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Authors: C. R. Daems
Tags: Science-Fiction
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you next in Richmond."
I didn't have the heart to explain that I would seldom be sitting at home in Richmond, and while I was on the job, I couldn't take time off. But that was a problem for tomorrow.
CHAPTER SEVEN
I returned to Washington, D.C., after a week off and reported to Mr. Witton.
"That was a good interview you gave the Denver Post . It gave us lots of favorable press without disclosing the details about the Assassins, your technique, or identity. The Assassins probably already know you're a woman but not the rest. I'll let you recuperate for another week, but I need your incident report and a debriefing with the available Kazaks. They are interested in how you detected a Ghost Assassin."
I turned in my report two days later-I hate paperwork-received a physical from the agency's doctor, and was subsequently debriefed by a room full of Kazaks. It was an interesting experience, like being trapped by dozens of blood-sucking vampires. They pulled every last detail of the encounter and then went on to discuss my rules. I actually enjoyed it and got to meet fifteen of my fellow Kazaks. I had hoped Jessie and Cory would be there, but they were off on assignment somewhere in the west.
***
"Our doctor says you're fit for light duty. I've a senior diplomat in the Libyan government, Raifah al-Ayyubi, visiting the U.S. next week. A lot of people would like to see her removed from office, permanently. She's here for talks with key officials who would prefer to see her returned safely to Libya," Witton said, while looking at a paper on his desk. "Since you speak Arabic and she's an important woman, I thought it would be a good match. So did she. Somehow, she's heard about you and wants you to accompany her during her visit. Don't worry, the State Department is providing her main security. It should be an easy assignment while you recuperate."
He didn't even smile. I wonder if he talked this over with the Assassins. State Department security specializes in stopping thugs and wannabe assassins. That didn't give me a warm comfy feeling when it came to Assassins. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security would make sure the area where the VIP would be going was secure, would stay close to the VIP in case something happened, and had guns. They would, however, react slowly and in most cases after the fact. It took years of training to react before or simultaneously with the attacker. If they had been guarding the senator, he would be dead.
***
I stood on the tarmac scanning the area while waiting for Raifah al-Ayyubi to exit the Libyan aircraft. Her American detail stood with me staring at the plane. To their credit, they had secured the airport and had men inside and outside the terminal.
Raifah exited the plane with two guards behind her. She was a striking woman, tall with an olive complexion, midnight-black hair, green-gray eyes, high cheekbones, and full lips. When she had cleared the steps, I stepped forward.
" Assalaam Alaikum, Raifah al-Ayyubi," I gave her the traditional greeting-peace be upon you-with a small bow.
" Wa Alaikum assalaam, " she responded-and peace be upon you-with a nod. Then she slipped easily into English.
"Are you a translator?"
"No, I'm the Kazak you requested."
"So, you are the Kazak Lynn," she said.
"Yes," I replied.
She nodded. "You're smaller than I had imagined. But then it isn't size, gender, or age that determines one's greatness. It teaches me again that assumptions are dangerous. I requested you because you're a woman and because of your previous experience. I had no idea you spoke Arabic. I am very pleased with my selection. It's good that you speak Arabic. You'll understand what people say to me in Arabic. It may warn you of their intentions and provide you an extra second to react. For now, we'll speak English. It'll avoid misinterpretations that can result from a translation. I'd rather you concentrate on keeping me alive. You can call me Raifah. It'll take less time to say and avoid
I didn't have the heart to explain that I would seldom be sitting at home in Richmond, and while I was on the job, I couldn't take time off. But that was a problem for tomorrow.
CHAPTER SEVEN
I returned to Washington, D.C., after a week off and reported to Mr. Witton.
"That was a good interview you gave the Denver Post . It gave us lots of favorable press without disclosing the details about the Assassins, your technique, or identity. The Assassins probably already know you're a woman but not the rest. I'll let you recuperate for another week, but I need your incident report and a debriefing with the available Kazaks. They are interested in how you detected a Ghost Assassin."
I turned in my report two days later-I hate paperwork-received a physical from the agency's doctor, and was subsequently debriefed by a room full of Kazaks. It was an interesting experience, like being trapped by dozens of blood-sucking vampires. They pulled every last detail of the encounter and then went on to discuss my rules. I actually enjoyed it and got to meet fifteen of my fellow Kazaks. I had hoped Jessie and Cory would be there, but they were off on assignment somewhere in the west.
***
"Our doctor says you're fit for light duty. I've a senior diplomat in the Libyan government, Raifah al-Ayyubi, visiting the U.S. next week. A lot of people would like to see her removed from office, permanently. She's here for talks with key officials who would prefer to see her returned safely to Libya," Witton said, while looking at a paper on his desk. "Since you speak Arabic and she's an important woman, I thought it would be a good match. So did she. Somehow, she's heard about you and wants you to accompany her during her visit. Don't worry, the State Department is providing her main security. It should be an easy assignment while you recuperate."
He didn't even smile. I wonder if he talked this over with the Assassins. State Department security specializes in stopping thugs and wannabe assassins. That didn't give me a warm comfy feeling when it came to Assassins. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security would make sure the area where the VIP would be going was secure, would stay close to the VIP in case something happened, and had guns. They would, however, react slowly and in most cases after the fact. It took years of training to react before or simultaneously with the attacker. If they had been guarding the senator, he would be dead.
***
I stood on the tarmac scanning the area while waiting for Raifah al-Ayyubi to exit the Libyan aircraft. Her American detail stood with me staring at the plane. To their credit, they had secured the airport and had men inside and outside the terminal.
Raifah exited the plane with two guards behind her. She was a striking woman, tall with an olive complexion, midnight-black hair, green-gray eyes, high cheekbones, and full lips. When she had cleared the steps, I stepped forward.
" Assalaam Alaikum, Raifah al-Ayyubi," I gave her the traditional greeting-peace be upon you-with a small bow.
" Wa Alaikum assalaam, " she responded-and peace be upon you-with a nod. Then she slipped easily into English.
"Are you a translator?"
"No, I'm the Kazak you requested."
"So, you are the Kazak Lynn," she said.
"Yes," I replied.
She nodded. "You're smaller than I had imagined. But then it isn't size, gender, or age that determines one's greatness. It teaches me again that assumptions are dangerous. I requested you because you're a woman and because of your previous experience. I had no idea you spoke Arabic. I am very pleased with my selection. It's good that you speak Arabic. You'll understand what people say to me in Arabic. It may warn you of their intentions and provide you an extra second to react. For now, we'll speak English. It'll avoid misinterpretations that can result from a translation. I'd rather you concentrate on keeping me alive. You can call me Raifah. It'll take less time to say and avoid
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