CIA: Donovan

                                                                                      Part 2

Georgetown, Washington D.C.

“Where is the local Mercedes dealership?” Marisca asked the AAA tow truck driver as they stood in the middle of the fourth level parking area at the mall.

“It ten miles from here, Ma’am. You’re only allowed seven free miles. You’ll have to pay for the rest. Cash” he replied very nicely. “I wouldn’t recommend driving with that battery. I can jump it, but if it dies, you’re stuck again. At least you’re in town, if you get in to the country that’ll be dangerous.”

“Ok, let’s take it over before they close. It’s almost four now”, she stated looking at her watch.

It was Friday, also, and she knew the auto shop at Mercedes would be closed on the weekend. She had driven up to shop that day for work clothes. Nothing she had was business like, so Frank had recommended some shops up in the Georgetown Park Mall. Needless to say, when she got to her brand new station wagon she forgot to turn the lights off and the battery was dead. She called AAA, the road service Frank had arranged for her and an hour later the tow truck came. Now, after his diagnosis, the man helped her in to the cabin of the unheated truck. They drove off quickly towards the dealership on that first day of February.

“I just can’t believe I left those damn lights on” she said to the driver who reached for his CB to call in his route.

“Yeah, you probably thought they’d go off automatically. Most of them do nowadays. I don’t see many of these wagon, I like them better then the SUV’s myself” he replied, as he was very chatty. “You have to remember to take your packages out Ma’am, before they take your car in to the shop. They’ll rip you off for sure if you leave that expense stuff.”

“Oh, yeah! Thanks” she answered getting her cell out again, speed dialing Frank at his office. It rang three times.

“Donovan” he answered abruptly, having been interrupted in a meeting. He took it anyway.

“Hi, baby. I’ve caught you at a bad time. Meeting?” she asked as he was much more abrupt than usual.

“Yeah. Can this wait?” Frank asked as he sat at a conference table at his “end of the month” meeting with all the Directors.

“I just want to let you know my car battery died. I’m being towed over to the dealership in Georgetown. I’ll take a taxi home”, she stated. There was silence.

“No, take one back to the mall. Do some more shopping then meet me at Grangers Grill at seven-thirty. We’ll have dinner, honey”, he said not realizing he had added the “honey” part.

“Ok, I’ll see you then. Bye” she rang off, putting her cell away.

Frank put his cell away in the pocket of his new tobacco-color merino wool suit then took a sip of coffee from his cup.

“So, Director Donovan” continued the Operation’s Director. “I hope you’re dinner date goes well. Now if I could finish asking my question without another call. How many counter operatives do you have working on Mainland China?”

Director Tenent snickered to himself, as the Director of Operations had anything but a “date” happening that Friday night. Women were downright repulsed by him and his nasty manners. Donovan was abrupt and rude but he was a damn, fine looking man. And he was proud Donovan had chosen to ignore the rude comment, as he was proud in everything else the young man was doing. Frank was proving to be invaluable to Director Tenent. He had a knack for management duties and an expertise in handling any kind of matter regarding his operatives. But he was not popular with the other Directors, just respected and that was important to Frank. But as for the Director of Operations, Frank knew he was still angry because he did not have authority over the new Counter Intelligence Department. The Operations Department saw over Information Analysis, Data Retrieval and their respective Directors. Frank had once been under Operations as an operative, now he headed his own department and reported only to Director Tenent.

“I have six senior counter operatives on the Mainland now. I have one junior that’s being re-trained currently and will be sent over after that” Director Donovan replied.

“And Marisca Vanius will be with us in Analysis this coming Monday? Is she fit for duty now?” the Operations Director inquired.

“Her last doctor’s report indicates she’s fit to start desk duty now” Donovan remarked watching the man’s expression carefully. Frank never had trusted him.

“Is that why I get her, Director Tenent? Because she has no place else to go?” he questioned rudely.

“I don’t like your tone” George replied. “I want Vanius in my Senior Analysis Department. I don’t need to explain myself on this. Meeting over!”

Director Tenent closed the meeting abruptly, irritated by all of them today for no particular reason. But when he had orders questioned he got more irritated. He needed to get out of there before he really blew up. Frank did too, so he grabbed his cup and took off for his office to finish his paperwork and leave by five. When he got behind his desk a message was flashing on his computer that indicated “for his eyes, only” a phrase they used for “top secret.” He punched in his code, it came on screen and he read it carefully and began to laugh.

“Bond, James Bond. Loved your sexy poses in the mag. Is, this a side line? Have a great weekend. Moneypenny”

It was a message from Mary, Director Tenent’s secretary teasing him. Frank was amused but he deleted it immediately and hoped she had not mentioned it to George or anyone else at Langley. But that was not the case, he found out quickly when he left the building and passed some female office workers. One said “sexy”, another said “hot”, loud enough for him to hear.

Marisca got back to the mall and headed for the restaurant. Her right leg was aching, from her physical therapy session that morning and from shopping. Grangers Grill was on the second level so she took the central escalator up and strolled towards it looking at the shop windows. She came to a pet store and stopped. There were puppies displayed in the windows so she looked. Miniature poodles, beagles, huskies, all in groups of three and four, but at the end one lonely looking yellow Lab puppy that was three months old. And it was big for its age with massive paws and a large head. A male for $500 from some farm in Virginia that was famous for the breed. Definitely AKC, 100% purebred and Marisca could not take her eyes off him, he was so cute. But some kids and their Mother came and interrupted the magic between her and the puppy, so she strolled on to the restaurant.

“Did you have a reservation?” the maitre d’ inquired as she came up to his podium.

“No. I’d like to make one for seven-thirty, Donovan for two” she said. “I’m early so I’ll wait and have a drink in your lounge.”

“I have you down for half passed seven, Mrs. Donovan. Is Mr. Donovan joining you tonight?” he inquired looking at her ruby ring and she nodded. “I’ll tell him you’re in the lounge when he arrives.”

She wore two of her own rings that day, so he had assumed seeing one on her marriage finger that she was Mrs. Donovan. And she would be in another month, so ordered Frank the Tuesday before. He was “old fashioned” in his approach to love and marriage. He was “unconventional” in his approach to getting it done. A simple ceremony at home in the evening with a Justice of the Peace, two witnesses then dinner after, alone. That was what he told her and in his mind that was how it was going to play out. And she wondered, as she looked at her ruby ring, if he was going to give her an engagement ring. Not just a simple gold band for their simple wedding.

“I’d like a Cosmopolitan and what kind of hors d’oeuvres do you serve?” Marisca asked the cocktail waitress.

“We have ‘spicy buffalo wings, ‘onion flowers”, the girl said but Marisca interjected.

“Anything lighter?” she questioned.

“We have something called ‘crispy veggie rolls’ they’re actually like ‘California sushi rolls’ tempura style. I think you’d like them”, the girl said cheerfully.

“I’ll have an order of those, thanks” Marisca replied then sat back to survey the room, mostly men.

She was getting a lot of looks, not because she was good looking but because she always dressed better than most. Much better than back in Hampton when she went to the market, as she was never in to sweat pant, sloppy shirts or running shoes. Now she wore a chocolate, wool knit skirt that clung to her, reaching almost to her ankles, a matching cashmere sweater and brown loafers over some “funky” brown, olive and metallic gold Argyle socks. She stood up and took her short metallic olive leather bomber jacket off, very slowly as not to catch her rings and bracelet. All of a sudden she could feel the eyes of every man in the room look at her. At her breasts as her sweater clung to them. Then she sat down and crossed her legs. One would have thought she was doing a strip show. How pathetic to get turned on at a flash of an ankle, a wave of a foot. Needless to say, she was amused that no one had the nerve to come up to her with some lame “come on line.”

That was the story of her life, unless she was undercover and she needed to make it happened. But most of the time men were just scared of her, unapproachable and aloft. Frank had been different. He was unapproachable and aloft, she “mirrored” him and that was why he went after her. At least that was Monica’s take on it when she, Cody, Jake and Alex left their house after hearing they were engaged. That psychological term “mirror” was often why people got together, because they were alike and saw each other in one another.

Frank got to Georgetown Park Mall by six forty-five, remarkable time in Friday rush hour traffic. He parked, and by the time he got to Grangers it was seven. The maitre d’ for some reason knew he was Mr. Donovan and direct Frank to his “wife” in the lounge.

“Traffic wasn’t bad coming north”, he said approaching her with a slight smile, he was not prone to wide ones. “I’ll have one of those”, he said to the waitress who came up right away to get a better look at him.

“You look great in the tobacco color. I never really liked brown before, but you’re getting me in to it” she said looking at him in his raglan wool overcoat and matching suit. “I like the purple too, very hip.”

He took the coat off and slung it over the side of the chair where her jacket was. He had a light lavender shirt on and a purple striped silk tie, a color that was very “in” for that winter. Frank liked to look very fashionable and he had a knack for picking clothes. And he now worked in a venue that he could dress the way he liked, “dress for the part”, so to speak.

“Thanks, honey. So what about the car?” he asked finally, having not spoken to her since the meeting, another thing he was not prone to was using the cell for making unnecessary calls.

He knew she was handling the situation, so to him calling her back was unnecessary. In fact, he was not quite sure why she phoned him in the first place and did not just take a cab home. Perhaps it was her effort of keeping him posted on what was happening in her life, now that she was a permanent part of it. Frank thought perhaps he should start making the same effort, even if it was a small call on his cell, now and again.

“They have to replace the battery. It’s under the warranty, though. It won’t be ready until Monday” Marisca replied as he got his Cosmopolitan and took a quick sip.

“I’ll have Monica pick you up for work. What time do they close that night?” he questioned, relaxing now.

“Seven. I’m going to get our Dr. Meyer to drive me up. Use the ‘helpless’ woman routine, men are always suckers for that” she stated seriously.

“Yeah, good idea. But if he doesn’t melt from your charm, have Monica take you home then we’ll drive up. Ok?” Frank stated, as he looked her up and down. Appreciatively.

“Ok. But he’ll take me I guarantee it. I talked to Cody this morning. This Meyer is dullsville, he doesn’t even call anyone when he’s home. And no one calls him. Except this morning he got a call from some man. When Meyer picked up he said hello then the man gave him an address. Then all of a sudden he said he had the wrong number and hung up. Cody traced it to that same address in D.C. Jake and Alex are checking it out. I haven’t heard from them yet”, she reported.

“Good, some action at last. You know, in this light your hair looks platinum. I didn’t want to say anything, but did you lighten it?’ he asked looking at it, she laughed.

“Platinum? You’re so sweet!” Marisca answered leaning forward to give him a kiss. “This is your soon to be ‘old lady’s’ white hair showing. I haven’t colored it for a while. I wanted to see how much I actually had.”

“It just looks light blond. I didn’t know you dyed it” he remarked. “It’s always been the same as the hair ‘down there’, you know” he said quietly glancing down between her legs and she laughed again.

“It’s because I color it” Marisca reiterated. “But I know how much you like my ‘Martha’ hair so I’ll do it tonight. As for your gray hair! I think it’s sexy. On women it just looks old.”

“Martha! You’re beginning to act like her. Everything’s got to be just right. I finally saw you got the idea for the cranberry decorations from her”, Frank stated. “I think it’s nice you’re getting in to that. We’ll have to start doing some cooking together, too. I miss that. Anyway, did you find the suits you wanted?”

“Oh yeah!” she said grabbing one of her shopping bags. “I found some suits that are different. Ann Taylor had nothing that even fit me! The girl looked at me like I was from outer space when I asked for size 12.”

“I don’t like the emaciated look” he stated as she took a skirt out and held it up. “Nice, purple? Isn’t it too short for the office?”

“It’s plum and just above the knee” she answered clicking her tongue. It was wool, knit, pleated and very cute. Then she took the jacket and another item out. “With a long jacket and I found this matching cardigan sweater to wear underneath. I love the sweater’s tiny pearl buttons. I’ll wear my pearl necklace, gray hose and my gray shoes and handbag. Do you like it? And everything I bought was moderately priced.”

“Yeah, I do. You’ll definitely look professional but stylish. I’ll have a hard time not looking at you at work. I’ll want to grab you for a little ‘action’ on my desk” he chuckled. “You should have had your suits kept on hangers. Then again you wouldn’t get all those nice shopping bags. I swear you’re the only person I’ve ever met that collects shopping bags!”

“Mr. and Mrs. Donovan, you’re table is ready. I’ll have your waiter bring your drinks”, the maitre d’ said as he snuck up on them, they were too engrossed in their conversation to notice him.

“We’re finished with these, I’ll order a bottle of wine before dinner” Frank replied as they followed.

They were seated in a small booth for two, towards the front where all the “fashionables” were positioned to make the place look better. The restaurant specialized in charcoaled beef and some fish, so Frank ordered a bottle of French “Vosne Romanee” Burgundy, 1989 that would go with both. All Marisca’s packages were taken to the coatroom along with his coat and her jacket, so they sat unencumbered at the white linen table set between brown leather.

“You should have worn a heavier coat today” he remarked as the woman gave him a coat check receipt.

“It’s always so damn hot in these malls and I didn’t want to carry a coat. I’m ok though, the cold doesn’t bother me” Marisca replied.

“Except your feet” he said seductively as he brushed his foot against her leg. “I never thought I’d be turned on by socks. But at night, you naked with knee-highs! God! I don’t think I could ever make love to you again without you wearing them!”

“It’s a fetish. What can I tell you! I love socks and stockings that are different. I’m glad you like them, too” she said, kicking her shoe off, bringing it up to reach and touch his very hard ‘package’ “I see they’re working their magic now.”

Frank got his cell out and rang for information and asked for the number of the Park Hyatt Hotel, which he dialed after.

“I’m booking a room for the night. I don’t want to drive after all this wine” he said then made the reservations quickly. “I was going to bring you up tomorrow for you to pick out your wedding ring.”

“Wedding ring? You don’t want to pick it out?” Marisca questioned as the Semmolier came with the wine and began to serve it.

“You’re going to wear it for a long time. I want you to pick out what you want. I thought about an engagement ring, but honestly I prefer the look of just one bigger ring” Frank responded, as he had very definite tastes.

“Bigger is better! I actually saw some wedding rings in this month’s Town and Country. Designed by Escada and there’s a shop in D.C. Is that all right?” she inquired sipping her red wine. “Delicious wine, a good choice, baby. ”

“You can have anything you want, honey. Just remember I make a good living but I’m no millionaire. We’ll go tomorrow and you buy what you like” he exclaimed.

They enjoyed a nice meal. Frank, a New York cut steak and Marisca a petit filet mignon and lobster tail. They always enjoyed the time they spent dining together, whether it was at home or out. Frank never had the habit of talking “shop” outside the office nor did she, for obvious reasons for both. They did speak about latest developments in their search for Jennifer’s killer but the rest of the time they entertained each other with what they had read or seen that day. Or something they were interested in. Frank and Marisca were getting to know each other better after each passing day. In the beginning it was lust that brought them together. Now they not only loved each other, they were good friends.

“Oh, he’s been sold!” Marisca shouted out as they walked towards the pet shop after dinner, the shop was locked up, as it was ten.

“This little guy?” Frank laughed as they got in front of window with the yellow Lab behind it. “I thought they were suppose to put these puppies away at night?” he stated looking through the window towards the light in the back of the shop. “It looks like someone’s still in there.”

“I want this puppy, baby! I don’t care what you have to do!” she stated emotionally, she was never like that with anything.

“Ok, honey. If you want the little puppy, he’s yours!” Frank said as he began knocking on the window to get someone’s attention. “Actually, he’s a monster for a puppy!” Frank remarked seeing he was only three months old. He fell in love, too.

A young man came almost at once and pointed to the “closed” sign. He finally opened the door after Frank flashed him some money from his wallet.

“I want the yellow Lab” Donovan said authoritatively, with his steely gaze.

“He’s been sold, Sir. They’re picking him up in the morning” the young man replied.

“I’ll pay the shop owner $600 in cash and give you $200 in cash you can pocket” Frank said, taking the all the money out of his wallet. “The owner will like it better than the credit card the other buyers probably used.”

“Yeah, he will. Come on in” the boy said, opening the door and taking the money from Frank. “They used they’re Master Card so he wouldn’t get paid for a while. I don’t have a carrying box for him. He’s too big. I’ll throw in a leash and collar. Why don’t you pick one out while I write you up?”

“Honey, go get what you want and some food for the hotel. We’ll buy more at the store at home”, Frank said as he went over to the case where the puppy was and got him from the open back. “Hi fella! You’re a cute one! Aren’t you?” he cooed to him like a baby, rubbing his ears. “Does he have a name?”

“We’ve been calling him ‘Rexy’. His papers will be sent to you so you can register him. He’s from the ‘Yellow Dog Farms’ in Virginia. They’re famous in these parts for yellow Labs. Anyway, you need to fill this receipt out for me. Name, address, business and home numbers” the young man stated as Marisca came up with a black leather collar and leash and some Eukanuba canned food.

“His name is Rexy”, said Frank as he completed the form. “I actually like that. I think it fits him. Rexy of Yellow Farms.”

“That’s a good name. Is that his AKC name or did you just make that up?” she asked picking up the puppy. “He’s heavy.”

“ I just made it up, we’ll get the AKC form in the mail later. We’ll need to register him” Donovan replied. “Ok, here you go. And you’ve got the money. I think that’s it.”

“Here’s his vet papers, be sure you take him in for a worm shot in another month. And if you don’t plan on breeding him, have him fixed. We always encourage people to do that”, he stated. “Bye, Rexy, Rexy!” the young man said softly to the puppy.

“Thank you” said Donovan to the boy before he closed the door as he let the couple out.

“We’ll have to sneak him in the room” Marisca said and he chuckled.

“I’m not sneaking any dog in anywhere! I’ll just flash my ID, the hotel wouldn’t dare say anything” Frank said, thinking what a silly thing to be using his new power for. “I think you’d better put the collar and leash on him, Marisca. He’s too heavy for you to carry all the way to the car. He might have an accident, too.”

Marisca put the black collar and leash and they continued strolling out the empty mall to the car park. Rexy peed once, but there was nothing they could do about it. Thankfully it was not on Frank’s leather interior of his new Range Rover. All of a sudden they found themselves talking “baby talk” to the puppy, laughing when it had become apparent as they walked in the hotel lobby. And Donovan was correct once he showed his “badge of authority” from the CIA he was home free to do whatever he wanted. That included taking a puppy in to the five-star Hyatt room for the night. Rexy was a good puppy as he ate his food when it was given to him. Then went fast asleep for the remainder of the night until he had to do his business, on the carpet. That morning Frank got up, showered and dressed in his same clothes then took him out for the first of many walks they would enjoy together. Marisca lingered in bed then ordered room service, finally dressing just as the two returned from their morning constitution.

“You’re such a good boy, Rexy!” said Frank taking the little leash off. “Did you order breakfast?” he asked Marisca who was in the bathroom.

“Yeah, I thought we’d live it up this morning and have Eggs Benedict” she replied as she came out. “Did he go both ways?”

After that questions they both started to laugh uncontrollably. Was this how parents acted, they asked themselves? They had the puppy less than a day and already they were treating him like their baby. Rexy was actually, in a way. All of a sudden the couple who looked, acted and spoke very “with it and together” had been softened by the little dog. Now when they walked around with Rexy at the end of his leash they got smiles and friendly greetings. They actually found themselves being friendly back, too.

“That is the cutest little puppy”, said a woman that stood by them waiting for her car, as they waited for theirs. “What’s his name?”

“Rexy Donovan” replied Frank and Marisca giggled after he tacked on his last name. “He’s three months old. We just got him yesterday” he stated, the most he had said to a stranger in along time. “He’s a good little boy, too.”

With that remark he bent over and rubbed his little ears while his Range Rover pulled up. Frank picked Rexy up and put him in the front seat with Marisca so she could hold him. Then he got in and headed towards the center of D.C. where Escada was located. It took half and hour as traffic was lighter on Saturday and the exclusive shop was easy enough to find. The puppy was now an extension of them, as they walked him in to the shop and began looking at rings. The salesman approached just about to say something regarding the dog when Frank gave him his “get out of my way” look. He backed off and began to assist them cordially. Marisca took little time to select a ring. She chose a very feminine design of platinum, that had a gold heart shape at the top with a two-carat heart shaped white diamond at its center and pave diamonds surrounding it. It was moderately priced at $40,000, she thought. Frank at that point did not care when he saw the look of sheer delight on her face when she put it on. And she kept it on her finger and told Frank she was never taking it off. Frank bought a simple platinum band as his wedding ring and with the same sentiment he placed it on his finger vowing to always wear it.

“Vanius” she answered her cell, after it rang twice as they drove away from Escada.

“It’s Alex. I’m still outside the address in D.C. Meyer just pulled up and got out of his car. A great looking blond came out to greet him”, Alex stated. “I’ve been watching this place since yesterday. Jake just pulled up down the street. He was tailing the guy. The home she’s living in is expensive. She’s active too, one guy visited her last night and now Meyer.”

“Do you have an ID on her?” asked Marisca as she looked over at Frank.

“Monica ran her plates. Susan Ann Levine, no record. Get this though. She’s listed as being a secretary at the Israel Embassy”, stated Alex. “She works in the Liaison Department coordinating press releases in the states. You know, what’s happening in the Israeli government, their leaders. Does Donovan know her?”

“Do you know a Susan Ann Levine that works at the Israeli Embassy, Frank?” Marisca asked. “She’s a secretary in the Liaison Department. That’s who owns the house Alex is watching. Meyer was just greeted by her outside her door.”

“The names does nothing for me. I assume Alex has her digital camera?” he questioned.

“Yeah, I do” Alex replied having heard him, before Marisca asked the question. “Where are you guys? You’re not at home, I can hear traffic.”

“We’re on 5th Street Northwest, D.C. What’s that address again you’re at? We’ll be over to take a look at the photos”, she questioned.

“The east side of the Capitol Hill area. 1320 Jefferson Street East” replied Alex.

“What is it, honey?” Frank asked as he turned on his expensive navigator he had included when he bought the Rover.

“1320 Jefferson Street East” Marisca replied as she looked at the navigator flash up the grid of the city. “It looks like you’re fifteen minutes from us. Sit tight and I’ll approach you” she said then deactivated her cell just as Donovan’s went off.

“Donovan” he answered, as he was thinking about the girl working for the Israel.

“Hi Frank. Have I caught you at a bad time?” asked George Tenent.

“No, Sir. We’re out doing some shopping”, replied Frank as he made a right turn with the puppy in his lap.

“That’s a nice way to spend a Saturday. Anyway, the reason I’m calling you is Margaret is bugging the hell out of me to have you two over. Can you make it for drinks at six? Dinner after? I know it’s last minute but you know my wife?” he said almost pleading for a yes.

“We’d love to, Sir. We’ll see you at six” replied Donovan. He pressed, “end” on his cell then put it back in his jacket. “We’ve been invited for drinks and dinner at the George Tenent’s tonight. I accepted for us. Is that ok with you?”

“Oh, sure, of course. Not to change the subject but how are we going to handle Rexy when we’re at work? I could have Doty come earlier, before we leave in the morning?” Marisca questioned.

“I’m going to take him to the office. I’ve got plenty of room and I always have my door shut”, replied Donovan. “He’s too little for that big house now. I like Doty, but I don’t trust her to take care of him. And he’ll make me more even more appealing at work. Some of the women have seen my spread in the magazine. You know they’ll be all over me with the puppy” he said laughing, as he stopped at the light. “Then once they see my wedding ring! I’ll be forbidden fruit.”

“God! You’re ego is worse than mine!” she laughed, but he was right that was how women were. “If you care to join me back on earth now. Pull over. I think Rexy’s going to go any second.”

“Give me a kiss before you get out” he ordered after he pulled to the side.

“Ok, pucker up” Marisca replied as she put Rexy up to his face and started laughing.

He did, too. Then gave the little puppy a peck on his head. Marisca put Rexy down and leaned over to take Donovan’s lips to hers for a sweet kiss, a kiss he ordered. And she always followed his orders.

With the Range Rover parked around the corner of Jefferson Street East, Marisca got out with Rexy and walked over to Alex’s car and stopped. After a few seconds of smiling conversation, on behalf of anyone looking, she got the camera and took it back to Frank to look at. He did not recognize Susan Levine but he went carefully through all the other digital images that were taken. When he got to the man that had visited the night before, he went over those more carefully. It was an image of a man in an overcoat, scarf and hat. Too dark to really see his face, but the way he stood looked familiar to Donovan. He sent Marisca back with the camera to have Alex send the images to Cody. Marisca got on the cell to the young tech, briefed him then set up a meeting that afternoon. They would go over the photos carefully, see who the man was in the dark.

“Can you do anything with this area?” Donovan asked as he leaned over Cody in his study. He pointed to the area where his left hand was just a shadow. “I want to see if he’s wearing a ring.”

“Yeah, here we goooo!” stated Cody as he got a better image up on the monitor. “A ring. Looks like a school ring, Sir.”

“Can you zoom in again, Cody?” he inquired, really leaning in now.

“Nice, cologne” Cody remarked, as he got a closer but fuzzier image. “Ralph Lauren’s Romance, right? Amazing, aren’t I?”

Donovan chuckled.

“Yeah” he answered to both questions. “Ok, that’s better. That ring looks familiar. I’ve seen it before. And it is a school ring” Donovan exclaimed. “Is there any way to check for the school?”

“Gees, Sir. I don’t know any programs that have data on school rings. And there’re thousands of them. Let me think” Cody said, totally stumped for the first time in quite a while.

“Marisca, honey! Come here!” shouted Frank and a minute later she appeared with Monica, both carrying glasses of white wine. “Take a look at this ring. See if you recognize what school it’s from.”

“Ok, baby” she replied, sipping her wine as she came next to him and looked. “This is the closest you can get?”

“Yes, ma’am” answered Cody then she reached in front of him to open the desk drawer.

“Just something Holmes would do” she said taking the magnifying glass out, putting it in front of the photo image. “Annapolis, and on his left hand. Frank, I know one person that wears his like this. Director Martin. Operations.”

“That’s exactly who it is” Frank stated. “The way he slumps his shoulders and his neck, they way it protrudes” he said pointing to the figure now. “So what do we have here?”

“We have a per..dic..a..ment” replied Cody like Bugs Bunny. “I’ll run an analysis of the voice I recorded that made the call to Meyer yesterday against Director Martin’s voice pattern. See if it’s a match. I’ll call you after I get home and do it”

“Yeah, good idea” answered Frank. “Whiskey, Cody?”

“Thanks, I’ll have one” the young man replied then Donovan left to get them. “Hi, Rexy!”

Rexy came over to him for a smell and a pet, which Cody happily accommodated the puppy. Monica and he had remarked to one another how much more “human” both Donovan and Vanius were acting, more at easy and even more so with the dog. They were getting use to hearing the couple call each other “honey” and “baby”, laughing at first but now finding it pleasingly odd. They all waited to start their analysis until Frank returned and when he did he sat down next to Marisca on the sofa. He put his hand on her knee loving the feel of the red velvet slacks she now wore. The red cashmere cowl neck sweater that made her fair skin glow, her deep blue eyes partially covered by her bangs, which he swept to the side.

“What do you think, honey?” he asked, looking right in to her eyes. “Do you think Martin killed my daughter?”

“I wish I had the answer, baby. I know you want me to say yes or no” she answered. “I don’t know Director Martin that well, even though I’ve worked in his Department. He’s a Naval Academy graduate, highly honored in the Gulf War, highly respected as Operations Director. His reputation is beyond reproach, but he’s a prick. At least that’s been what he’s like every time I’ve met with him. But that doesn’t mean that much, really. But there’s something there, and with this girl working for the Israeli’s. Maybe someone in Israel put a hit on Jennifer, and got whatever information they needed from Martin. Maybe it’s coincidental that Meyer went to visit the girl. I just don’t know why they would kill an innocent girl and not just go after you.”

“If the voice on the phone was Martin’s it could be he was only setting up a rendezvous for a fellow employee. You know, like passing a girl’s number around because they were a sure thing”, stated Monica. “Ms. Vanius can find out when she gets in closer to him if there’s any relationship with Director Martin. I’ll need to get access to Martin’s file to profile him, Sir.”

“Only Director Tenent has access to files on Directors. We see him tonight, but I hesitate in informing him of any of this” Donovan answered. “The Agency had to clean shop back in 92 because of corruption. And with Henning up on charges of conspiracy, I don’t want to accuse a Director unless I’m a lot surer. I don’t want to open a can of worms and have Tenent end of investigating all the others.”

“I think we’re making this a bit too complicated. What’s always worked for me is getting the people I think are connected in the same room. See how they act. You can respect that, Monica. You’re trained in human nature so let’s start this way”, exclaimed Marisca.

“Of course, that might be all it takes”, responded Monica. She was beginning to respect Marisca more and her views towards situations were refreshing, they stemmed from years of experience and success.

“Ok, I’ll set something up when I get to work. Cody, I want you to get some bugs on Martin and the girl. Start monitoring them. With him you need to be very careful, he knows all the tricks better than his operatives” Marisca ordered. “I’ll arrange someone to watch him. Jake, I’m going to keep on Meyer and Alex, on the girl. I want to see how they play their days out and if they play together at any time.”

“Who are you going to get to watch Martin?” questioned Donovan, impressed how she was handling everything.

“A friend of mine that used to work under Henning on national matters. In fact, Barry’s probably the one that found out about him selling me out” Marisca reflected. “Anyway, does Martin have anything against you?” she asked Frank.

“He’s mad as hell I’m a Director now and not under his control. He’s also mad he doesn’t have control over my new department” he replied sipping his whiskey. “And I believe he’s mad you’re going to be working as an Analyst. That was the impression I got at our meeting yesterday. He questioned Tenent about his decision to put you in Analysis. Need less to say, he doesn’t like his orders questioned so after that he stopped the meeting and we all left. And Martin has always wondered why I reported only to Tenent in all my missions. Maybe to the extend he’d go after me.”

“Also because of your family. And I’m sure Martin knows about us” Marisca said to Donovan. “Henning had photos of you and me. He might think I’m going to be too close for comfort working with Dr. Meyer. Then again he was never a fan of mine. I don’t know. But I can’t truthfully see him going to a hooker.”

“Maybe this Susan’s his mistress. But then why did he look like he was trying to disguise himself going in to her place” remarked Monica. “I know he’s not married from talk around the office, so what’s he hiding for if she isn’t a prostitute?”

“Let’s continue this later. We need to get going” Frank said to Marisca after looking at his watch. “It’ll take us a good hour to get to Richmond. Monica, did Marisca ask you for a ride on Monday morning? Her car is in the shop.”

“Yes, Sir. I’ll be over at seven”, answered Monica. “I’ll go back to Cody’s place and we’ll run the analysis then get back to you with that. I’ve got a date after.”

“You’re kidding?” quipped Cody. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

“None of you business. Anyway, let’s get going” Monica stated getting up. “Thanks for the wine, Ms. Vanius. We’ll see ourselves out. Good night, Sir.”

Frank, Marisca and Rexy got back in the Rover and started for Richmond, the Capitol of Virginia that was an hour north of them. George and his wife had a large estate, very reminiscent of Jefferson’s Monticello but built in the fifties. And neither one of them had seen Mrs. Tenent in years and Marisca had not seen the Director since the summer before. So it was going to be a pleasant evening of catching up.

“You’re doing this quilling I saw in Martha Stewart Living this month?” Marisca stated as she strolled over to a small craft table to the side of the kitchen.

There was a selection of pink and red papers in curls, ready to be placed on a card. It was the fine art of filigree that had been shown in the magazine. She was visiting with Margaret while the woman checked on her dinner. Mrs. Tenent was in her late fifties and very much in to keeping a nice home for her husband, and an active participant in D.C. society because of his prominent position in government. They stood talking for a while, enjoying the dry Manhattan’s George had made that were his specialty.

“Yes. I thought I’d give it a try. Something for Georgie for Valentine’s Day” Margaret answered. “You should try it, Marisca. It’s very relaxing working with the paper and making something pretty to look at.”

“I love all of this but I’m not really good at crafts. I’m not bad at cooking though. Frank’s a good cook” she replied coming back to the counter where the woman stood. “We’re going to start cooking meals together. Maybe on Sundays so our housekeeper can have a day off.”

“It sounds like both of you are becoming rather domestic. That’s nice, I enjoy my time at home” Margaret exclaimed. “You’ll have enough social events to go to once you get married. It’s absolutely necessary for your husband’s career to do all those things. It comes with the territory.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m ok with that. I like to socialize. I’m not so sure he does” Marisca laughed, so did Margaret. “He’s just so different. I guess he reminds me of Clint Eastwood in a way. Everything he does and the way he acts, kind of a ‘suck in your gut and quit whining’ philosophy to life.”

“Yes, that’s definitely Frank! Very stoic” Margaret giggled. “Not very romantic. I still can’t believe he actually told you, you were getting married and when. And how!”

“That’s ok, really. He’s romantic though. He assumed I knew we were getting married because he said the ‘love’ word and we were going to live together” Marisca explained, how she rationalized it. “To him you don’t do those things unless you plan to get married. I’m really surprised we’re waiting until the end of the month. And the way he’s ordering me around is a real turn on! Having him propose on his knees and a big wedding I have to plan just isn’t that appealing to me. It’s too ordinary and too over done. Call me quirky!”

George and Frank were in the living room having their drinks and some tiny Quiche Lorraine’s as they chatted. George and Margaret’s English Springer Spaniel was busy playing with Rexy near the fireplace so both men were watching them carefully, just in case.

“I’ll bring Sebastian over for play dates with Rexy” George laughed. “They get along well. I usually bring him in the office two or three days a week.”

“That’ll be nice. I need to get to the pet shop tomorrow to get him some things. I caught him chewing on one of my shoes at home, so I need to get him some chew toys” Donovan remarked. “We were talking about getting a dog, but I thought we’d get a full grown one. This is going to be interesting raising a puppy. You have to watch them all the time.”

The men at the Agency never spoke of business outside the office so Frank and George spent their time speaking on other, less tedious matters. It was a much, needed break from meetings, reading reports, endless phone calls, and putting out fires.

“When Rexy gets a little older you should try to get on the cover of ‘Dog and Owner’ magazine. You know, now that you’re a ‘cover boy” George laughed and Frank chuckled, shaking his head.

“I was wondering when you were going to bring that up” he replied. “I’m already getting comments from the ladies at the office. Actually, their comments aren’t very lady like.”

“Well, you walked right in to it, Donovan! Are you going to wear that wedding ring now?” the Director asked. “The gossip will really start flying, Friday no ring, Monday a ring. How are you going to explain that? Oh, that’s right! You’re not in the habit of explaining anything!” George laughed on and on. “Sorry! Just an old man’s way of having fun! Don’t mind me, Frank. Have you sent a copy to your folks?”

“I’ll deliver one when I take Marisca to Jerusalem to meet them. But I know everyone’s curious about me. I honestly don’t care. And I honestly don’t know why I’m waiting until the end of the month to get married” Donovan reflected. “We’ve got the rings on already!”

“You know my neighbor, Judge Kelly’s dropping by in a little while. He’s borrowing my golf clubs for his trip to Miami. Why don’t you have him marry you? Tonight, when he gets here?” George asked. “I’ll have Mary get your license on Monday. He’ll do it for me. What do you say? Margaret would love having the ceremony here. So would I.”

“Fine” Frank replied as the two ladies joined them. Marisca sat down next to him and put her hand on his right leg and squeezed it.

“That’s fine with me, too” she stated having heard George then Franks’ reply.

A half hour later Judge Kelly arrived and the couple stood before him by the fireplace in the living room.

“Do you Frank William Donovan take Marisca O’Donnell Vanius to be your wedded wife? To have, to hold, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, till death you do part?” the older man asked.

“I do”, replied Frank as he held Marisca’s right hand.

Everything to him felt right.

“Do you Marisca O’Donnell Vanius take Frank William Donovan as your husband, to have, to hold, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, till death you do part?” he asked.

“I do”, answered Marisca as she looked deeply in to Franks’ eyes.

She had never been so sure of anything before, as she did now.

“With the power vested in me by the great Commonwealth of Virginia, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride”, the Judge finally said.

“Pucker up, Mrs. Donovan” Frank said smiling, Marisca smiled back.

He brought his lips to hers. The first kiss they would share in their marriage. They both knew at that moment it would last. That, their love would never die. It would grow stronger. There were no others in the world like them. They were meant to be together.

                                                     ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

                                                       CIA Donovan - New Chapter - Part 3