As he wrestled with the difficulties of leaving, he heard her muster up the strength to call out. “You’re a good man, Peter Novak. Thank you.”
30
WRAP UP
Clumsily struggling with his crutches, Peter waddled down the final corridor to his boss’s office. Gavin had asked him to report to CIA headquarters for a debriefing once he was able to travel. While recuperating, Peter had spent the last two weeks debating over what he should do with his career. Though he loved the excitement involved with SID, he made a promise to God, himself, and Anya that he would make a change. He figured his only option was to quit. As he approached the last corner, he peered playfully around at Lola’s desk. The sexy grandmother had her head buried in paperwork, unaware of his presence.
Disappointed on not getting a reaction, he worked his way toward the executive assistant. The sound of his crutches hitting the floor finally caused Lola to look up. She instantly took off her glasses, her eyes glowing with joy. A bright smile replaced her stale business look as she swiveled her chair around. Peter couldn’t help stealing a discreet glance at her athletic legs as she seemed to flash them before standing. His eyes did a slow journey up her short purple dress showing off her curves. He was always impressed the grandmother was never shy to flaunt her body. Her voice came out in a conspiratorial whisper. “Hello, Peter Pan.”
Peter arched an eyebrow as he approached. “Peter Pan?”
She answered with a little giggle. “Well you have been flying so much I, figured we should start calling you Agent Peter Pan. So how are you?”
Out of breath, he stalled at the end of her desk. “I’m doing better. The doctor said I’m going to live.”
“Good.” Lola circled her desk with her arms spread out. “Do you need any help?”
Peter figured he probably looked like an idiot. “No, I’m fine. Of course by the time I figure these things out,” he said, indicating his crutches, “I probably won’t need them anymore.”
“That’s usually how it works.” She leaned in to give him a hug. “You have to stop risking your life. You’re going to give me a heart attack.”
He bent down and planted a soft kiss in her hair. “Love you too, Lola. Unfortunately, Gavin tells you too much.” As she looked up, he flashed a mischievous grin. “Of course I appreciate hearing that from such a sexy lady.”
She stepped back. “That’s my Peter. Can I get you some coffee?”
He figured he would probably spill it. “No, thanks. I think I’ll pass.”
She grabbed his hand as her eyes softened. A hint of sincerity mixed into her voice. “I’m glad you’re back.” She abruptly let go and motioned toward Gavin’s office door, her voice rising. “The boss is expecting you.”
He gave her a wink before resuming his struggles toward the doorway. He did a soft knock as he entered.
The director looked up with a faint grin. “There he is, our own Superman.”
Peter took the title as a compliment as he worked his way across the office. “Hey, Boss.”
Gavin vaulted up and extended his hand, patiently waiting for Peter to approach. Once positioned, Peter settled his full weight on top of the crutches’ padding to steady himself before shaking his boss’s hand.
“Looks like you got a little beat up.”
“A little.” Peter gently set the crutches against the desk before falling into the comfortable chair, exhausted from the long haul.
His boss sat before placing his arms on the desk. “Once again, you did a hell of a job out there. With all of your space experience, you’re becoming a valuable asset to this agency.”
Peter curled in his lips. A tinge of guilt tugged at him knowing he would be giving his notice. “Thanks, Boss.”
“Because of your long list of heroics, the President has offered to meet you on your time. You call the shot when.”
Peter was pleased Anya was going to get to wear her red dress for its intended purpose. He motioned toward his crutches. “Great, I think I’ll hold off until I get rid of those damn things.”
“No problem; you just tell me when.” Gavin flipped open the file in front of him.
Exhaling a deep breath, Peter leaned in. “So have we figured out what China was up to?”
Gavin leaned back as he crossed his arms. “Well, the specifics are above my pay grade. But it sounds like China was using EarthOrbit as a front to steal U.S. space technologies to eventually set up space-based offensive systems. Part of their overall plan looked to first discredit our space program before eventually ruling space.”
Peter shot him an astounded look.
Without blinking, his boss answered in a matter-of-fact tone, “Yep, a scary thought, huh? But thanks to you, that won’t be happening.” Gavin paused for a moment. “We also learned they were involved in the explosion on the Soyuz. Apparently they were testing their detonation system with the hopes of also grounding the Russian spacecraft. Thanks to its spherical design, the spacecraft was able to withstand much of the external explosion.”
Peter was stunned. “I can’t believe China was able to sneak that device onto a Soyuz.”
“Considering the state of the Russian program and its economy, I’m not surprised, especially when you consider the spectacular failure of the Proton rocket recently due to a part being carelessly installed backward. It wouldn’t take much to bribe a worker at Baikonur.”
Disappointed, Peter asked, “Have we informed the Russians?”
“Yes, they were shocked to hear the news and question if we have our facts right. They are going to do their own internal investigation.”
Peter planned on discussing the specifics with Dmitri later.
“You should be aware the President wants this kept secret, as well as the fact that China was behind the explosion on Iris. We want to continue with the ruse that the explosions were due to faulty spacecrafts.”
Peter unlocked his arms in surprise, mystified by the President’s action. “Why? A man died up there.”
Gavin looked unnerved and his voice remained steady, coming across in a reassuring tone. “I know. But right now we don’t want to alarm China. We plan on going through EarthOrbit’s list of contractors to try and flush out more Chinese operatives. After we have turned over every stone, we’ll then present our findings and the President will take the appropriate action.”
“Okay, good. So was Walter China’s inside man at EarthOrbit?”
“No, it turns out the owner of EarthOrbit was. He hid behind a camouflage of companies and is of Chinese heritage. It looks like China was financing the whole operation. The president of the company appears to have been merely a puppet for the owner, doing as he was told. Walter Goings was unaware of the bomb on Iris.”
Peter was glad the president was innocent. “What about the shop manager, Carl Stewart, any idea how he died?”
“He was poisoned, and two suspects were arrested.”
Peter shook his head as he lowered his eyes. “Did they have a link to China?”
“One did. He looked to be working undercover for China’s secret service.”
Peter looked up. “Carl was a good man. Thanks to him, we learned of the bomb, which ultimately saved the International Space Station. We need to make sure his family is taken care of.”
Gavin nodded with determination in his eyes, “I’ll make that happen.”
Curious about Chris’s involvement, Peter asked, “How about Chris Riddick?”
“Sorry to disappoint you, but the old man looks to be clean, though as you know he has a serious addiction to gambling.” Gavin leaned over with a sly smirk. “I hear you beat the shit out of him.”
Peter fought the impulse to berate the man as he rolled his eyes. “I hit him a few times. I wanted to stop, but he seemed to be enjoying it.”