Archangel: Out of the Ashes

© 2007 Nicholas Lenzini. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 11/19/2007

ISBN: 978-1-4343-3768-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4343-3767-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4678-3763-7 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2007906763

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Editing By: Mike McKenna

Contents

Agencies and groups:

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

DEDICATED to JEANNE

MY WIFE FOR HER SUPPORT,

ASSISTANCE IN EDITING

AND FOR FOLLOWING ME ANYWHERE.

Special thanks to Adriene my friend, Neesha and Miramannee

My daughters and family for their efforts and continuing support.

ARCHANGEL;

OUT OF THE ASHES

A CONTINUING NOVEL OF THE ARCHANGEL BY

Nicholas Lenzini

Also by Nicholas Lenzini

First of the series Death of an Archangel

Second Archangel; Out of the Ashes

Agencies and groups:

CIA     Central Intelligence Agency

FBI     Federal Bureau of Investigation

AIPA     American / International Protection Agency

TOPTR     International group brand ‘Together Our Power To Rule’

DOD     Department of Defense

ATF     Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms

NSC     National Security Council

NSA     National Security Agency

DOE     Department of Energy

DEA     Drug Enforcement Agency

DOT     Department of Treasury also know as Treasury Department

PROLOGUE

Luke, having uncovered the group TOPTR ,‘Together Our Power To Rule’, also referred to as Top-Terr a world wide group of powerful, wealthy men, and their conspiracy to rule the world through terrorist actions and corporate mergers, chose to take it upon himself to disrupt their plan, which he did successfully. After almost losing his life in the process, he decided to bring to a close his life-long career as an assassin for the US government.

Upon finishing this mission in the Middle East, he requested that AIPA (American/International Protection Agency) release him from his work with the government. They agreed, but had one final mission for Luke. He was to capture the mastermind and leader of TOPTR, Werner Mannheim, and return him to the States where they could question him and ultimately gain his reluctant assistance in rounding up the main players involved in the thwarted terrorist plot.

Luke and CIA agent Clairion Hart completed their mission successfully. Luke committed to upholding his end of the bargain—he would hold the Agency to its promise to release him so he might start a new life.

With the exception of Jeffrey Felder AIPA field op director for Luke and close friend, Charles Manning, Jeffrey’s immediate supervisor, Paul Haver CIA field op coordinator and a few friends, no one knew Luke was still alive. The project file listed him as killed in action in Syria. He had returned to Maggie, the one and only person he had truly trusted in his life, his first love, to live a quiet life with her in the small Colorado town of Ute Valley. When the injuries to his knee, shoulder and hands healed, he and Maggie planned to climb the high mountains to his secluded cabin to spend the winter, as Luke always had. Their love for each other was so profound that they were seldom apart. Luke had promised Maggie that he would spend the rest of his life with her, and never again accept missions for the government—or anyone else.

A little more than three months had passed since Luke’s return. Both Luke and Maggie were working in the little cafe where they had first met. They had agreed to stay until Maggie’s boss and close friend, Martha, could find replacements for them. With Luke helping on the cash register and doing other chores that didn’t require a great deal of physical activity, he and Maggie were able to spend most of their time together.

Luke’s wounds had been healing rapidly and he was getting stronger each day. His right shoulder, which had been shot clean through fortunately not damaging the bone felt as though it had never been injured and his hands were as strong as ever. Maggie and Luke were very happy and enjoyed being together. Neither of them had known such contentment and their love for one another grew with each passing day.

Having been an assassin for so many years using his training to it’s fullest through experience he was always on the alert noticing any and all people and things out of place and in this small town, one reason he chose to be there, anyone atypical would stand out to him. There was only one problem. Luke had discovered that two men who changed shifts every two weeks were following them. The routine had continued for well over a month. He persuaded Maggie to carry a gun, a small Colt 38. She disliked doing so, but deferring to his knowledge and expertise in this area, she reluctantly gave in to his request.

Luke was growing uneasy with the situation, anxious to leave as soon as possible for his cabin in the high Rockies, where he could have greater control over the situation. However, the need to know more about his followers and who they were ate at him. Could it be TOPTR, the terrorist organization whose sinister plans he had done so much to thwart? Perhaps it was the US government trying to keep tabs on him, despite their agreement to allow him to retire and live the rest of his life as he chose.

Over the past twenty-eight years, Luke had completed multitudes of covert operations for the U.S. Government as an assassin known as Archangel. Perhaps they were now afraid a foreign power might try to capture him and force him to give up the secrets he held. He was puzzled because the covert world had been led to believe that Archangel was dead.

Luke debated capturing one of the men to learn of their intent and orders. He also thought about contacting his friend, Jeff, to see if he had any information that would be helpful. In the end, he decided to be patient and wait until his leg was back to full strength. He and Maggie could then sneak away to their mountain retreat, where he felt sure no one would ever find them and they could live in peace.

For the past three months the CIA, in conjunction with the FBI and AIPA, had been questioning Werner Mannheim, the leader of TOPTR. It had been the hope of the US agencies that they could get all the information they needed to dismantle TOPTR and capture all those involved with the group in their scheme to dominate the world. The men working the assignment knew that TOPTR’s goal was to infiltrate governments around the world with people placed in positions of authority, people they had trained and would tilt things in the way the group wanted with the result being TOPTR’s total control. It had become apparent to agents working the case that there was more infiltration of TOPTR agents in governments around the world—including the United States—then anyone had thought possible.

In fact, the United States had a serious problem on its hands. Dirkman, the high ranking American member of TOPTR and a leading official of US covert operations, had disappeared before officials could find and arrest him. To make matters worse, Mannheim was turning out to be much tougher than anticipated and wasn’t willing to offer up anywhere near as much information as U.S. authorities had hoped. The investigation had ground to a halt and the agencies working the conspiracy knew TOPTR was getting stronger each day while they sat powerless to stop them.

It was now evident that TOPTR’s infiltration was much more widespread than anyone had thought. Most available intelligence on the group lay within Luke’s mind. He was the only one who would have the chance to stop them for good, and the few people who knew the truth of Luke’s existence also knew they would need him.

CHAPTER ONE

Colorado, September

It was early September and the air was pungent with the smell and feel of autumn. As Luke and Maggie walked to work they noticed the Aspen leaves were beginning the transformation to their golden fall colors. The townspeople were busy preparing for winter.

The summer tourists were no longer in town busily visiting the quaint shops and preparing for jeep trips into the mountains. However, the older crowds that gathered in the fall to see the array of colors splashed across the mountainsides were beginning to trickle into the valley. Ute Valley, at an elevation of over nine thousand feet, was one of the perfect spots to view this spectacle. Each fall, hundreds of people flocked to its motels in anticipation of absorbing the peace of the mountain atmosphere and the season’s splendor.

Luke too was anticipating the season. He knew that within a few short weeks the first snows would come and he wanted to reach the little cabin he had built high up and deep into the mountains before winter set in. He was relishing the fall air even though his senses remained on full alert watching for anyone or anything that might appear out of place or threatening. His training and experience over the years had taught him to monitor his surroundings while enjoying the small things.

Noticing Luke’s unusually slow pace, Maggie asked, Honey, you seem to be walking slowly this morning. Is your leg bothering you?

It’s fine. I’m just enjoying the mountain air and scenery. You know, Maggie, I love these hills. They are calling to me, he responded smiling.

Oh really? And what are they saying to you?

They are telling me to bring the woman I love to meet them. They have been waiting a long time to meet you, you know. Luke reached out affectionately and pulled Maggie close.

She looked deep into his eyes and said, I take it you’re preparing me for our trek into the mountains.

Yeah, we need to head up there soon, before the snows start to fall. But honestly, the mountains do talk to me and they want to meet you, Luke spoke seriously.

I believe you! Anybody who has spent as much time up there alone as you, probably can talk to them, but do you think your leg is strong enough to climb those steep slopes?

Yeah. I think I have regained the better part of my strength. Luke knew Maggie had been watching him from the living room window and said, You’ve seen me testing it each day on the mountainside. What do you think?

I agree you look strong enough, almost as if nothing happened to you, but I am having a hard time believing how fast you recuperated from such serious injuries. Maggie was visualizing the large scars on the back and sides of Luke’s knee and leg where the surgeons had done the reconstruction.

It’s because of all the tender loving care you’ve given me, Luke said, kissing her on the forehead.

No, it’s that strong will of yours. You probably told your body that if it didn’t heal fast, you’d do something worse to it. They both laughed.

Seriously Mag, the new girl Martha hired seems to be working out just fine and I really would like to make our way into the mountains next week.

NEXT week? Maggie exclaimed.

Yeah. I just know it’s going to start snowing soon. Nature always gives us a short reprieve after the first snow to prepare for what’s to come. I want to beat the still-to-come part.

I understand Luke, but next week? We’ve got to get the house ready for winter…I’ve got to make a list of what to take…and…gosh Luke, I just don’t see how we can leave so soon. Maggie looked at him concernedly. It’s those men you’ve seen following us, isn’t it?

After Luke’s mission in the Middle East he had confided in Maggie about his real profession and all the operations he had undertaken for his country. She knew how cautious he was and had a feeling that he wanted to leave as soon as possible to avoid a confrontation with the men who had been following them.

That is part of it, Maggie. We’ll be safer up there. The winter storms are a sure factor that we will have to contend with and we need to get to the cabin and prepare.

You normally don’t go up until November or December, Luke. I always looked for you to show up in town during those months, knowing you’d be going into the mountains for the worst of the winter months. Why such a major rush this year? For the previous four years, Maggie had anticipated Luke’s coming into town for a few days and stopping in the cafe before he’d leave for the mountains.

I really would like you to be able to enjoy the scenery up there before it’s all covered with snow. If you think the fall colors look fantastic from here, wait until you see them from the cabin. It’s indescribable.

Well I guess it doesn’t matter. There is no reason why we would have to stay here…that is, if you think we can get everything done in time. Maggie smiled, starting to feel an excitement about going into the mountains with Luke for the first time and seeing the cabin where he had spent so much time alone. It would give her even more insight into this man she loved so deeply.

I started to prep the house for winter, and it won’t take me long to finish. We just need to make sure you’ve got the right clothing to take. I found a pair of birch-framed snowshoes and a good backpack for you at Gus’ store and I told him we’d pick them up today, Luke said excitedly.

Well, it seems like you’ve got everything under control. Maggie smiled, realizing it was his way to always plan ahead.

Well then, I say we try to leave in the next few days. I want to get out of here without everyone knowing when we leave. We can talk about that tonight

They continued walking to the cafe with their arms around each other. As was his nature, Luke took in their surroundings, including everyone who was on the street. Maggie teasingly remarked that not even a bug could fly from point to point without Luke noticing.

There had been no sign of the two men tailing them for the past couple of days and this bothered Luke. He wondered if others had taken their place; so he took a roundabout way to the cafe to see if anyone followed, but noticed nothing unusual. He couldn’t decide if it troubled him more being followed or not knowing if they were being followed. He speculated whether they might have been government agents assigned for a time to ensure his safety, but thought this unlikely. The more Luke thought about it, the more uncomfortable he became.

When they arrived at the cafe, the morning shift was already in full swing, serving breakfast to the early risers. Maggie and Luke greeted Valerie, Carol and Martha, kissing Martha on the cheek as they addressed her. Martha had become a close friend, treating them with the care and attention of a mother. Because Luke had accumulated a great deal of money in his work, especially on his last mission, they would not accept pay from Martha. In fact Luke had offered Martha more than enough money to retire, but she refused it, saying she wouldn’t know what to do with her time if she quit working. They knew Martha didn’t need their help now that Valerie was working there, but she had insisted that she needed them. Luke was sure it was because she knew they’d be leaving soon.

Good morning kids! Martha said as she returned their hugs.

Good morning boss, Luke replied with that ornery, child-like grin he would use with her. Looks really busy this morning. Luke scanned the crowd, doing a quick study of each face. He had an amazing talent for reading people.

Well don’t just stand there, get to work, Martha said, trying to act like she really meant it.

Okay, okay you slave driver, Luke said, approaching the cash register to help some folks who had just walked up to pay their bill. As he collected their money and made friendly talk with them, a woman walked through the front door and headed straight for the little table in the corner, the one he had always occupied before he and Maggie had gotten together. She didn’t look familiar, but there was something about the way she carried herself that caught his attention. He knew that look. She gazed directly at Luke as she passed him as though she had something to say, but didn’t. Maggie saw the look also and followed the woman across the room with her eyes.

Carol, I’ll take care of that customer, Maggie said, starting in the direction of the woman’s table. There was something about the way this woman looked at Luke that Maggie didn’t like, and it wasn’t jealousy. She looked to be in her mid thirties. She was tall, about five feet nine or ten, had long blonde hair, and her attractive figure displayed signs that she worked out, looking firm and athletic. Her jeans, blouse, boots and coat were definitely of designer quality. Maggie’s first thought was that she was a model, but something just didn’t fit.

Good morning. Would you like to start with some coffee? Maggie asked pleasantly.

Yes, I understand that you make a very good espresso here. I think I would like an espresso in a cup of regular coffee, the woman requested, looking directly at Maggie. This really caught Maggie off guard. Luke was the only person she knew who ordered espresso that way. It was his favorite and here this woman was sitting at the same table, ordering the same drink. Would you…uh…like anything else?" she asked, stumbling over her words.

No, thank you. That will be all for now, the woman said with an odd smile, as though she knew the order had taken Maggie by surprise.

As she passed Luke, Maggie whispered, Come into the kitchen with me.

Luke waited for a moment then followed her into the kitchen. What’s up, Mag?

That woman who just came in ordered her coffee the same way you do. And did you notice the strange way she looked at you when she came in? Do you know her?

No, but I caught the look too. There is something about the way she carries herself that’s typical of government agents. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just letting my mind run amuck, but she’s got that CIA-FBI trained look about her. I suppose it could just be a coincidence or that I’m stereotyping, he said, hiding his concern.

Maggie began preparing the espresso order and Luke returned to the cashier counter. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the woman following his every move, and she wasn’t trying to conceal the fact that she was watching him. He sat on the cashier’s stool and casually looked around the room. His gaze fell on her, and he smiled when he saw that she was still watching him. She returned the smile. Luke’s mind switched to high gear, trying desperately to put her face with a place or name, but nothing came into focus. He never forgot a face and this woman just wasn’t someone he knew from his past. His concentration was broken when Maggie walked by with the espresso.

Would you like to order any breakfast? Maggie asked pleasantly.

I believe I’ll just have the fruit bowl this morning, she answered, smiling at Maggie.

Maggie smiled back and returned to the kitchen, rolling her eyes when she passed Luke.

Luke cautiously watched the stranger’s every move, hoping for some clue about her. Perhaps I’m just being paranoid about the whole thing, he thought. Nothing is really out of the ordinary except the way she looked at me, and what the heck; anyone could like his or her coffee that way.

The morning continued as normal with people coming and going. Luke noticed that the woman finished her fruit, but had barely touched the coffee. She just sat looking out the front window and occasionally glancing in his direction. Finally she got up, put on her coat and started toward the counter.

Well, how was everything? Luke asked.

Just great! The espresso and coffee was exceptionally good. I must make it a point to return for another, she said.

Good! I’ll have to try the espresso with coffee myself sometime, Luke responded, hoping for a reaction.

Oh! You haven’t tried it? she asked doubtingly.

No, Luke answered, returning her intense gaze. Never thought of trying it, but I will now.

She just smiled at him, paid her bill, and turned to leave. He thanked her for her business and wished her a nice day. He was having a hard time getting a bearing on this woman. She had a very sensuous look and manner, yet mysterious. The minute she was out of sight, he walked over to the table where she had sat and picked up the cup of coffee. She had only taken a sip from it, if that. Luke picked up the rest of the dishes and carried them to the kitchen. Maggie, look at this, Luke said as he entered. She never drank the coffee. When she paid her bill she made a big deal about how good it was and so on. I don’t like this!

I think you’re right. We should leave for the mountains as soon as we can, Maggie said in a quiet, but urgent tone.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Luke walked over to Martha and said, Martha, I’m going to have to leave. I have some things I need to do. Without waiting for a response, he grabbed his coat and started for the door.

Maggie reached out and touched his arm. Just get things ready, Luke. Don’t try to find out who this woman is or why she’s here. Promise me!

I promise. I’m going to go pick up the snowshoes and pack and go home to start getting things ready. I’ll come back to get you when the shift is over. He immediately headed for the shop to pick up the items. His mind was running at full speed thinking of the things Maggie and he would need for their journey into the mountains. In a way he was happy that this happened. It made the decision to leave easier for Maggie and soon they’d be on their way. As he walked toward the shop he eyed everyone and everything around him, his system on full alert.

The day moved along rapidly as Luke inconspicuously prepared Maggie’s house for winter and the fact that no one would be living there for only God knew how long. With his usual precision, Luke methodically completed one task after another until he was done. He rigged a few booby traps in the house just in case someone decided to snoop around while they were gone. Luke looked at his watch and saw that it was time to meet Maggie at the cafe. He took one more look through the house to make sure he hadn’t missed anything, and then rushed out to get to the cafe before Maggie started home.

As he entered the back door of the café, Maggie was reaching for her coat while talking with Martha about how busy they had been all day long. Carol was just leaving as Luke came in, and they exchanged pleasantries. He walked over to Maggie and saw the question in her eyes, wondering what they should say or not say to Martha. He knew Maggie would follow his lead. Martha, I know Maggie probably hasn’t been able to bring herself to say anything, but we need to leave. We’re flying back to Florida to see her folks and she’s feeling sad about leaving you.

Martha smiled at the two of them. I know, I know. You two have wanted to leave for some time now and I just didn’t want the day to come; so I’ve been making excuses to keep you both here with me. I’ve…well, I’ve come to love you both as though you were my children and I don’t want to lose you.

Oh Martha! Maggie said, throwing her arms around the woman. We love you too. That’s why it’s so hard for me to say goodbye. You’ve been more than a friend; you’ve been like a mother to me and I know Luke feels the same way. You’ll never lose us; we’ll be back from time to time to see you. I promise! Tears were starting to well up in Maggie’s eyes.

Maggie’s right, Martha. You really are like a mother to us and I treasure the time I’ve had with you. He joined in on the hug and the three of them just stood there for several seconds. When they separated, Luke could see that this tough lady was holding back some major crying. He took Martha by the hand and led her to a chair. Pulling up a chair, he sat in front of her. Her face showed the years of hard work; the wrinkles that monopolized her features were lines he knew she had earned. She had the look of an old woman yet there was a beauty that shone through. He reached out and took her hands in his, absorbing the strength and character they displayed. Her hands could probably tell a million stories of past hardships and long forgotten pain, but they also spoke of many kindnesses given. What a lady, Luke thought, etching the sight of her into his mind to keep forever with him.

He did need to ask a favor of Martha and somehow she picked up on it. What is it you need me to do for you kids? she asked.

Luke smiled. You seem to be able to read minds as well as all the other great things you do. There is something. Because of the type of work I did for the government, Maggie and I need to leave without anyone knowing where we’re going. Do you know what I mean?

I understand, I’ll just tell people that you two have taken a few days off and gone to Goldfork; that is if anyone should ask. Martha took Luke’s hand firmly in hers; then looking straight into his eyes, said, Luke you take care of my Maggie and yourself; you hear me! She reached over and grabbed Maggie by the hand also and said, Don’t ever lose what you two have for each other. I have never seen two people so truly in love as you. No matter what comes your way, remember that together you can overcome any obstacle. Work together as a team and rely on each other and you won’t need anything else in life. Trust me I know. Now get going so I can have a good cry without you two butting in. Go…go and remember you promised that you’d come and see me from time to time. Martha watched as Luke and Maggie left. They turned several times to look back at her, and she could see that they really did love her like a mother. This helped ease the feeling of emptiness.

Neither Luke nor Maggie said anything as they walked home. Both were feeling the sadness of leaving Martha, and for Maggie, a way of life that she had led for almost five years was coming to an end. Martha had been there for her, especially when it was thought Luke was dead. What a support the woman had been to her. Maggie knew she might not have made it through those times if it weren’t for Martha. How many times had she called Martha in the middle of the night, crying over the loss of Luke? Martha would drop everything, come over and hold her while she cried, just like a mother would do for her own child. Maggie remembered the many times she awoke in the morning laying in the old woman’s lap like a little girl. Maggie started to cry openly at the memories. Luke gently pulled her toward him as they continued to walk home.

CHAPTER TWO

CIA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

At the request of Paul Haver, the newly promoted CIA Section Chief, Manning, Jeff and Dan were on their way to Washington to discuss the problems in the investigation of the TOPTR group, and in particular, Werner Mannheim. Mannheim was being kept at a secluded bunker in Virginia, along with Dirkman’s associate, Veronica. All agencies involved had taken turns interrogating Mannheim, but he wasn’t very forthcoming with information. The other item on the agenda was the disappearance of Dirkman, who seemed to have vanished without a trace. Even with a full team working on the search, nothing had turned up. Dirkman had disappeared the day Luke and Claire arrived in the States with Mannheim in custody. Paul, along with other members of his team, was growing weary, and he sought the advice of his friends.

What do you think this meeting is all about, Dan? Jeff asked as they drove to the Washington office.

Top-Terr! What else could it be? You know as well as I do that they’ve been unable to get any worthwhile information out of Mannheim, and I’m sure we would have heard if they had found Dirkman. Dan had connections to all government agencies, and seemed to have inside information into just about everything. Although he had been around for a long time, his real position and power were a mystery to many. He seemed to know all the top officials and each responded to his requests. Jeff had known Dan for many years, and still wasn’t clear on his true status and authority.

I suppose you’re right. Poor Paul! This has been his baby and after the promotion, I’m sure they’re pressuring him for answers—and action, Jeff said.

He’s a tough guy, Jeff, Dan added. Luke saw it and I think that’s why he worked with him on that last mission. The day Luke boarded the chopper to leave, he whispered to me that we should help Paul because he was a real patriot, a man willing to give his life for our country.

So that’s what he said to you that day. It seemed as though he said a lot more for the amount of time he spent whispering to you, Jeff said questioningly, wanting to hear what else Luke had said.

Well he did say more but I haven’t quite figured out why he said what he did or what he meant, Dan said with a quizzical look.

Damn it Dan, don’t leave me hanging. What else did Luke say to you? Jeff demanded.

Well, he said, ‘Watch the shadow of Manning and the rising sun of the Vice President,’ and he spelled the word s-u-n so I would know what he meant. I’ve thought about that every day since he left and I have no idea what he meant. Got any ideas?

"Hmmm… Watch the shadow of Manning and the rising sun of the Vice President…I’ll have to think about that for a while. Luke obviously has some doubts about them. The Vice President though, he’s practically a nonentity. We only know he’s there because we see him once in awhile on TV. Come to think of it, I can’t recall the last time the man said anything in public. Can you?" Jeff was looking as confused as Dan.

No, but there must be something that Luke knows. You probably know Luke better than anyone. Is it like him to just drop a statement like that and not explain?

I’m not sure if anyone really knows Luke. Even after all the years he and I worked…well, as together as it was…I’m not sure I really know him. I definitely wouldn’t say I understand him. But you’re right, I can’t ever remember him tossing out a riddle like that.

I know the two of you conversed in code a great deal. Does anything ring a bell?

Hey, wait a minute. Yeah, now that you mention it, once when he was on a mission in England he used the word ‘shadow’ to mean an unseen control or controlling force or person whatever; and sun…damn I know he used that once, but I can’t remember in what context. Jeff started rubbing his forehead as if he could somehow bring the memories to the forefront.

Don’t beat yourself up, Jeff. Shit, you two must have had a thousand different meanings over the twenty-some years you worked together on all those missions. Give it some time; it will come back to you. When it does, we’ll have to figure out what Luke meant in the context of those two men. Dan smiled confidently.

They spent the next few minutes in silence, when suddenly Jeff blurted out, SUN…yes that’s it! The phrase ‘rising sun’ meant watch for the awakening about to take place, or that which you think is asleep or innocent is waking up to reveal itself as the opposite. But the Vice President! That just doesn’t make any sense to me. What could Luke have seen or heard that would make him think there is something going on with Manning and the Vice President of the United States? That is, if he was talking about the US VP! Did he say our VP or another country’s?

He didn’t say; I just assumed he meant our Vice President. I don’t know Jeff. I just know that he gave me a serious look after whispering that comment. Then without another word he climbed aboard the helicopter and left. Which brings me to the question…have you heard from him since he left?

Not a word. I just assumed he was glad to be done with the government and was enjoying life as a regular citizen. It’s got to be a tremendous relief for him. He sure earned the right to live the way he wants. You remember Maggie’s sister, Claire, the CIA agent who worked with him on his last mission? Well anyway, she talked to both Luke and Maggie about a month ago; she was thinking of going out West to see them and was checking their schedule. As it turned out she wasn’t able to go, but she told me that Luke’s wounds were healing nicely and that Maggie and Luke were really enjoying their time together. It does my heart good to know that he found someone to love and that he’s loved in return. I’m glad he found Maggie because she won’t hurt him or misuse the love that he gives her. I think she loves him so much that if he had really been killed, she would have just died herself after not too long. Jeff paused, remembering the anguish he had witnessed in Maggie when she was told Luke had died…something he’d never forget.

I couldn’t agree with you more. Oh well…back to our riddle. Do you think we should mention any of this to Paul?

Yeah…I think we should get his take on it. Manning’s going to be here as well, so we can talk to Paul about this after the meeting.

Would it be possible to get a hold of Luke and see if he’ll expound on the statement? Dan asked.

I would normally try to get in touch with Luke, but I’m not too sure he trusts the government right now. He’s been left out to hang too many times the past few years, and with the attempts that have been made on his life in the past year, I believe he’s going to lay low for a very long time. I doubt if he’d even take a call from me right now, so I don’t see that as an option, Jeff stated with certainty.

You’re probably right, but maybe if we got word to him that Paul needed his help, he’d give it a thought.

Don’t count on it! Jeff quipped. "Now that he’s out of the business and with Maggie, it would be the last thing he’d want to do. When Luke left I saw a look on his face like I had never seen before. It was like he was saying; you’ll never see me again. Do you know what I mean?

Yeah…I do remember his face; it was like he had just been set free for the first time in his life and that somehow he was going to disappear into a world where he could never be found. I can also understand that feeling knowing the way he’s lived over the years. It’s amazing to think that Luke has been involved in one war or another since he was eighteen…first Vietnam and then his service with the government. Damn it, Jeff, you’re probably right; we may never see or hear from him again. Why would he want to be reminded of his past? Well, I guess we’ll just have to figure this one out for ourselves.

The two men drifted mentally as they drove on. Jeff was thinking of what it must be like for Luke to finally be done and rid of such a fearful and empty life. Dan was right; he and anyone else connected to the government would only bring back memories of death and loneliness to Luke. Why would he ever want to help again? Luke was a true patriot who loved his country beyond compare, but he had more than done his duty. Silence between them continued for thirty plus minutes until they drove into the guarded gates at the entrance to Agency Headquarters.

Gentlemen, this will just take a few minutes, but I do need you to step out of the vehicle while we check through it. Please hand me the keys, the guard said.

Are you new? Dan asked as he and Jeff exited the vehicle.

No Sir, it is just part of a new procedure.

The guard checked both of them and their weapons, and then proceeded to go through the vehicle, including the trunk and under the hood. While one guard was searching the vehicle the other one just stood there with his eyes trained on Dan and Jeff. When the guard finished searching the vehicle he took their guns to the guard booth and returned with two tickets that had numbers on them, their identifications, and a clip-on badge for each of them. I’m sorry for the delay, Gentlemen, but it is our orders. When you’re ready to leave, just present these tickets and we’ll return your handguns to you. Thank you for your cooperation and have a pleasant day. The gate opened as Jeff and Dan got into their vehicle and they drove into the parking area.

Wow…they sure have increased the security around here. I think that’s the first time I’ve been searched in twenty years. What do you think’s going on? Dan asked Jeff.

"Don’t have the slightest idea, Dan. Maybe there’s been