Alternate Ending

 

 

Two weeks later

ECS Headquarters

Vienna, Austria

 

“Now, before we talk about your new assignment, let’s take a moment to clear up something about Marco’s involvement in the Tunisia op.” Flavio tossed the folder aside, next to the one he had finished perusing. “How exactly did he find out about the safehouse where Khazri was staying?”

Justin had anticipated the question and was prepared for it. In fact, he had wondered why Flavio had taken so long to broach the subject. “I’m unclear on the specifics, but I’m glad he was able to assist. He’s a good friend.”

“And the safehouse op? When he nabbed Khazri? Do you know more about that?”

Justin answered without hesitation. “Marco refused to give me details. Considering the situation, I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth...”

“Right. It seems he did everything very well. I’d like to meet this extraordinary fellow.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Justin spoke hastily, eager to end this conversation.

Flavio nodded, but his look of suspicion lingered.

Justin held his breath. He thought his boss was going to continue that line of questioning, but after a headshake, Flavio reached for a third folder. “The CIA is extremely happy with the cooperation between the agencies. They’d like you and Patton to work together again.”

“Yes, I’d like that too.”

“Once you get better and are back in good shape. But until then, I have something that will fit you and your condition really well.” He slid the folder across the table toward Justin.

He frowned. He did not like the way Flavio said the word “condition,” as if Justin was sick and contagious. Is he trying to get rid of me? “What is it?”

“Your next assignment. Have a look.”

Justin reached for the folder, but his hand hovered over it without touching it.

“Go on, it’s not going to burn you...”

He picked it up and opened it. The first page had the picture of a three-story building in Helsinki, Finland. It was the ECS station in the Scandinavian country. Justin’s frown creased his entire face. He thought he had a pretty good idea where Flavio was headed, but still asked, “Is this a transfer?”

“No, not exactly. It’s ... call it a secondment, a learning opportunity. Since you’re still recovering, this is as close to field duty as you will get. Unless you want to stay here and review reports...”

“No, I’d rather not.”

“I thought so. Look, this is only for a few weeks. The Helsinki station is pretty quiet, almost nothing ever happens there. It’s small, cozy. You’ll be managing three people, and one of them is a field operative. It’s a good chance to get some management skills.”

“Yes, I’ve never seen myself as a boss.”

“Well, get used to it. You won’t be a field operative all your career. I’m not saying you’re ready to retire behind a desk, but for now, get used to being a boss.”

Justin studied Flavio’s face for a long moment. He saw only determination. Flavio had already made his decision, and nothing Justin could say was going to change his boss’s mind. “When am I leaving?”

“In a couple of days, once all paperwork is in order.”

“Who’s going with me?”

Flavio smiled. “I don’t think you’ll need Carrie’s or Karolin’s help in the Helsinki station. But they’ll come to visit, or if there’s a situation. But like I said, Helsinki is pretty quiet.”

Justin nodded. He seemed to notice something unsettling in his boss’s voice, but Justin could not determine what it really was. So he shrugged, closed the folder, and said, “I’m ready to go, as soon as you give the order.”