Red Eagle - Special Agent Dylan Kane Series 10 (2020), page 11
For she had promised him one thing when she recruited him—that no one but her would know who he truly was. And if she had kept that promise, no mole within the CIA would know anything beyond his code name.
Red Eagle.
29 |
Operations Center 3, CIA Headquarters Langley, Virginia
Tong entered the Operations Center, Child and Therrien both stopping what they were doing as they stared at her. She had just delivered the news to the rest of the team, and it had been difficult. She had battled back the tears, the situation forcing her to be vague with her explanation, keeping out the real reason for the resignation. She still held out hope things might be resolved and Leroux might return to work, and he didn’t need that bit of his personal life discussed among the people working for him, even though they were all well aware of the relationship.
“So, what happened?” asked Child.
“I’ve been placed in charge. The op continues.”
“Did you find out why Chris resigned?”
“I did, but it’s private between him and the Deputy Chief. If he wants you to know, he’ll tell you personally.”
Child frowned. “Well, that’s no fun.” His eyes shot wide and his jaw dropped. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I just want to know why the hell my boss just resigned under suspicious circumstances in the middle of an op that involves his best friend and his girlfriend. I just can’t believe he would do that. He’s not that type of person.”
Tong felt compelled to defend Leroux. She approached the two men. “Listen, I know the reason, and believe me, if you knew, you would agree with what he did. Don’t question his character over this. If anything, his decision to sacrifice his career proves just how good a man we all know he is. Now, we have an op. Status?”
Therrien, more senior than Child, quickly ran down the latest. “The Chief’s condition remains unchanged, which I suppose could be considered a good thing. We’ve been able to pull in some more banking transactions that are all clustered around the same narrow window. Some of our people are starting to report in that they’re in position at target banks, but they haven’t seen anything suspicious yet. As far as we can tell, the money hasn’t moved like you’d expect in a laundering operation. We’re still going through the footage trying to find any vehicles that might have left the parking garage with our suspects, but haven’t found anything yet. It looks like their cameras were out where they made the exchange. It’s a busy shopping center, so we’re dealing with hundreds of vehicles in the time window and nothing beyond generic descriptions. I have a feeling we’re not going to find anything until they pop back up somewhere.”
She chewed her cheek for a moment. “There was a flight that was leaving for Russia, but it was two hours after the incident, so we dismissed it. When does it take off?”
Child checked his computer. “Yeah, it was a Finnair flight. It got caught up in the delays. It looks like it just took off.”
“Have we been able to gain access to their security cameras yet?”
Child nodded. “Yes. Watchdog Zero-One arranged access. The Finns are being extremely cooperative.”
“Bring up the gate. I want to see the faces of everyone who got on that flight. Start running them through the system, see if we pick up any familiar faces.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The two of them went to work as she sat behind her station, glancing over at Leroux’s former spot. She was Control Actual now, and technically should be sitting there, but if she took that seat, not only would it feel like a betrayal, it would mean she didn’t believe he would be back. She eyed her phone, desperately wanting to call him to make sure he was okay, his entire support network unavailable to him. Yet she couldn’t, not from within the Agency, for every call could be monitored, and right now, she had to appear to be loyal to the job and not her former boss, otherwise she too might be given an impossible choice.
30 |
En Route to Estonia
Dawson sat at a table on the private jet assigned to them for the mission, speed the key today, and a Galaxy or a Hercules wouldn’t get them there in time. Their orders were to equip at a staging area in Estonia, just a hop from Helsinki, though he doubted that’s where they’d ultimately end up going. From what he had read so far in the minimalist briefing notes, this had everything to do with the Russian bear. And for some reason, they had selected his team, despite it not being the closest. It meant the intel had been highly compartmentalized, and that only people the powers that be absolutely trusted were involved.
Leroux was Control Actual for the mission, someone he had dealt with many times in the past. He was as good as they came and could be trusted, and the fact he felt that way likely meant the feeling was mutual. Whatever was going on was evidently considered so serious, those in charge were willing to risk delays to have trusted assets put in place.
And it meant they had already written off retrieving Thorn in Helsinki.
He plugged his laptop in, and it was mirrored onto a large screen as the others gathered around. “Here’s what we know so far. A few hours ago, a CIA security detail protecting Chief Morrison was taken out. Six of them are dead, two critically wounded. Morrison was shot four times and is in critical condition. We don’t know if he’s going to make it.”
Niner cursed. “And where was this?”
“Helsinki.”
“Helsinki? That’s not exactly a hotbed of terrorism.”
Sergeant Leon ‘Atlas’ James’ impossibly deep voice rumbled. “What was he doing in Helsinki?”
“Meeting with a CIA asset named Beverly Thorn, who just so happens to be Dylan Kane’s handler.”
A single eyebrow popped-up on Sergeant Will ‘Spock’ Lightman’s forehead. “Holy shit. He’s going to be pissed. Has he been informed?”
“Yes. He’s already en route with Agent Sherrie White, whom you’re all aware of.”
Niner grinned. “Isn’t she the hottie that Leroux managed to land?”
Spock chuckled. “Yeah, he’s definitely hitting above his weight class with her.”
Dawson gave them both a look. “While I’m sure she’d appreciate your opinion of her hotness and boyfriend choices, let’s just remember she’s a highly trained operative in the CIA, and should be referred to with nothing but respect.”
Niner’s head dropped to his chest for a moment. “Sorry, you’re right. Can we at least make fun of each other’s girlfriends and wives?”
Atlas grunted. “You get a girlfriend and we’ll discuss it.”
Niner threw up his hands. “What’s with all the rules?”
Dawson gave him the eye. “May I continue?”
Niner bowed, extending a hand graciously.
“The handler was kidnapped during the assault. The last update suggested she was transported in a coffin and was put on a private charter that got stuck on the runway.”
Atlas leaned forward. “How the hell does a plane get stuck on a runway?”
“Langley killed the power to the entire airport.”
Niner folded his arms, leaning back. “You have to love those guys.”
Dawson agreed. “Unfortunately, most of what remained of the security detail were slaughtered when they attempted to stop the plane. They succeeded in preventing the escape, but the hostiles had a backup plan. Right now, we don’t know where they are, though Langley thinks they might have left on a regular commercial flight to St. Petersburg.”
“That sounds extremely well organized,” said Spock.
“It does. And for that reason, this thing is highly compartmentalized. We know about it, Kane and White know about it, and a few people at the CIA including Leroux. That’s it.”
Niner shifted in his seat. “I was wondering about that. It’s not like we’re close. It’s going to take us almost half a day to get there.”
“We were specifically selected, probably because Leroux trusts us.”
Niner shook his head. “No, I think it’s because we’re the handsomest team in Delta.” He glanced at Atlas. “Except for you. Sorry.”
Atlas shrugged. “Hey, I’m not the one without a girlfriend.”
Niner pointed at Atlas’ hands. “Those don’t count.”
“My girl would disagree.”
Spock cut them off. “Do we know what it’s all about? Why they were hit?”
“Yes, we think so. Thorn gave Morrison a flash drive during their meeting. It was recovered and the data pulled off it. It appears that in the early eighties, she recruited a double agent codenamed Red Eagle. After the Cold War, they lost track of him, but he’s resurfaced. He’s claiming he has all the accounts and passwords for the Russian President’s stolen money.”
Niner’s eyes narrowed. “Say it ain’t so. Poor innocent Vlad has been stealing from his countrymen?”
“Over two-hundred-billion dollars, if our intel is correct.”
“Holy shit! If we find it, do we get to keep some? I could be happy with a billion. We’ll split it four ways. Nobody would notice. Let’s call it a finder’s fee.”
“Maybe then you could get a girlfriend,” said Atlas.
Niner eyed him. “Be careful. I just might take yours.”
Atlas eyed him then his crotch. “Remember, I’ve showered with you. I’m not concerned.”
Niner winked at him. “I knew you were looking. We’ll talk later over drinks.” He turned back to Dawson. “So, two-hundred-billion, huh.”
“As far as we can tell, Red Eagle wanted to exchange this information.”
“Exchange it for what?” asked Spock. “It can’t be money. He’s got access to two-hundred-billion.”
“Money can buy you anything, but only if you know who to ask. My guess is he wants to disappear with a new identity, untraceable.”
“Small price to pay for two-hundred-billion.”
Dawson agreed. “Yes, but there’s no way we’d take it. Can you imagine what would happen if we did? God knows how far he’d go to get it back.”
“What would happen if we didn’t buy the information?” asked Spock. “Maybe it’s too risky to get involved.”
“I’m guessing Red Eagle would sell it to someone else.”
Spock whistled. “With that kind of money, the wrong people could cause a lot of problems.”
“I’d be more afraid of what they’d be asking for in return,” said Atlas. “Two-hundred-billion has to be worth a few nukes.”
Everyone fell silent at the idea.
“Who do they think did the hit?” asked Niner.
“The theory at the moment is Russians. We don’t know if it’s an official job or private. Either way, it could still be under orders from the Russian President.”
“What are the chances they’re going to send us into Russia?” asked Niner.
Dawson shook his head. “Slim to none would be my guess. If something went wrong and we were forced to kill Russian citizens, or worse, we were caught on their territory, it would be a Charlie-Foxtrot. My guess is they’re going to send Kane and White into Russia for an extraction, and we’ll be on standby to provide support. But who the hell knows? With stakes this high, rules just might be broken.”
31 |
Outside Bethesda, Maryland
“He brought his girlfriend?”
Leroux suppressed a frown at Lee Fang’s observation as Tommy Granger’s vehicle pulled into the parking lot of an abandoned convenience store. Mai Trinh was driving, which hadn’t been part of the plan, though he supposed there was little harm in the woman knowing this location, and the reality was, this was real life. He had just asked Tommy to commit to several days away, and if they were a one-car couple, he couldn’t expect him to leave it here in the middle of nowhere, especially when she might need it.
Tommy waved at them, as did Mai. Leroux raised his fingers off the steering wheel and flashed a brief smile. He wasn’t in a good mood, his entire life falling apart around him, and he was about to commit a crime by hacking into various systems and databases in an attempt to prove that a deputy chief within the CIA was a Russian mole. If they caught them, it could mean prison or potentially death, depending upon who discovered the breach, and how badly those behind this potential conspiracy wanted to protect their secrets.
He closed his eyes and sighed as the car door slammed shut. He just wished this day were over, that it was a nightmare from which he would eventually wake. The only time he could recall ever feeling worse was when Sherrie had told him the truth about the honeypot operation, and how she was his bait. It had crushed his soul, and part of him had wanted to kill himself that day, for at the time it felt as if he had nothing to live for, that his fears of being alone for the rest of his life because no woman could ever love him, had been proven true.
But Kane had forced the issue and saved not only his tortured soul, but possibly his life by bringing Sherrie back to him. His life was completely different now, yet today’s events had forced a change he could never have dreamt possible. He could have left the CIA for more money long ago, but he loved his work and the people with whom he worked. And what he did was so gratifying, he couldn’t imagine ever getting that same level of satisfaction toiling at some tech company where he’d be yet another mindless drone. The CIA was the only work-life he had ever known, and had assumed ever would.
And he wasn’t about to lose all he had worked so hard for because of some traitor.
He gripped the steering wheel tight and opened his eyes as Tommy tapped on the trunk. Leroux popped it and the car shook as Tommy loaded his bags in the back. Mai waved at them before pulling away as Tommy climbed into the back seat, smiling.
“I hope it’s okay that she dropped me off. She needs the car.”
Leroux nodded as he started the engine. “Some things can’t be avoided.”
Fang grabbed a scanner from her bag and ran it over Tommy, an ever rapidly increasing beep indicating a problem. “Cellphone?”
Tommy fished it out of his pocket.
“Turn it off. It’s essential we’re not tracked.”
“Of course.” He powered it off and she ran the scanner over him again, finding no more signals.
She patted him on the knee. “You’re clean.” She handed him a hood. “Put this on.”
Tommy frowned, clearly not pleased, but donned the hood then settled into the back seat. “So, can you guys tell me what this is all about?”
Leroux pulled onto the road leading to Kane’s off-the-books operations center. “We’re after a Russian mole in the CIA.”
“Umm, isn’t that kind of dangerous?”
“Everything we do is dangerous. If you want to change your mind, now’s the time.”
There was a pause before the young man answered. “I guess it’s important, right?”
“It is. Lives have already been lost, and more lives are at stake, including Dylan and Sherrie’s.”
Tommy gave an unconvincing reply. “You-you can count on me.”
Leroux smiled. “I knew I could. Here’s what’s happened so far.”
32 |
Operations Center 3, CIA Headquarters Langley, Virginia
“We’ve got a hit,” said Child, spinning in his chair then pointing at the main displays. Tong looked up to see a video clip playing of a man entering the jetway, his file shown next to it. She rose and stepped toward the screens, just as she had seen Leroux do on countless occasions.
She whistled. “Colonel Pavel Alexandrovich Borodin, former Russian Spetsnaz.” She scanned through the impressively terrifying record.
“I wouldn’t want to run into him in a dark alley,” commented Therrien.
“Me neither,” said Child. “I think my boys just crawled back up inside.”
Tong jabbed a finger at Borodin’s photo. “If he’s on that flight, there’s no way it’s a coincidence. Get the full team on it. I want every face run and cross-referenced with him. I want to know if any of them are associated in any way. If they’ve crossed paths in the past, I want to know about it. And see if we can pull some footage of the cargo being loaded on that plane, and check any manifests. I want to know if any coffins or crates or anything big enough to hold a body was loaded onto that thing.”
“Yes, ma’am,” echoed Child and Therrien.
Her team got busy, Therrien relaying the orders to the second operations center as she debated whether she should update the Deputy Chief with this piece of intel. She sighed as her shoulders slumped. She had no choice. That flight was heading to Russia, and there was no way she could authorize any action within their borders without approval. It didn’t matter that the Director had given Leroux the authority to do whatever he felt was necessary. Just because she now occupied his position, didn’t mean that leeway was automatically granted. And Deputy Chief Wiltshire was so committed to the rule book, she just might find herself out of a job if she didn’t follow the proper chain of command.
She headed for the door. “I have to brief the Deputy Chief. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
33 |
Off-the-books Operations Center Outside Bethesda, Maryland
Leroux brought the car to a halt behind one of the two massive shipping containers that secretly held Kane’s private operations center. He turned off the engine as he examined the area, Fang adding her eyes. Everything was quiet, as he would expect. He glanced back at Tommy. “You can take the hood off now.”
Tommy removed the black pillowcase from his head and sucked in several lungsful of air as if he had been suffocating. “God, I hate that part. Do you think you’ll ever trust me enough to have me come here without it?”
Leroux opened his door and climbed out. “Like I said before, it’s nothing to do with trust, and everything to do with your protection. If you honestly don’t know where this place is, then no one has any reason to keep beating you for the information.”
