Deadly White Lie

1

Langley, VA

Randy Hartwell sat at his large mahogany desk, sifting through several charts of data on his computer screen while his fingers hovered above the keyboard. As the Director of Science and Technology at the CIA, he had his hands full with more work than he had hours in a week. Sometimes he wondered if the large office, with its solid oak paneled walls and floor to ceiling windows on the fifth floor, was worth the responsibility and the title he held. It seemed as though the more reports he typed, and the more meetings he attended, somehow his workload doubled, so when the door to his office swung open, he didn’t try to hide the irritation that spread across his face.

I hate to interrupt you, sir; I know you’re busy. Levi Wilcox marched up to Hartwell’s desk, but he didn’t try to take a seat. One of our major projects seems to have been placed on hold.

What do you mean? Hartwell slid off his glasses, leaned back in his chair, and looked piercingly at the man in the crisp black suit and short sandy hair standing in front of him.

Sofía, the scientist with our most promising project, well, she hasn’t been at the research facility for almost a week now.

And?

I didn’t want to raise any alarms just yet, so I followed up with her roommate, Vivian, who told me that Sofía had been at home spending quite a bit of time on the computer, maybe talking to someone online. And today, Sofía told her that she was going to the airport and would be spending the next few nights away from the house. Since this isn’t like her, I had every flight manifest checked from all of the closest airports. Fortunately, she isn’t listed on any of them, but neither are any of her known friends or relatives.

Still glaring at Levi, Hartwell placed his hands on his desk and rose from his chair. She went to the airport and won’t be back home for a few days? What do you think she’s up to?

Levi cleared his throat and said, It’s unclear at this point. What’s most concerning is that she cleared out some of her hardware from the facility.

Hartwell straightened while his face grew red. And you’re just now telling me about this?

Like I said, I didn’t want to raise any false alarms. Especially since she isn’t aware that she’s inadvertently working for us. Levi shrugged his shoulders and tried to reassure his boss, Sometimes Sofía likes to take her work home with her, and I thought she might be trying to figure out some technical issues she might be having with some of the components.

But she’s been gone a week, and she hasn’t said a word to the administrator?

That’s why Eric called me, she hasn’t told him anything. He’s starting to get worried about her.

Hartwell walked the length of his large office, turned to face the windows, and crossed his arms. Sofía was possibly a few months, or perhaps only weeks away from completing her project. While her unexpected leave of absence unnerved him, he absolutely could not allow the possibility of the project being compromised. There was too much time and money invested in it, and he had already began making plans to use it. Turning back to Levi, he ordered, She’s meeting with someone, so obviously you need to find out who it is and why. Follow her twenty-four seven and don’t let her out of your sight. Find out what she’s up to and get back to me with every detail.

Levi nodded sharply and said, I’m on it. He left the office as quickly as he entered and shut the door behind him.

Hartwell went back over to his desk and sat in his oversized leather chair, letting out a breath that blew a piece of paper onto the floor. Pulling out a glass and a bottle of brandy from a drawer, he poured himself a much-needed drink.

2

Somewhere over the United States

Kyle Fox knew that this flight might change his life, but he had no idea about the ride that was in store for him. He rubbed his palms against his legs, trying to dry them. Constantly switching positions, he could find no relief for the pain that seared through his back. Room to stretch his legs was minimal at best, and squeezing past the two occupants next to him to take a walk down the aisle made the effort much less tempting. Instead, he stared out the window and tried to make out shapes in the clouds below to keep his mind occupied. Nothing he did made the flight seem shorter, and the fact that he could not sleep the previous night certainly did not help.

First time flying?

Kyle looked at the older heavy-set southerner sitting next to him. No, why?

The man folded his newspaper and set it in his lap. You’ve looked nervous the whole flight. You’re going to rub holes in your pants before we land.

Kyle looked down at his legs and then back up at the man, I’m nervous, but believe me, it has nothing to do with flying.

What is it then?

I’m about to meet a girl. Kyle’s face flushed after the words came out of his mouth. Hearing them out loud, they sounded ridiculous.

Must be some special girl. So why are you so anxious?

I met her online a few months back. I’ve never actually met her in person.

Online? Like on some kind of dating site? the man asked with interest.

No, it was something more like Facebook, but not quite. One day I had a message from her. When I opened it, all it said was, How tall are you?" Nothing else. No introduction, no Hi! How are you? nothing. So I went to her page, saw this beautiful woman, probably mid thirties, staring back at me. I was skeptical at first, but I sent a message back anyway telling her how tall I was. Next thing I knew we were talking every day for three months. Eventually I bought the ticket to meet her."

My nephew did something like that once. Poor little fella. He went to go meet a girl and found out she used a picture that was nearly ten years old. Had kids she forgot to mention, too.

Kyle smiled. Luckily I’ve been talking to her over a web cam quite a bit. I don’t think there will be any surprises like that.

Well, that’s good. At least there’s one less thing you have to worry about. You just better hope she’s not crazy. Say, where’re you from? Kind of a long flight to meet a girl.

Denver. She lives in Virginia. It’s a long way, but I’ve never talked to anyone quite like her. She’s incredibly smart, funny, and easy to talk to. I think I’ve already fallen in love with her.

"Son, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You’re the one that’s crazy."

Kyle laughed. The man was probably right. She’s from Argentina and moved to the US about eight years ago. The way I see it, I’m kind of meeting her half way.

The man winked as he said, I hear the women from Argentina are absolutely amazing. Well, good luck to you. I hope everything works out. He unfolded his paper, trying to find where he left off.

Thank you. So do I.

3

Washington, D.C.

Kyle’s nerves were jumping under his skin as he waited for the doors of the plane to open. His heart pounded in his chest as warm beads of sweat slid down his body from his armpits. His mind went blank as he thought about what he would say to her, and he had no idea whether he should hug her or kiss her, even though he had played this moment in his head over and over, but he never expected such feelings to overwhelm him.

He exited the jetway and headed straight for the bathroom. Turning on the faucet, he washed his hands and splashed cool water on his face. He leaned on the sink and stared at himself in the mirror while droplets of water trickled down his face and dripped from his chin and nose. What the hell am I doing? Am I really falling in love with a woman I’ve never even met? With several deep breaths, his pulse still proved impossible to slow. Another minute passed before he finally dried his face, picked up his bags and mustered the courage to find her. Walking out of the bathroom and then a short way down to the main terminal, he wondered if she was feeling the same way.

Kyle glanced at all the faces of the people that he passed as he strode toward the terminal exit. Hundreds were coming and going: businessmen in suits, tourists donning their favorite team shirts and shorts, and bored teenagers with gadgets and expressionless faces. The airport buzzed with life, until the moment he laid eyes on her. His body froze and his mind drowned out the bustle around him. There she stood, absolutely stunning. He tried to take her in all at once, but it was impossible. Her every feature demanded his attention. Ash blonde hair fell like silk to her shoulders. A thin black sweater clung tightly to her body. Her slender arms hung at her sides while her hands, with freshly manicured fingernails, folded at her waist. She wore tight blue jeans, and her long legs were lengthened a few inches by a pair of black high heel boots. Her head was tilted slightly to the left and she was smiling at him with the same smile that he’d fallen in love with over the web cam.

Are you going to keep standing there gawking, or are you going to finally kiss me? she asked with a soft Argentinian accent.

Without saying a word, he walked up to her, dropped his bags, wrapped his arms around her tiny frame, and kissed her thin lips that were far softer and warmer than he anticipated. All the tension and anxiety melted from his body as Sofía passionately kissed him back.

I can’t believe I’m finally here with you. You’re even more beautiful in person, he said, reaching up and touching her face.

She smiled at his words. I can’t believe it either. But you’re a little shorter than I expected.

I told you how tall I was, I didn’t lie.

Her laughter was like music, sweet and soft.

I reserved a car. We should get it, Kyle said, still having a hard time finding the words to fill a conversation.

Sounds good. Are you hungry?

I could use something to eat. I had a small lunch before the flight, and only a soda since then.

I have a friend that owns a restaurant in Alexandria. We can eat an early dinner there. She’s letting us use her apartment for the night so I have to get the key from her anyway.

We’re not staying at your place?

Since I have a roommate, my friend offered me her place so we could spend the night alone, she said as her eyes sparkled.

We could have gotten a hotel room instead of putting your friend out. Besides, where’s she going to stay?

She’s going to go visit her aunt in Maryland. It’s not too far, but she said she would stay the night there, or even longer if we want her to.

That’s a very nice offer, but one night is plenty. I’m looking forward to spending some time with you in Virginia Beach like we planned. You’re friend is really something else.

Yes, she is. And I can’t wait for you to meet her.

They walked with their arms wrapped around each other through the airport until they reached the car rental place. Kyle secured a mid-sized Chevrolet Malibu and followed Sofía’s directions to Old Town Alexandria until they parked a short distance from the restaurant. They strolled down an uneven brick sidewalk to a charming century-old building.

It’s quiet in here, he said as they entered through a large wooden door.

In a few hours, we wouldn’t even be able to get a seat at the bar. We made it before the dinner rush.

Before he could answer, a beautiful woman with raven black hair and deep brown eyes hurriedly walked up to greet them.

So this is the one? The woman studied Kyle thoughtfully. This is they guy that you won’t stop talking about?

This is the one; I think I like him even more in person, Sofía said.

Her gaze softened. You two make a good-looking couple. She smiled at Kyle. My friend has been very happy since she met you, and you are all she talks about anymore.

Kyle returned her smile. She makes me very happy, too. You must be Daniela. She’s told me all about you; it’s nice to meet you.

It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, too, she said as she shook his hand. Daniela studied the couple one more time before leading them to a small table in the front where the late afternoon sun peered over the low-hung curtains, filling the room with an intense yellow haze.

Daniela reached into her pocket and handed a key to Sofía. Here is the key to my apartment. I’ll catch up with you later. Daniela gave Sofía a kiss on the cheek and walked away before the waiter came and took their order.

4

Alexandria Virginia

Kyle woke up and looked over at the empty wine bottle on the nightstand next to him. He picked up his phone, checked the time, and groaned. Ten o’clock. Half the day had already passed. Pulling himself out of bed, he wandered into the dining room, scratching his head and squinting from the light that filled the apartment. Sofía was already wide-awake with sandwiches and coffee waiting for him.

Buenos días! Look who finally decided to get up!

Good morning, sunshine, he said, smiling at the sound of her chipper voice. What time did you get up?

I tried to get you up around eight, but you rolled over and told me to go back to sleep. I tried, but I couldn’t sleep past nine. Raising her voice several octaves she asked, How’s mi amor?

Tired. We didn’t fall asleep until four, and I still don’t feel like getting up. How do you have so much energy?

I always have energy, so it’s something you’ll have to get used to. Now hurry up and drink your coffee. It’s a long drive to Virginia Beach.

Kyle shook his head and sat at the table, gripping a cup of coffee that Sofía had placed in front of him. You want to leave so soon?

After we get dressed, I need to go back to my place to grab some things I forgot to pack. Then yes, I want to get on the road as soon as possible.

After finishing a small breakfast, they took showers, got dressed, and headed over to Sofía’s townhome. When they pulled up to her place, it seemed like any other modern-day townhome - nothing special and more parking areas than landscape.

Sofía pulled out her keys and went through several before finding the one she was looking for. I don’t know if my roommate is here, but she won’t bother us. I’ll grab some drinks for the drive if you’d like.

I could use a soda if you have one.

As they entered the home, a lab mix ran up and greeted them. Sofía knelt down to hug the animal and started talking to her in Spanish.

This is my baby, Nala. I’m going to run upstairs to grab some stuff. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back down in a few minutes.

Kyle nodded as she disappeared up the stairs. Looks like it’s just you and me, Nala. He rubbed her head and wandered around the first floor. Nala followed him, keeping her distance, but watching him intently.

Kyle noticed the place was immaculate, but minimally furnished, as he led his self-guided tour. He walked past the kitchen at the front of the house, opened a door to a bathroom that was opposite the dinning room, and then he wandered into the living room at the rear of the home. He opened a door that revealed stairs to a basement, shut it, and turned his attention to a large sliding glass door behind him. Outside, a little patio with a grill and some outdoor furniture were surrounded by a wooden fence. Past the fence were trees growing so thick, he could not see very far past the first layer.

Ready to go?

Kyle turned back around and saw Sofía with a bag over her shoulder and two cans of soda in her hands.

That was quick, he said. Where’s your roommate?

I don’t know. I was hoping to talk to her before we left. I wanted to ask her to take care of Nala, but I don’t know when she’ll be back. She might be staying at her boyfriend’s place.

You never talk about your roommate very much. Is she nice?

Vivian is nice, but I don’t know her very well yet. I mean, we talk about stuff sometimes.

Does she know we are going to Virginia Beach for the next couple of days?

I might have mentioned it to her, but I can’t remember.

Do you want to call her?

Not really. She looked pleadingly at Kyle with her beautiful big brown eyes. I think we should take Nala with us.

It will be harder to get a room, Kyle opposed, but quickly recovered when disappointment spread across her face. Sure, why not?

Before he could change his mind, Sofía grabbed a leash and fastened it to her pet’s collar. They exited the townhome, got situated in the car, and Kyle typed the name of the city in his GPS.

Looks like we have about three hours, he volunteered.

I’ve actually been looking forward to this drive with you.

I’ve been looking forward to spending the entire week together. I still can’t believe how wonderful this is. I don’t know what I expected, but I am enjoying every second we have together.

She gave him a peck on the cheek. Me too.

Following the directions on the GPS, Kyle made a few turns until there was only a long stretch of highway ahead of them.

5

After an hour had passed, Sofía watched as Kyle kept looking in the rear view mirror. So what do you think? Should I move back to Argentina?

Sure, whatever you think is best.

You’re not paying attention to anything I’m saying! What are you thinking about?

What? Oh, I’m sorry, I’ve been watching the car behind us. It must be headed to the same place we are. It’s been behind us ever since we left your house.

Are you sure it’s the same car?

It’s the same one. Call me crazy, but I remember seeing one just like it parked near Daniela’s restaurant yesterday. I’m probably just imagining it, but it seems odd.

That is odd. Does it have the same license plate number?

I don’t know, I didn’t check.

"Seriously? You really think we’re being followed? Sofía opened her eyes wide and grabbed Kyle’s arm. Oh my god! Maybe you’re right! Who knows what trouble we could be up to? Maybe someone is really upset about how you handled his taxes last year!"

Or maybe a student is stalking you! Kyle gave a weak smile. I know it sounds strange, but something has been feeling off sometimes. He took her hand and he noticed that they were clammy and trembling ever so slightly. Are you nervous?

"No, I’m a little cold. Why don’t we pull off at the next exit and get some coffee. We can let Nala out and you, mi principe, can give me a kiss."

I’m surprised you’re cold. I was about to turn on the air. But how can I refuse an offer like that?

Kyle found an exit with services and pulled off the highway. He was surprised that there could possibly be anything around here at all as the dense trees hid everything, giving him a feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. Relieved to see that the black Chrysler passed him as he slowed and took the off-ramp, he came to a stop sign and noticed that not only were there services available, but an entire city seemed to have suddenly appeared out of nowhere. This time, the trees hid the highway.

They stopped at a corner store where there was an empty field next to it so Nala could get out and run. Kyle and Sofía got a coffee, and as promised, she held him close and kissed him.

You said something feels off…is it me? she asked.

Not at all, it’s something else that I can’t quite put my finger on. I feel like we are being watched or something, and yet I don’t know anyone but you out here. He looked away and shook his head. It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

Yes, it does. So let’s go and enjoy our week together. Maybe you are a tad anxious, but don’t worry, everything will be perfect.

You’re probably right.

She squeezed his hand and gave him another kiss. I’m always right.

They got back on the highway and continued to Virginia Beach. Several miles passed before they finally reached a string of hotels right on the ocean. Few tourists made their way along the street in the cool weather. Kyle stopped at several hotels, searching for one that allowed dogs, and after several attempts, he finally found what he was looking for, a room overlooking the ocean. Even better, it was on the tenth floor. The lobby was inviting, the room was pleasant, and there were two hot tubs on the main floor of the hotel. They checked in, brought their belongings to the room, opened the sliding glass door of the balcony, and breathed in the cool, salty ocean air. Sounds of the crashing waves below were like a welcoming love song just for them, and exhausted from the long drive, they laid on the bed, held each other close, and fell asleep. Also worn out from the drive, Nala hopped on a couch that was next to the bed and closed her eyes.

6

Virginia Beach, VA

Levi caught up with the couple at the restaurant in Alexandria and hadn’t allowed himself to lose sight of them since. One mystery was solved; Sofía went to the airport to meet a guy. Now Levi needed to learn his name. Where had the stranger come from, and what were the man’s intentions? Was he a spy? An old lover? He looked like an old flame coming back into her life; the way they hugged, kissed, and held each other suggested familiarity.

He saw them get off at the exit and kept driving down the highway. He followed close at times, maybe a little too close. If they noticed him before, he hoped to erase any suspicion now. He would find them again in Virginia Beach. They mentioned it when they were taking a stroll in Alexandria after they left the restaurant. The tricky part would be to find them once they arrived. He couldn’t quite understand why Sofía brought her dog along; his guess was that she would feel more comfortable with her boyfriend. This was possible evidence that she had not known the man long, although she had spent a night alone with him already. Maybe she didn’t have anyone to watch the mutt, but that was odd since she had a roommate who could take care of it. In any case, it would at least limit the number of hotels they could stay at.

Hours had passed since he had emailed a picture to Langley. He checked his phone, but so far nothing. That could be both good and bad news. Good, if he were simply an average Joe. Sometimes it took a little while to find out everything about an everyday guy by a simple picture. Information on him should be flowing in any time now. If no information on him came up at all, there was a good chance that he was working for another government agency. Those were the worst types, the types that left as quickly as they came. By the time the person was identified, it was usually too late, secrets were stolen. Sometimes the victims were in danger, sometimes not. It depended on the objective, how close the person could get to his target, and how fast he could gain their trust. Sometimes these bastards could even get their targets to start working for them.

He picked up his phone and made a call to the agency. I need a list of hotels in Virginia Beach that allow dogs, preferably ones close to the water. Send the list to my phone.

7

Alexandria, VA

The condo was organized and neat, everything in its proper place. Not even a dish was left in the sink. The pillows on the white couches and beds were fluffed. The smell of freshly washed linen filled the rooms. There were two bedrooms; one obviously belonged to Sofía, while the other appeared to be a toddler’s. Dante knew she had a son, but he could have sworn he read that she had a teenager. He also expected to be going into a place that was more disorganized, with papers scattered and scribbled on everywhere. That was how most of the homes were where scientists lived. Notebooks, research books, and pens were always strewn everywhere. They seemed to need paper to write every thought that popped into their heads. This place didn’t even have a computer. If he hadn’t seen her come in here himself, he would have sworn he was in the wrong place.

He went into the kitchen and opened the fridge, grabbed a bottle of Coke, took a long sip, and put it back. There wasn’t a large assortment of food; he supposed that with her occupation, she must eat out regularly due to many late nights at the office. Going through each cupboard, he looked for any place that she might have a hidden compartment for her most delicate work. It would not be the first time he had found some sort of secret place where something sensitive was hidden, but he figured a person like Sofía would not need a hiding place. She didn’t know she was doing work for a high profile agency, she only knew that she was working off grants she received. This had to be the easiest ten million dollar job he’d ever been offered. The man she was with could be dangerous - perhaps that was the reason he had been offered so much money. On the other hand, the man didn’t look like the type who took his physical conditioning too seriously; he was lean, but not exactly a poster boy for a gym membership. How could a man such as that be a threat?

Dante continued methodically searching the condo, taking out drawers, riffling through them, dumping the contents on the floor, and looking inside the furniture. He searched clothes that were in closets, flipped over mattresses, and tore the shades off the lamps. As he made his way into the living room, he started tearing the backs off of picture frames, taking the cushions off the couches and tearing through them with a knife, but having no luck finding anything useful. Not