Chapters 6 & 7

Chapter 6

Dorothy had already cleared security and was checking things out in the terminal.  Cole and Phiny were standing in line for security continuing to pull off being newlyweds.  About ten people behind them were the Lawrence family and Jeremiah posing as the Pearson’s.  About 3 people behind them was Timothy.  They all had been warned that with sudden change in plans and recent breeches, there was no guarantee of getting an agent to the security lines to get them through.  As Cole and Phiny handed the officers their papers, Cole began to sweat.  He and Phiny both got nervous when he took their papers to the head officer.

Phiny reached down and grabbed Cole’s hand and squeezed.  Cole could see Dorothy through the glass in the terminal.  She immediately pulled out her phone and began a conversation.  Seconds after she hung up, the phone on the security kiosk rang.  The agent with Cole and Phiny’s papers answered it.  He spoke in a foreign language and Cole only knew a few words.  He was able to pick up the words illegal and suspension.  Phiny only got a few words as well.   Whispering to each other, they guessed that the officer believed they didn’t have the proper paperwork to be in the country and that the paperwork they had was very suspicious.  After a few moments of the officer yelling this into the telephone, another officer came out of a door behind him and whispered in his ear and pointed to Cole and Phiny.  The first officer then said a few words into the phone and hung up.  He handed the papers to the other officer and left.

The new officer glanced at Phiny and Cole’s papers, stamped them and handed them back.  “Sorry for the hold up.  Please Proceed.”  Cole collected the papers and they cleared the checkpoint.  They slowly gathered their bags and other belongings from the x-ray machine to make sure the Lawrence family cleared security.  The officer that allowed Cole and Phiny through was still there.  He ushered the Lawrence family and Jeremiah right through and when Timothy finally made it to him, he did the same.  Then the officer immediately called another officer over and left.  Cole thought to himself, ‘man, looks like the agency got someone just in time.’

Cole and all the others knew this was only the beginning.  The Lawrences had to make sure they were not recognized.  They were one of the most popular families in the country and their pictures was all over the news.  They had to keep a low profile and do their best to blend in.  They had tried to disguise themselves as much as possible but that was hard to do with a large family.  Jeremiah tried to make things seem natural between him and Mrs. Lawrence.  He knew that if the two of them could pull off being the parents, suspension might not be so high since everyone heard on the news that Mr. Lawrence was missing.  So far things were going well.

As the plane boarded, Dorothy, Timothy, Cole and Phiny all kept a close eye on the family.  They also did their best to look over everyone on the plane.  All of their seats had been chosen carefully.  Dorothy was in the very back row where she could see everyone and everything.  About half up was Timothy and just one row in front of him was the family to make sure if needed, he could protect them.  A few rows from the front were Cole and Phiny continuing to pull off being newlyweds.  As they took their seats, Phiny heard a familiar voice behind her. 

“Phiny!  How are you?”  Phiny turned and looked directly at Christy as her heart sank. 

“Hey Christy.  You’re working this flight?” 

Christy smiled, “Yes.  Remember at brunch today I told you my flight got changed.  Here I am.  What a coincidence!  Oh hey Donavan, I see you made it safely.”

Donavan looked at Christy and the Phiny as if to say do something.  Phiny spoke up.  “Yes off of one plane and on to another.  We are traveling out until things cool down at DMC.”  Phiny whispered, “You never know who they might look for.” Phiny knew Christy being on this flight was no coincidence.  After what happened this morning, she knew Christy was connected somehow. 

Christy smiled, “Your secret is safe with me.  Now if you excuse me, I better get to work.”  With that Christy went about the plane and Phiny and Cole took their seats.

As soon as she set down, Phiny sent a message to the rest of the team about Christy.  She felt it important that they be aware of a possible spy.  Unfortunately for them, Christy was assigned to the main cabin with them and kept a watchful eye on everything.  Phiny knew Christy was determined to get the needed intel for her agency.  That made this long flight even longer.  Little did Phiny know that someone else on the plane also had a very watchful eye on everything and was determined to carry out their mission.

After the meals were served, Christy went to Phiny to talk.  “So where you guys headed Phiny?”

Phiny smiled.  She knew what Christy was after.  As Cole read a newspaper, Phiny answered, “We haven’t really decided yet.  We will probably spend a few days in London and then decide what to do.  What about you?  Will you have a layover or are you scheduled to head right back out?”  Christy heard the sound of the flight attendant phone ringing in the galley.  She motioned to Phiny to hold on a minute and jumped up to answer.  Phiny could hear what Christy was saying.

“Yes Sir?”… “Yes I believe so”… “Yes I will be glad to.”… “Yes about 10 minutes.”  She hung up, did a few things in the galley and returned to Phiny.  “Sorry, seems the captain is still hungry and wants me to bring him another plate.  I put on a fresh pot of coffee so it will be a few minutes.  So you asked my schedule, I really don’t know.  I got changed to this flight at the last minute and they haven’t told me what to do next.  I will have to ask the gate agent when we land.”

Suddenly Phiny felt her phone vibrate.  She knew she couldn’t get it out in front of Christy so she excused herself to the restroom.  As Christy watched her she the door, she jumped over into Phiny’s seat.  “So Donavan, how are things with you two?”

Cole swallowed hard but kept reading the paper.  “Fine Christy, thank you for asking.  Phiny is wonderful.”

Christy smiled, “Yes she is.  You guys make a cute couple.  So you guys gonna have kids?”

Cole almost fainted at her forwardness but knew it was a test.  “Well, we have talked about it but not really made a decision.  We’ve only been married a little over a month.  We have time so we are going to wait for now.”

Christy seemed surprised at his answer.  She was thinking of her next question when she heard Phiny behind her. “Trying to woo my husband,” Phiny said with a laugh.

Christy stood and said, “No, just trying to find out is he has any brothers.”  They both laughed and Cole somewhat chuckled as this made him think of his family.

He hadn’t spoken to them in almost three months just before this mission started.  His sister told him she was getting married and she hoped he could come.  He said he would try but knowing the agency probably would not allow it.  Talking to them once a week on the phone was the only contact they had allowed him for over a year.  That’s when he went deep undercover and they wanted to protect his identity.  They gave him a cover story to tell them and it was extremely hard on everyone.

Cole thought back to his college days.  His best friend Phil and he decided they wanted to attend Baylor together.  They were roommates all four years.  Phil was also good with computers but more on the building and fixing part.  He majored in Computer Engineering while Cole studied Computer Science.  Later Cole added the second major of International Studies.  He was hoping to enter the F.B.I.  as a computer criminologist.  After graduating in the top 5% of his class, the F.B.I. did hire him as part of the Computer Crimes Unit.  Although it was only an entry level job, Cole loved it and worked very hard.

After only about 18 months on the job, it was evident that Cole’s skills were being wasted on such low level stuff.  His supervisor told him there was no room for promotion at the time but gave Cole the name of a friend who was head of a new special agency where he knew Cole’s skills would be of much better use.  He told Cole he had already spoken to him and he was expecting Cole’s call.

Cole waited almost a week before calling.  He wanted to make sure that God was leading him in that direction. After days of prayer, fasting and seeking guidance, Cole made the call.  He remembered the conversation just like it was yesterday.

“Yes Cole, I have been praying God would help me find some good agents.  Then your supervisor, and old friend of mine, called and told me all about you.  I knew you would be great.  You skills, your background all are perfect.  The job is yours if you want it.  Please think about it.  I’ll email you the information.  This work isn’t for everyone.  It’s tough on you and your family so you and they need to be sure.”

Cole got as many details as the man would offer.  Some were surprising.  Cole never knew an agency like this existed.  So after more prayer, fasting and discussion with his family, Cole took the job.  He met Darryl in person three days later and was introduced to Michael and given an overview of things.  Within three weeks, he was on his first assignment.

That was almost 4 years ago and now look where he was, one of the top men in the agency.  He was trusted with the most sensitive and important missions.  He never imagined things would get to this point.

“Donavan, Donavan are you ok?”  Phiny tapped him on the arm.  “Donavan.”

Cole startled, “Yeah sorry.  Just daydreaming I guess.  Man I could use some air.  How much longer do we have?”

Phiny checked her watch, “Bout an hour.  Why don’t you get up and walk around.  That might help.”

Cole got up.  “Be back in a bit,” he said as he kissed he cheek.

Cole walked back to the galley and made sure no one was in earshot as he dialed a number on his secure phone.  What he was doing was against agency rules but he just had to do it.  He knew Michael was watching the line but he also knew Michael would not tell anyone as long as Cole just listened.  They had done this before but never in the middle of the mission. 

Chapter 7

Cole knew no one would be there to answer.  He always made sure of that.  On the third ring the answering machine finally picked up and Cole’s heart sank as he listened, “Hello you have reached the Connor residence.  We can’t answer right now.  Please leave a message.  God Bless and have a wonderful day.”… BEEP.  His mother’s voice was so soothing.  He could just see her smile.  This time it made him do more than just listen.  “Hey just wanted to say I love you all and miss you.  I am doing ok.  Hope to talk to you soon.”  As he hung up, he took a deep breath.  He prayed Michael would keep this secret, knowing that leaving a message could get them both if big trouble.  He closed his eyes as he leaned against the side of the plane and prayed. 

He prayed God would protect his family and himself.  He also prayed for strength and wisdom to complete the mission and finally he said, “God, please just let it ALL be over soon.  Amen.”  As he started out of the galley, his phone rang.  He answered and waited for the secure connection.

Then came what he dreaded.  “Kid, what are you trying to do, get us both black balled?  You know you can’t do that.”

Cole took a deep breath.  “Michael, I am sorry.  There is just as much going on.  I had to.  It’s been 3 months.  I just needed to hear her voice.”

Michael continued, “Listening is one thing.  I can cover that, but leaving a message is a total violation. We discussed this!”

“Michael, I am sorry but I needed to let them know.  I needed to put their mind at ease.”  There was silence.  Cole knew Michael could sense what he was feeling and hopefully he would understand.  Finally Cole spoke, “Michael, please tell me this will ALL be over soon.”  Again a long pause.

“Kid, you know that’s not for me to decide.  Now stay focused and no more calls!”  Michael hung up.

Cole took another minute to collect himself before returning to his seat.

“Donavan, you don’t look so good.  Are you ok?” Phiny asked as she took his hand. 

“I’ll be fine.  Just as soon as I can get off this plane.” He yanked his hand back.

Phiny looked at him as he stared out the window.  She knew something was terribly wrong with him but also knew there was nothing she could do about it.  Except pray, so she did just that the rest of the flight.

Finally, the words Cole had been waiting to hear, came over the intercom.  “Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belt for landing.”  As he did just that, Cole’s hand grazed Phiny’s.  He looked at her and she looked as if she was crying.  He grabbed her hand and leaned in close.

“Phiny, I am sorry for earlier.  I am just really stressed right now.  Please forgive me.”

Phiny smiled, “Nothing to forgive.  I understand.  I’ve been there too.  I made that same call last week to my sister and left a message.  Michael was furious.”

Cole stared at her in disbelief.  “How did you know?  Did Michael call you?”

As the wheels touched the runway, Phiny continued.  “No but you just had that look.  The same one I had of relief that you got to do it but dread to the consequences and the wish that this ALL will be over soon.”  Cole looked at Phiny as if to ask if she too wanted it to be over.  He didn’t have to say it.  She nodded as to say ‘yes I was there too.’  He gently kissed her hand as the plane pulled up to the gate.

As they walked hand in hand up the sky bridge, Cole realized he had forgotten where they were.  “Phiny, remind me again where we are.”

She laughed, “You’re taking me to London, remember?  You promised I could see Buckingham before we left.”

Cole smiled and kissed the top of her head.  “Of course you can see it.  We will go first thing tomorrow.”  Just then Cole’s phone rings.  He quickly answers as they come through the terminal doors.  “Yes sir.  I will sir and thank you.”  Cole hangs up.  “Come on we have to hurry.  Quick change of plans.  The rest of the group will catch up.”  Cole grabs Phiny’s hand as they hurry through the terminal.

Cole found the gate Michael had told him on the phone.  He hurried to the desk to check in.  Phiny looked at the board to see where they were headed and smiled when she saw the word, Jamaica.  The ticket agent handed Cole the passes.  “Here you are Mr. and Mrs. Maloney.  We are already boarding if you’d like to go ahead.  We are just waiting on a few passengers from a flight that just landed.  Cole hesitates.  He wants to make sure the family and the rest of the group make it.  Just then, he sees all of them all rounding the corner.  He turns and smiles, “That would be great.”  He and Phiny board as the agent checks the others in.  As Timothy walks by Cole on the way to his seat, he drops a note in Cole’s lap.

Cole opened and he and Phiny read, “Isaac is very sick.  I think he needs a doctor.  Abigail is very worried.  Michael has not been informed.  Please do so.”

Phiny pulls out her phone and text Michael.  After a few minutes, her phone rings.  Michael speaks, “I checked the passenger list.  There is a Pediatric Research Doctor in seat 22A.  Have Jerimiah ask the flight attendant to see if there is a doctor on board to look at Isaac.”  Michael hangs up and Phiny writes a note to pass Jeremiah.  Cole pretends to go to the restroom and drops the note for Jeremiah as he passes. 

Rather than make an announcement about a sick child and cause panic, the flight attendant checks the passenger list.  She sees the name Dr. Tina Carpenter seat 22A.  She quickly goes to her.  “Dr. Carpenter.  Could I speak to you for a moment?” the flight attendant asks.  Tina agrees and follows her back to the galley.  The attendant explains the situation about a sick child.  Dr. Carpenter agrees to take a look and asks for the child to be brought to the galley.

Abigail takes Isaac to the galley.  As the flight attendant brings Dr. Carpenter her bag from the overhead compartment.  Dr. Carpenter examines Isaac as she ask Abigail questions about what has he has been ding eating.  Dr. Carpenter looks and sees Isaac’s legs and arms covered in a rash.  She then pulls up his shirt and sees it over his belly.  She feels his temperature.  “He might be a bit feverish but nothing too high.  Does it itch buddy?”  He shyly nods yes.  Dr. Carpenter pats his head as she looks at Abigail.  “Ma’am, it looks worse than it is.  He has just had an allergic reaction to probably something he ate.  Here is some Benadryl.  Take one now and one every 3 hours for the next 12 hours.  I have some cream in my other bag I can give you for the itch.  The Benadryl will make him sleepy which will help him recover faster.  He should start to clear up in a few hours.  If not, take him to the doctor when we get to Jamaica.  I’ll check on you later.  Let me know if you need anything else.”  Dr. Carpenter heads back to her seat as they all thank her.

Phiny convinces Cole to pretend to go to the restroom again and check on things.  He gets to row 22 just as Dr. Carpenter is putting her bag back in the compartment.  “Here ma’am.  Let me help with that,” Cole offers.

“Thank you,” she replies.  “I just need to grab something out of the other one first.” She looks at Cole.  “Oh my gosh!  Cole Connor!!  Is that really you?”

Cole almost falls over from her excitement and hearing his real name.  He then realizes who is standing in front of him.  “Well, Tina Carpenter.  How are you?”

The conversation continues.  Cole and Tina were college sweethearts.  Cole wanted to marry her but she wanted to finish med-school first.  When he moved to work for the F.B.I., he asked her to go medical school closer to him but she refused.  They decided to go their separate ways.  Cole never really forgave himself for leaving her.

Phiny was getting worried.  Cole hadn’t returned for several minutes.  She sat up and looked to the rear of the plane.  She saw Cole standing in the aisle talking to a women.  She decided to check it out.

She grabbed his arm, “Donavan, sweetie I was getting worried.  Everything ok?”

Cole put his arm around Phiny.  “Yes dear.  I was just talking.  Tina, this is my wife Phiny.  Phiny this is Tina she is um…” Cole wasn’t sure. 

Tina stuck out her hand for Phiny.  “I am an old college friend.  Nice to meet you.  So you guys headed to Jamaica for a honeymoon or what?”

Cole answered, “No we have been married for about a month.  We are headed there on business.  What about you?”

Tina closes the overhead bin.  “Computer business no doubt.”  She smiles at Cole.  “Always the computer whiz.  Well I was in London for a conference and decided to stop in Jamaica on my way home for a little R and R.  My sisters are meeting me there.”

Cole continues, “Oh so all the Carpenter sisters in Jamaica?  I better warn them, it’s never gonna be the same.”  They laughed.

Tina says, “Yeah Missy and Pam have been trying to get me to go for over a year.  I finally agreed.  Hey maybe we can all get together for dinner or something.  I know they’d love to see you again and meet Mrs. Cole Connor.  They will never believe me.”  She laughs

Cole looks at Phiny and can tell she doesn’t like the idea.  “Maybe we can.  I have to work too but id things work out you never know.”

Tina smiles, “Great, we are staying at the Hilton Resort.  Give us a call.  Now if you excuse me, I need to deliver this cream to a very itchy little boy.  Nice seeing you again Cole and nice to meet you Phiny.”  She gives Cole a hug and leaves.

Cole and Phiny return to their seats.  Finally Phiny speaks, “I don’t like this.  Her calling you by your real name and knowing true things about you and your life.  It could get us into trouble.  What if she blows your cover?”

Cole takes her hand.  “Relax.  We probably won’t see her after the flight.  Besides, she knows I used to work for the F.B.I. and for all she knows still am.  I’ll just tell her I am on special assignment and ask her to use my cover.  She’ll be fine.  I trust her. She was a good friend.”