Chapters 3 & 4

Chapter 3

Cole and Seraphina meet Christy in one of the few places still open in the airport.  Seraphina and Christy both order a glass of red wine.  Cole decided to play it safe and just orders a cup of coffee.  “Sorry ladies, I have to be ready for work tomorrow.”  They both laugh.  The three of them have a nice visit and Seraphina give Christy their new number for her to call if she is ever in town with some extra time and wants to get together.  Seraphina hugs her friend as they so their separate ways.  As Cole and Seraphina catch a cab to their house, Seraphina tells Cole, “She is a possibility of an outside contact we may need later.  Keep her face and name in the back of your mind.  She is a great person and would do anything to help a friend.  That’s why I agreed to get together, so we could build that relationship with her and see if she could totally be trusted.  I feel good about it.”

Cole is glad to hear Seraphina is always on alert. “Do you think we need an outside contact?  Is there a reason to be worried?”  Seraphina answers, “I always try to make contacts, especially with airline personnel when I am on a new mission.  You never know when you might need them to help get you out.  The agency can only do so much without compromising itself.” 

The cab pulls up in front of a beautiful two story house that by most standards would be a small mansion.  Seraphina and Cole are both surprised at the size and grandeur of it.  Usually the agency does not use big elaborate houses, but due to the nature of Cole’s job they had to make an exception.  As they walk to the front door, Cole pulls out the key the agency had hidden in the suitcase they picked up at the airport.  They walk in, tired but know there is no time to rest.  They need to check in and see what their next instructions are.  They both sit down on the couch and Cole pulls out the agency computer for a video conference with Michael. 

Michael is glad to hear they have made it safely.  He fills them in on some more mission details and give them instructions.  Before closing, he tells them “guys this is a dangerous and very important mission.  You both were not only chosen especially for this mission but also the cover has been specially set up for it as well.  Of all the missions you have been on, this is the most important.  Good Luck.”

With that Michael disappears from the screen.  Seraphina says, “Man sounds like he just put a lot of pressure on us both.”  Cole agrees, “Yeah, I better get a few hours sleep before I have to go to my new job as Chief of Operations.  I want to make a good impression.  Can you finish setting up?

“Sure, I’ll finish.  You get some rest.  There are three bedrooms upstairs and a master suite.  We can each take one of the three and only use the master if people come by.  That way we won’t be in the same room until necessary for our cover.  You can take whichever one you want.  And I’ll take one later when I finished setting up.  Each room has its out bathroom as well.”

Cole smiles and takes his things upstairs.  He explores all the rooms.  He finds the master closet fully stocked with clothes for both him and Phiny.  He pulls out a nice suit to wear the next day and takes it to the room he chooses. 

Cole woke up before dawn.  He instantly knew something was wrong.  He sat straight up, looked around and listened carefully.  He quietly pulled his gun from the drawer beside the bed.  He had gotten in the habit of keeping it close.  Sometimes he even kept it under his pillow.

He softly crept across the floor to the door.  He saw a very dim light shining downstairs.  He checked both ways and crossed the hallway.  He carefully and quietly made his way down the steps.  He peeked into the kitchen where he saw someone going through the cabinets.  He took a deep breath, spun around the corner and stuck the gun to the back of the person’s head.  “Who sent you?” he shouted.  The lady screamed. “What?  No one! “came a panicked reply.  “State your business!”  Cole stated as he pressed the gun harder.

“Sir, I just work here!  Please don’t shoot.”  Phiny had heard the commotion and ran into the kitchen.  “Donavan, what’s going on?”  Cole grabs the lady by the arm and spins her around and presses the gun to her forehead.  “I caught this intruder.”

Phiny walks over to the lady, “do you have your papers?”  The lady slowly pulls out her papers and hands them to Phiny.  Phiny pulls out her pocket computer and types in the name.  In a few seconds a message comes up.  Phiny reads it, then holds the computer up for Cole to read.  The message is from Michael stating that the women that Cole is pointing his gun at is Chloe.  Chloe was sent by the agency to be the maid for Donavan and Seraphina Maloney.  Cole slowly lowers his gun.

“I am so sorry Chloe.  Please forgive me.”  Chloe takes a deep breath stares at Cole then cracks a smile.  “It’s ok Mr. Maloney.  I would have done the same thing.”

Cole smiles, “Still I am truly sorry.  How did you get in and what are you doing?”

“I have a key.”  She holds it up. “I was looking for a pan to start breakfast but this kitchen is so unorganized I can’t find anything.  I was trying to organize things.  I guess I made too much noise.”

Cole uncocks his gun, “It almost got you shot.  Anyway I have work to do.  So, after your heart stops pounding, please continue.”  He walks out of the kitchen and into the office where Phiny has most of the equipment set up.  He decides to call Michael on the secure phone just to confirm Chloe.  He has learned not to trust anyone, especially those closet to him.

It takes Michael several rings to answer.  Finally Cole hears, “Michael 1427,” a pause and then the familiar voice.  “Everything alright Cole?”

Cole laughs, “I think so, but what’s up with this Chloe?”

“She’s there already?”  Michael asks

“Yes but I almost shot her,” Cole confesses.  “Why didn’t you tell us she was coming?”

Michael sighs, “She wasn’t supposed to arrive for another few hours.  Are you sure its her?”

Cole sits silently for a moment.  “Do you have reason to believe it may not be her?”  Cole can hear Michael typing into his computer. 

“Like I said,” Michael continues, “she wasn’t supposed to be there for another few hours and she is supposed to check in with me before she enters the house.  Did you see her papers?”

Cole answers, “Phiny did and punched them into the computer and showed me a message from you stating who she was.”

There is silence on the line.  Cole knows this cannot be good.  Finally Michael speaks.  “Cole who set up the communications and security systems at the house?”

“Phiny finished them up last night,” Cole replies.  “Why?”

Silence again.  “Did she have access to your pocket device or cell phone?”

Cole now starting to see where this is going.  “No they were locked up per protocol.”

Without hesitation Michael answers, “Cole get them, your papers and your gun.  Get out of the house, at least 2 miles away from there or the building you are to report to for work.  Do several car changes and public transit to ensure you are not followed.  Then contact me.  Just tell Phiny I told you to go into the office early. Go ASAP.  Michael 1427.”  The call ends.

Cole’s heart is racing.  He knew it, just when he thought he could trust Seraphina, it seems she is double crossing him.  He is mad at himself for letting his emotions get it the way.  He hurries upstairs, gets dressed, grabs his gun, pocket device and papers.  He goes downstairs where Seraphina is still in the kitchen helping Chloe organize the cabinets.   “Phiny, Michael says I need to go to the office early.  I will see you later.”

Phiny is totally surprised. “What?  Why?”

Cole sees her surprise.  “I don’t know.  I am just following orders.”

Phiny still stunned, “Well um, hang let me get dressed.  I was planning on riding with you.  You know show myself as the supportive wife on the first day.  It will only take me a few minutes.”

Cole grabs her arm.  “I can’t wait.  Michael said I have to leave now.  He thinks our target is making a big move and wants me to check it out.  I can’t wait.”

Seraphina looks at him, then a Chloe and back at Cole, “ But wait.”

Cole interrupts, “I can’t.  I must go now.”  He kisses her check and leaves the house.  Luckily the taxi he called was waiting.  He jumps in and the driver, “to the airport and quickly.”  The taxi speeds off.

After using five different modes of transportation, Cole is finally on the outskirts of the city.  He is six miles from the house and 5 miles from the office building.  He gets off the bus at a corner coffee shop.  He hangs out on the corner just to make sure he is not followed.

Finally he goes is and finds a table in the back corner where he can watch everyone and see the door.  He takes out his phone and calls Michael.  After the usual procedure to get a secure connection, Cole asks, “Michael, what is going on here?”

Michael takes a deep breath, “Cole I never sent Phiny a message about Chloe.  Since we last spoke, I contacted the real Chloe and she is not at the house yet.  I stopped him from going.  I have also made sure we can see and have access to all the equipment in the house so we know what is going on.  We believe Phiny is a double agent.  I didn’t want to tell you but we have suspected it for a long time.  We believe she has orders to take either you or someone in the agency down.  Cole you have a couple of choices here.  We can either get you out and figure out another way to bring down the guy you were meant to get or you can stay and get him but we would get Phiny out or we keep you in to take down this guy and you try and expose and take down Seraphina.  Be advised, with option three she might also be trying to take you down.  I need and answer Cole.”

There is a long pause.  Finally Cole speaks.  “Michael, do you even have to ask what my answer is.  You know me better than anyone.  You and I both know what has to be done.”

Michael chuckles, “Ok Cole, but please be careful and keep your eye on Seraphina.  If you need to take her out, do it! Now you better get to the office before your wife starts to worry.  Michael 1427.”  The line does dead and Cole gets a taxi to his office to report for his new job.

“Mr. Lawrence, I am excited to be here,” Cole says as he finally meets his new boss. 

Mr. Lawrence greets Cole and welcomes him to the office.  “This is my best assistant.  He will show you around Mr. Maloney.  Then I will meet you in your new office to talk about expectations.  Please enjoy the tour and pay close attention.”  Cole nods as Mr. Lawrence leaves.

The assistant steps up, “Mr. Maloney, I am Han.  Here is a fresh cup of coffee.  Please follow me.”  Cole takes a small sip of very strong coffee.  It is so strong and bitter it takes him by surprise.  He thanks Han and tries to keep up. 

Chapter 4

After a quick breakfast, Phiny sits down in the office and punches buttons on the teleconference computer.  After a brief pause, Michael appears.  “Good morning Seraphina.”

Phiny finishes her coffee, “Michael, what is the deal? He just went running out of here like a mad man.”

Michael signs, “yes and I am sorry about that.  We got information early this morning of a big shipment getting ready to leave and we needed to get him in there as soon as possible.  Now I need to ask you a very important question.  Did you wash your hands after breakfast?”

Seraphina without hesitation says, “Yes, I closed up shop.”

Michael continues, “What soap did you use?”

Again Phiny does not hesitate, “that was my favorite book.”

Michael feels a huge weight lifted off his shoulders.  “Phiny, send Chloe to the market on 7^th Street for a loaf of fresh pumpkin bread in 15 minutes.  Tell her its Donavan’s favorite.  After she is has been gone for 15 minutes, call me on the secure phone.”  With that the screen goes black.

Phiny gets up to get more coffee and finds Chloe still organizing the kitchen.  She pours her coffee, checks her watch and walks to the pantry.  “Chole, do we have any pumpkin bread?”

Chloe washing the breakfast dishes, “No ma’am, why?”

Phiny walks out of the pantry.  “I was hoping to have some when Donavan got home as a surprise.  It is his favorite.”

Chloe finished the dishes.  “I can make some but it would my first.”

Phiny takes a drink of coffee.  “I am sure if would be fine but I heard that market on 7^th Street has fantastic Pumpkin bread.  Could you run down there and get some?”

Chloe takes her apron off, “certainly ma’am.  I’ll go right away. “

Seraphina cannot believe what Michael just told her.  How could she make such a mistake as to let an impostor into the mission?  She hoped that she had not yet had time to get any information out.  She had to be confident if she had that the team that was waiting on her at the market to her out, would take care of things.  Worst yet, how would she get Donavan to trust her again.  She knew Michael had shared the suspicion that she was a mole.  How would he treat her now?

Cole was on his way to the house when Michael called on the secure phone.  “These are your new security codes.  Memorize them.  We do not believe that the impostor Chloe got information out but obviously we are taking every precaution.  I promise you this will not happen again Cole,” Michael confidently finished.

Cole still feeling a bit uneasy, “What about Phiny?  IS she still a suspected…” Michael cut him off.

“Stick to your instincts kid.  Only let her know what know what you need to.  We cannot be sure.”

As the car pulled into the drive, Cole took a deep breath.  He just sat in the car for a minute to compose and calm himself.  He had to act as if nothing had changed.  When he felt confident, he grabbed his briefcase and slide out of the back of the black sedan.  The driver was already out wiping the near spotless car.  Cole smiled at him.

“Keeping her clean Mr. Maloney.  Always want her at her best.”  Cole just smiled and waved as he opened the front door of the house. 

“Honey, I’m home,” Cole yells as he sits down his briefcase and loosens his tie. 

Phiny appears from the kitchen, “Hello dear.  How was your first day?”, she asks as she kisses his cheek.

“It was great.  I am really going to enjoy things,” Cole says as he makes a sniffing sound.  “What’s that wonderful smell?”

“Oh, Chloe is making dinner,” Chloe answers.  “But you still have about 45 minutes to wait.  Come join our chat in the kitchen,” she says walking back that way.

Cole is surprised, “Chloe is still here? I thought she was…” Phiny stopped him mid-sentence.

“The real one.  She arrived just before lunch.  Come meet her.”  Cole was skeptical after what happened this morning but knew he had to put his mind at ease.  He walked into the kitchen and introduced himself.

Chloe was a middle aged British lady.  She was very polite.  Cole made small talk as he pretended to look for a glass.  Finally he asked, “Ok Chloe where did you hide the glasses?  I need some water.” 

Chloe laughed and walked to the cabinet above the sink.  “Here you are sir,” as she handed him a glass.  Cole was careful how he grabbed it.

“Thank you.  Guess I’ll have to learn your system,” he said as he poured the water. 

She smiled, “Very simple.  I’ll show you after dinner.”

He took a drink.  “Sounds good.  Now I have some work to do before dinner.  I’ll be in the office.  You girls go on with your chat.”  As he walked out, he leaned over and kissed Phiny’s cheek.  She blushed.

Cle carefully set the glass on the desk and took out his pocket device.  He quickly scanned the area where Chloe held the glass.  It quickly picked up a full finger print.  HE punched in the special code and it brought up Chloe’s picture and information.  He began reading it as his secure phone rang.  He answered, “Donavan 37639.”

 He waited for the connection then heard Michael’s voice chuckling, “Yes Cole this is the correct Chloe.  Sorry I meant to tell you when I called but since you were in the company car I didn’t want to risk it being bugged.  Be aware that your office and company car may both be bugged”

Cole relaxed, “ok good.  I just wanted to make sure after this morning.  So, if I need to talk to you during the day how do I contact you?”

“Glad you asked.  There are actually several ways.  In the morning, I will call your office phone as Hanson Musteen, a data engineer in charge of local operations.  The company will expect you to befriend local data engineers to help with local issues.  I will introduce myself and give you information on how to contact me.  If you just have some general questions you may contact me that way talking in the mission code.  If you need more specific information you must move the plant from the left window to the right window.  I will either call you and ask for a meeting as a place far enough away they cannot pick up your secure devices or I will send a messenger to your office.  You will know he is from he because he will hand you a red sharpened pencil and ask what you want for lunch.  Write your message on the legal pad in your briefcase and seal it in the envelope with the pencil inside.  You will receive and answer in an hour or less.  He again will hand you a red sharpened pencil and my answer sealed in an envelope with a blue unsharpened pencil.  Read it and shred it.  Give him the pencils back.  If there is an emergency, remove the plant completely and follow protocol.”

Cole sighed, “I don’t like the sound of all of this.  Too much room for error and problems.”

Michael pauses, “I know but it’s the only way for now.  We can’t be sure that they don’t have monitoring devices.  We are trying to work out a better way.  Remember kid, keep you guard up especially with…”

Cole interrupted, “I’ll be ok Michael.”  Cole hated the reminder that Phiny might be a double agent.  

Michael continues,” So far everything looks good but we know there is a mole somewhere.  We just have to find them.  Anything else?”

Cole thinks, “No Donavan good.”

Michael continues, “Good, Michael 1427.” The line goes dead.

Cole slips the phone in his pocket, leans back in his chair and finishes his water.  He closes his eyes to think.  Chloe’s knock on the door startles him. 

“Dinner is served, Mr. Maloney.”

“Thank you Chloe.  I’ll be right there.” Cole closes down the communication center and heads to the dining room.

While they are eating dinner, the none secure house phone rings.  Chloe answers, “Maloney residence.”  She pauses, “Yes she is but she is in the middle of dinner, could I take a message?”  She writes down the note.  “Yes ma’am.  I’ll be sure she receives it.  Thank you for calling.”

Cole looks up and smiles.  He is very pleased with the way Chloe handled the situation. He enjoys being a part of the upper class even if it is just a cover.

Chloe hangs up the phone and places the message on the table beside Phiny.  “Thank you Chloe and terrific job on the phone. I am impressed.”

Cole pipes up, “Yes me too.  I am glad we have one less thing to worry about.”

Chloe begins to clear the empty dishes. “Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Maloney.”  Cole and Phiny look at each other and smile.  They like the sound of that.

Phiny finally picks up the message and reads it.  “Oh, it’s from Christy.  She is going to be in town tomorrow on a 12 hour layover and wants to get together.  She is coming in on the red eye and wants to have brunch the next day at the café we were at the other night.  I will call her and tell her I’ll be there.  If that’s ok with you honey,” as she looks at Cole.

He smiles, “Of course.  Any girl talk that I am not part of is good with me.  After James drives me to work, I’ll have him come back and take you to the airport.”  Phiny smiles, kisses him and goes to return the call.

Cole grabs her arm as he stands, “You aren’t getting off that easy,” he says as he embraces her and kisses her deeply.  

At first Phiny is rigid but soon she begins to embrace him too.  She then pushes him away.  Before he releases her, he sees a twinkle in her eyes, smiles and lets her go.

After Phiny leaves, Cole sits back down.  He knew he shouldn’t have kissed her like that but he couldn’t resist.  Cole was afraid of what was happening.  He knew things would only get harder.  After Chloe finished the dishes and left, Cole began to pray that God would guide him and help him keep his mind on his mission and not let things with Phiny get out of control.  He then went to the library to pray and read his Bible in private.

Cole had been praying and studying his Bible for over an hour before Phiny interrupted.

“There you are.  Is everything alright?”

Cole smiles, “Yes.  Just haven’t had much time to read lately so I was just catching up.”

Phiny walks over to his chair and up the book he is holding.  The front cover is the classic book A Tale of Two Cities.  She opens is to the first page and begins to read.  Cole sits uneasy in his chair not sure how she will react.  Phiny reads aloud.  “In beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth.”

She stops, looks at Cole and sees his uneasiness.  She closes the book and hands is back.  “This is my favorite book too.”

Cole looks at her and smiles as he takes the undercover Bible back.  As he does, Phiny shows him the book in her hand.  The cover says, Great Expectations but as Cole opens it he realizes that it is a Bible as well.  He invites her to sit down.

Phiny sat down across from him.  “So how long have you been a follower of Christ Donavan?”

Cole pulls his chair closer to hers.  “Well, I was born in the church, literally.  My mother gave birth to me in the back room behind the baptistery. 

Phiny laughs, “Wow true church baby, huh?”

Cole chuckles, “Yes that’s what the doctor said.  Anyway, I gave my life to Christ at church camp when I was 10 and have done my best to follow Him ever since.  I truly believe He is why I am here.  What about you Phiny?”

Phiny gets comfortable in her chair.  “My life was quite different than yours.  No one in my family ever went to church.  When I was in high school, I got into drugs.  I flunked out, was arrested and sent to rehab.  One of my counselors was a wonderful Christian lady.  She helped me get clean and finish high school and even get into college.  She taught me about Jesus and I gave my life to him in the garden at the rehab center when I was 19.  If it weren’t for that lady and Christ, I’d probably be in jail or dead.”

Cole sat stunned at her story.  His younger sister Mary had rebelled against the family and had a similar experience.  He told Phiny about it.  After he finished, they prayed together.  They thanked God for saving them and asked that He be with them on this mission and help them complete it according to His will. 

After the prayer, they just sat and talked for hours.  They were lost in conversation until about 4AM when the communication computer started ringing.  They both rushed into the office to answer.

As soon as they saw the screen, they panicked.  EMERGENCY ALERT!  Cole typed in the code and Michael appeared.  “Sorry guys.  Emergency status C.  Follow protocol.  Mr. Lawrence has been taken captive.  Luckily his family was at the safe house.  You guys need to go get them and get them out of the country.  Pack up essentials.  Check the Com center into suite cases just as they were given to you.  Donavan, you need to do this while Phiny goes to secure the family.  At the airport you will meet an agent to give you alias papers for the family and you will pick up a suitcase at baggage claim that has clothes for them. You will then meet up with Phiny and the family at the safe house.  Then quickly get them out.  Make sure you watch your back and be alert especially at the airport.  They will the looking for the family.  It is imperative that you get them out safely and without suspicion.  If you need anything, you will have you secure cells and pocket devices.  You have less than 3 hours to get out.  We are trying to get information as to Mr. Lawrence’s whereabouts.  Phiny, while you are waiting on Donavan, talk to the wife and the oldest children and get any information.  The 2 younger children hopefully don’t understand what is going on.  I will send you the secret code word for the secure house while you are on the way.  Any questions?”

“No sir,” they both said in unison.

“Good!  Get going, time is ticking.”  The compute shuts off. 

Cole and Phiny get everything packed up just as Michael said.  There were two taxis waiting in the drive.  They put all the bags going to the airport in the Cole’s taxi.  Cole walked Phiny over to her taxi.  As he opened the door, he leaned in and kissed her.  “Be safe,” he said.

“I’ll see you soon,” Phiny smiled.  “Donavan, that’s not necessary now.”

Cole smiled, “I know, just habit.  But I do mean the be careful part.”

Phiny smiled and got into the taxi.  Cole closes the door and quickly gets in his and they both head out.

Phiny had very strict instructions to get to the safe house.  They needed to make sure she was not followed.  She changed vehicles four times and had to walk the last three blocks.  Carrying bags of a few things Michael had messaged her to get along the way, she walked down the street to a small established neighborhood.  It was a nice quiet, family neighborhood.  She turned up the street to the safe house and carefully checked for anyone watching or following her.  Three houses away she crossed to the correct side of the street.  She stopped just before the safe house and pretended to tie her shoe while she made one last survey of the neighborhood and let Michael know she was about to enter.

At exactly 6AM, Phiny grabbed the shopping bags, walked up the front steps, and rang the doorbell.  After a few moments a face appeared in the small butler window on the door. 

“May I help you ma’am?” he said.

“Yes, I have a delivery for Mr. Boscoe.”

The man replies, “What is the total?”

Phiny replies, “The chef sends it with his congratulations.”

The man quickly closes the window and Phiny hears the sounds of multiple locks being unlatched and the door slowly opens.

Phiny quickly enters and the man closes the door behind her.  As he beings to relock everything, a lady approaches Phiny.  “Hello ma’am.  The family is secure in the cellar.  Follow me.”  Phiny follows her to a steel door where she punches in a code and the door slides open. The lady introduces herself.  “By the way, my name is Dorothy.”

Phiny answers, “Yes Michael said you would be one of the security agents.  Where is your partner?”

Dorothy answers, “Timothy is downstairs with the family.”

As Dorothy ushers Phiny down the stairs, Phiny tells her, “I brought something for them to eat.  I am sure they are hungry.”

“They will be glad for that,” Dorothy replies.  “We woke the older ones up about an hour ago to get ready.  Timothy was going to wake the younger ones up when the door told us we were here.  They should all be ready to eat.”

Dorothy takes the food and hands them to Timothy while she introduces Phiny to the family.  “This is Phiny.  She is one of the ones in charge of getting you out safely. Phiny, this is Mrs. Lawrence and her 4 children.” Phiny greets them as Dorothy continues.  “I explained the situation to the mother and the two older children.  The two younger will not understand.   They already know their new names and we have practiced the last few hours using them.”

Phiny smiles, “Great!  Soon we will have papers for them all and a change of clothes.  Let’s have them eat first and then they all can change.  Isn’t there are third agent posing as the husband and father?”

Dorothy ushers the family to the table.  “Yes, you have already met him.  He was at the door.  He has been getting to know the family and they him.  They all seem natural together.  He spends the day shift with the family so the children get use to him.  Since there is only 3 of us, we go in 8 hour shifts between family, doorman, and sleeping.  We figured he would be with them on the day shifts and that’s just how it worked out.”

Phiny was glad everything was going well.  She sat down to eat and talk with the family as Timothy left to relieve the agent at the door so he could eat with the family.  As he sat down beside Mrs. Lawrence, she smiled at him.

“Hello Jeremiah.  How are you this morning?”

Jeremiah smiled back, “I am well Abigail, how are you?”

Phiny was glad to seeing them getting along and using the proper cover names.  As they finished breakfast, they talked about the journey ahead.  Along with Abigail was her 12 year old son Henry, her 8 year old daughter Teresa, almost 3 year old son Isaac and the youngest, 9 month old daughter Laura.  As Phiny looked at each one, she began to realize both how important and difficult the ahead of them would be.

“Donavan is here,” came a call over the radio as Phiny and Dorothy cleared the table.  The family quickly started the change as Phiny greeted Cole.  She then introduced him to Dorothy and the family.  Donavan quickly briefed everyone on the last information as Phiny gave them the needed papers.

Cole and Phiny were still posing as newlyweds in public places.  Dorothy was traveling as a journalist and Timothy was posing as a research professor.  The plan was to make it look as if they were all traveling separately while actually traveling together.

The Lawrence family was traveling as the Pearson’s, a couple and their four children moving to be closer to their extended family.

As they were all preparing to leave, Phiny’s secure phone rang.  She answers and waits for connection.  Finally she hears Michael.

“Phiny, did you have an appointment to meet with your friend Christy today for brunch?”

“Yes,” she answers.  “But that doesn’t matter now.”

Michael replies, “It is important that you keep that appointment.  We will push back the family leaving.  They will probably think we will try to get them out early away so might be better.  If you don’t keep that appointment, someone might suspect something.  It will be safer this way.”

Phiny seems surprised but agrees to go, “Yes sir I will.”  The call ends.