleasure , i really enjoyed making the ring , i had to call on all my experiance to make it , but the end product was more than worth it . "

Walter seemed mesmorized by the ring as he had not stopped looking at it since he opened the box .

" When are you going to ask the lucky lady ? " Rachael asked

Walter eventually looked up . " Tomorrow at the garage . "

Rachael looked surprised . " You are going to propose in a garage ? "

Walter smiled . " Yes , but it is not really a garage , it is more like a wharehouse , were we operated Scorpion from . It is also were we fell in love and had many happy memories . "

" Well i guess you know her better than me , i hope it all goes well . Were would you like me to send your invoice ? "

" Do you know the amount now ? "

" Yes , $3150 . "

Walter removed a cheque out of his pocket . " I have already written you a cheque , i just need to fill in the amount . " He walked over to a table and completed the cheque , he walked back to Rachael and handed her the cheque .

" Thank you Walter . I would still love to meet Paige and the rest of your family . "

" Once i have proposed and hopefully she accepts , i promise i will tell her all about you and that you want to meet her . " A smiling Walter replied .

Rachael leaned over and gently placed a kiss on Walter's cheek , again Walter did not pull back but accepted it as a show of true friendship .

Rachael turned and walked to the entrance , as she reached the door she turned and waved to Walter , who was still watching her .

Conference room Homeland L.A.

The four agents who had been out on investigations were briefing Scott , Katherine and Cabe on what they had found out at Original Imports and Stylish Imports .

Agent Thomas spoke first . " We paid a vist to Original Imports , using the excuse this was for a standard Homeland check on business's . We were shown all the paperwork and all the necessary import documents . But whenever we got near the stock they seemed to try and steer us away from it . "

Agent Thompson spoke up " We had the same sort of problem at Stylish Imports . "

Cabe cut in at this point . " You do know that Paige has already done a lot of research on all companies Walter and Ralph have found . She told me , the night i got food poisoning , that a lot of furniture they import are made of bamboo , which is hollow . The area they import from is renowned for drugs , which again Paige pointed out . Walter also mentioned the very first payment was from a drug importer , who was killed in a police shootout . Even so it means Carlson as contacts in the drug trade ."

Scott had listened to everything , his facial expression never changing . " It would seem Paige would have been a real asset to Homeland , she seems very capable . In view of what you found at the two pemises , does not really help , maybe we should work with the local police , if they have drug dogs .

Then we can get the necessary warrents and get the sniffer dogs in . With luck we can then put pressure onto the main people in the companies to spill what they know about the money paid to Carlson . Katherine can you liase with the local police and arrange the warrents . I think we need to raid both tomorrow . "

Cabe broke in to the meeting . " Do you think we may have put them on their guard , no doubt that was what Carlson was paid for to provide notice of any visits . "

Scott thought for a moment . " I hope not , but if we strike early enough tomorrow it should be alright . I hope . "

Katherine gave a small smile . " Then i had better get right on to sorting out the police in the two areas and arrange the warrents . Before i do i need to tell you i have been keeping something from you , but for a very good reason . I do have three other agents who i trust with my life , they have been on a covert mission in Washington State , they are back later today . If we are going to raid these two premises tomorrow at the same time , i presume they will be open tomorrow seeing as it is a Saturday ? "

Scott looked across to Agents Thomas and Thompson . " Did you notice if they open Saturday's ? "

Agent Thomas answered first . " Orignal Imports are open seven days a week . "
Agent Thompson told them the same .

Katherine began speaking again . " Ok, as i was saying these three Agents would be a lot more use than the trainees . Rusty and Nick could go with your team to Imports Stylish, Simone could be on my team at Original Imports . Especially as we are hitting the two places at the same time . "

Scott took a deep breath . " Yes i do intend a simultaneous raid , but your team will be a man down . "

A smile came across Katherines face . " We will have the police with us , plus you have not met Simone , she is worth at least two other Agents , except for her two partners . "

Scott shrugged his shoulders . " Ok as Carlson's office did not turn anything up , hopefully the raids tomorrow will prove more fruitful . We will need to meet up here at 7.30am. tomorrow , for a quick briefing . We will start the raid at 9.00am . . Katherine can you liase with both police forces , so our teams can meet up with them about a mile from each site at 8.45am. "

Katherine nodded her head . " That should not be a problem , but i need to get back to my office now so i can begin to sort it all out . "

" Of course you and Cabe go now , we will meet up again at 7.30am. tomorrow . "
At that both Katherine and Cabe left the room .

Down in the cell area , Carlson was sitting on the bed in the cell , ever since he had been put in the cell , almost thirty hours ago , he had not spoken one word to anyone . Apart from a few toilet breaks and walks to the cell door to collect food and drink , he had just sat there staring at the wall .

There were always two guards sitting at a desk in a position were all the cells were in their line of vision . Since Carlson had been there an extra guard , always one of the Washington Agents had been present . There were no other people in the cells and apart from when the guards changed , noone else had been near to the cells .

Paige's condo .

Walter arrived at his normal time , but the smile on his face even bigger tonight . Paige greeted him as soon as he walked through the door and pulled him into a big hug before kissing him , after breaking the kiss Paige asked . " Why have you got such a big smile on your face ? "

Walter took a deep breath , before answering , he knew he could not tell her the real reason , but was worried to tell another white lie , in view of what happened the last time he had tried to tell one . However his quick mind worked out that he would be revealing the truth tomorrow , then a little white lie should be ok .

" Oh i am just happy about what you said at our meeting with Ann . "

A big smile appeared on Paige's face . " So you would really want to adopt Ralph . "

" That would be the second most importent thing that could happen in my life . " Walter replied .

" Only the second , what could be the first ? " Paige asked a little confused .

" It is something that as not happened yet , but i hope it will happen soon . " A smiling Walter replied .

Paige put both her hands on her hips and pouted .

" All i will tell you is , when it does happen , you will know . "

Paige turned her back on him and began walking to the kitchen . She looked back at Walter over her shoulder , her face stern but a laugh in her voice . " Be like that then , the meal will be ready in fifteen minutes , so go wash your hands , but be quiet and do not wake Megan up . "

Once the meal was over Paige Walter and Ralph sat on the sofa , Paige again cuddled up to Walter , both her arms wrapped around one of Walter's arm's , her head resting on his shoulder . Despite trying all of her femine guile , Walter would not tell her what the first most importent thing to happen to him . He did not fold even when Paige whispered in his ear , she might just withdraw all sexual favours until he reveals his little secret .

Walter decided one night without Paige's little favours would be alright as hopefully the next day the most importent thing in his life would happen .

Ralph had a smile on his face , he had been told what his mom had told his dad at the meeting . He was almost certain that Walter had the ring and would be proposing soon to his mom .

Next morning Walter was again woken up by Megan shouting Da, Da, Mo , Mo . Once again he found Paige half on top of him , her withholding sexual favours only lasted a few minutes . As he tried to move Paige's eyes shot open .

" Is something wrong Walter? " She asked in a sleepy voice .

" The little lady is being very vocal again , let me go fetch her , she can lie between us again ." Said a smiling Walter .

" Ok what time is it ? " Paige still very sleepy asked .

" 5.45am. "

" She seems to get earlier ,but who can refuse her . " Paige said , having managed to lean up on her elbow .

Walter walked over to her crib and gently picked Megan up . " She seems to have picked up one of your characteristic's , who could refuse you . "

Once they had finished breakfast , they all gathered on the sofa waiting for a video call from Ireland . Just on 9.00am. , Paige's computer showed an incoming video call . Before Paige connected the call she gently removed Megan from her bassenet and handed her to Walter , who positioned her in his arms , so she was looking directly at the computer screen , Ralph sat between Paige and Walter .

Paige connected the call and as the screen lit up they were greeted with the two smiling faces of Louise and Sean . Megan reached towards the screen and giggled as she saw the two smiling faces , then uttered Mo,Mo, Da, Da. The smile on both Louise and Sean's face grew even bigger as they heard this .

" Good evening Louise , Sean , we hope you are both well . "

Louise answered immediatly . " A lot better now we have seen our little American family . "

The rest of the conversation was conducted in an easy and comfortable manner , a lot more cival than the one the previous Sunday . After about a hour , Walter again told them they needed to conclude the call as he and Ralph leave on a very importent job . Louise and Sean understood and agreed to call again the next day .

Fourty minutes later Walter and Ralph arrived at the garage . Paige had promised to bring them lunch over around 1.00pm.

7.30am . Homeland L.A. Conference room .

Katherine , Cabe together with Scott and six of the Washington Agents were all sitting around the large table . There was a knock on the door , Katherine shouted them to come in . Two men and one woman walked in , all dressed in full combat gear each carrying an automatic rifle , a side arm and a large knife fitted to a large utilty belt .

" Gentlemen . please let me introduce you to a very special squad of Homeland Agents . Their leader Rusty , then Nick and Simone . There main jobs are usually covert operations which is why we do not call them by their surnames . "

Katherine introduced them to Scott and the other Washington Agents . Once everyone had acknowledged each other , Scott and Katherine explained the plan . The two teams gathered together , the first team who would be going to Original Imports consisted of , Katherine , Cabe , Agents Thomas , Walker and McKay plus Simone . Team Two who were going to Stylish Imports consisted of Scott , Agents Thompson, Smith and Pearson plus Rusty and Nick .

Once the teams were sorted , Scott turned to Katherine . " I had forgot we would be leaving an Agent down in the cell block , we now have equal teams . "

Katherine smiled . " All the better , we had better make a move . I will take Cabe and Simone with me , the rest of the team can use one of Richard's cars . Rusty , Nick you can take Scott with you and use your SUV the rest of you in the other car Richard as loaned you . "

Scott nodded . " Ok, lets get going everyone knows were they are going . "

At 8.45 am. Katherine pulled up at the designated meeting point , closely followed by the rest of the team . They were met by two patrol cars and a dog van , five extra bodies and two dogs . Once Katherine had introduced her team to the police officers and they had introduced themselves , they made their way to Original Imports , the five cars pulled up at the company just before 9.00am. , from the outside the placed looked closed .

" Right myself , Cabe and Simone will go first and see if the door is unlocked , the rest of you stay here and for the time being leave the dogs in the van . "

The three of them approached the front door with some caution . Simone took the lead and tried the door , it was locked and the blinds pulled down . Simone tried to see through the small area not covered by the blinds , but nothing was visable .

Katherine looked back at Agent Thomas . " Are you sure they are open seven days a week . "

" Well that was what the sign said on the door . " Agent Thomas said in a not to pleasant voice .

" There is no sign on the door . " Simone called back .

Katherine looked at Cabe " I hope what you suggested yesterday , as not come true . " She turned to Simone . " Can you get us in ? " Katherine asked . Simone nodded , removed something from her utility belt and began working on the lock , a few seconds later she tried the handle and opened the door .

" Agents Thomas and Walker come up here . "

Both Agents walked over to Katherine . " Can both of you go in with Simone and check if the store looks like it did yesterday . "

" Certainly Director . " Both Agents answered .

Simone led the way , her rifle in a ready position , she had flicked a switch on her headgear and light shone into the building . There appeared no one was inside , the three of them walked slowly around all the stock , before returning outside .

Agents Thomas and Walked up to Katherine . " There is a lot of stock been removed from the area as myself and Agent Walker believe a lot of the bamboo furniture is missing . "

Katherine turned to Cabe . " It would appear you were correct with your statement yesterday . "

Cabe gave a half smile . " That is not much comfort , we seem to have hit another brick wall . "

The dog handler had heard the conversation and approached Katherine . " Sorry to interupt mam , i am officer Blackstone , the dog handler . If there as been drugs , my dog will find any small trace of it . Would that be of any use ? "

" Yes , but you go in with Simone as back up , just in case . " Katherine told him .

" Anything you say . " Officer Blackstone replied .

Katherine called Simone over and explained what was happening . Simone smiled and simply said . " You got it . " Before turning to officer Blackstock , who by now had fetched a brown and white Springer Spanial out of the van , Simone indicating that he should follow her . .

Katherine pulled her phone out and phoned Scott . " Hello Scott , Katherine we seem to have hit a problem at Original Imports . "

There was a moments silence while Katherine listened to Scott . " It would appear a lot of the stock as disappered , we are just sending in a drug dog to check . "

Once she had finished talking to Scott she turned to Cabe . " Scott is having a lot better luck at Stylish Imports were trading , once they were in the drug dog immediatly found stashes of drugs inside the bamboo furniture . The dog is still searching and finding more drugs . They have made a couple of arrests , but they are just employees . The boss as not turned in , so Scott has sent Rusty , Nick and Agent Thompson to his home . "

Cabe looked a little sceptical . " Somehow i don't think he will be there . "

Before Katherine could answer , she heard Simone call out her name , she looked back at the building and saw Simone indicating for her to come into the building .

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Grykon The bad luck seems to still be happening , the proposel well now you knoe , that is if Paige accepts LOL.

Pearliegirl Pleased you are not mad at me . glad the chapter was good for you to read