The gruinard Project chapter 8

[khandy]

Chapter Eight

Thames House London

“No, I would say that it is perfectly safe to be in here.” Lucas spoke confidently as he reached over and removed the note from the screen.

Kate looked at him as if he were mad.

“How can you be so sure?”

“They are playing with us . If they were going to infect us with something they would have done so with the first message,” he said. “What happens if you report something like this?”

“CBRN would send in a containment team,” Kate replied.

“Precisely, Thames House would be cordoned off. Parliament, which is just down the river would be evacuated. The area would be flooded with military personnel and scientists, they would all be in Biohazard suits. The whole area would look like a scene from a Hollywood epic on biological warfare. Within minutes the world’s press would descend causing wide spread panic amongst the public and our would-be bioterrorists, would in all probability run to ground and we would never catch them. No we take the softly, softly approach.”

“So what you’re saying is you gamble with the public’s lives.” Kate was horrified.

“No that is not what I am saying. I am making an assumption based on years of experience. I believe the note is safe to handle, ” Lucas explained.

“Kate. If the public knew all the threats to national security the country would be at a standstill,” Ros told her.

“It’s like the tag line for that movie thirteen days. ‘You’ll never believe how close we came.’ ” Kate became aware of them all looking at her. “What? You know the movie, the one about the Cuban missile crisis,” she explained.

Harry spoke first.

“Yes that is a way of thinking how MI5 works.”

Kate looked at Lucas wondering what she had said that was so wrong. The whole team wore the same haunted look.

Ros recovered first and went into section leader mode.

“Kate why don’t you take this down to the lab and have it analysed, see if you can come up with anything.“ She took the note from Lucas and handed it to Kate. “Lucas try and find out what the word means. Malcolm, Jo, check the security cameras I want to know how this message got in here. Harry perhaps you and I should discuss how much we tell the home secretary?”

Kate watched as the team moved into motion like a well oiled machine. She couldn’t help feeling that she had been sent off to the lab as a punishment, the problem was she didn’t know what her crime was.

“Could somebody tell me where the lab is and I will disappear.” She said making no attempt to keep the annoyance out of her voice. They had virtually kidnapped her giving her little option on helping them. She was acutely aware how much of a stranger she was to these people, who seem to have an almost telepathic understanding of one another. She knew she was being immature but she didn’t like being on the outside.

“It’s in the basement. You need to go to personnel first and pick up your ID. They are expecting you.” It was Jo who spoke.

“Thank you,” she replied shortly. “Personnel is where?”

“It’s on the ground floor, it’s sign posted from reception.”

She headed towards the door and lifts.

“Kate,” Lucas called after her, she didn’t respond, she couldn’t, she would have sounded like a spoilt brat. She need time work out how she could best work with them.

Lucas sighed and turned back towards his desk, as he did he caught Harry’s eye, indicating Lucas should come into his office. Lucas followed him and shut the door.

“Is this where you string me up by the balls for being stupid enough to have sex, Harry?” he spoke quietly.

“I sense that is more than just sex, you have too much respect for women for it to be just sex. That’s what worries me.”

“Harry, I know Ros will have spoken to you. You know I spent two days with this woman without knowing her name, we weren’t discussing the weather. So most people would say this is entirely about sex.”

Harry smiled.

“Lucas neither you or I are most people. You care, because despite the illusions you can present when necessary, you are at your core, a very moral man. This thing with Kate will never just be sex.”

“Christ! Am I that bloody pious?”

“You can take the son away from the minister father, but you cannot remove the minister father from the son,” Harry remarked. “ So how serious is this Lucas?”

Lucas knew better than to lie.

“I was with her when you called and sent me to Russia. She had lost her grandfather and I had lost Elizaveta. For a weekend we escaped the pain of loss and grief. Had I not been sent to Russia would I have seen her again? I doubt it, the rules were very different then.”

“But I did send you to Russia Lucas, to an experience you will never forget and not for a good reason.” Regret tinged Harry’s words.

“She was with me everyday I was in that hell, she saved me, or her image did.”

Harry was surprised.

“You thought I would think of Elizaveta and I did especially in the early days, but her image was replaced by this woman with her pixie haircut and sad brown eyes, she haunted me. I could not think of her name or how I knew her, yet I had memories of making love with her, so she had to be real. I was stunned when I saw her, after escaping Vladimir last December. She helped me, I never intend to sleep with her but she asked me to stay. I needed to be with her in reality not just my dreams. I knew though, I couldn‘t be with her and lie like I did with Elizaveta, so I left again.”

“And now?” Harry asked.

“The rules have changed Harry she knows what I do and as you have pointed out I am very moral, well with that goes something else.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m an ordinary bloke, who just happens to have an extraordinary job and who has lived through a very extraordinary experience. I need the normality of a relationship where I can be the man deep at that core you mentioned. I need to be Lucas North the Minister’s son. Is that so wrong?”

Harry sighed.

“No not wrong, just dangerous. You haven’t told her much have you?”

“No, nothing. I wouldn’t talk about five and Russia is something I want to forget,” Lucas explained.

“Sometimes Lucas you have to remember in order to forget. Just be careful, I wouldn’t want it known publicly, but you mean a lot to me.”

Lucas looked at him in disbelief and laughed.

“Christ don’t go all soft on me, I liked you better when I was worried you might string me up by my balls.”


“I still might. Go and do some work.”

They gathered late morning in the conference room. Kate waited until everybody had sat down before sitting down herself deliberately avoiding Lucas.

“Lucas perhaps you will begin. What is Symra?” Ros got the meeting underway.

“Symra was an ancient Phoenician city near the boarder of Lebanon and Syria. In 1325 BC, the Hittites of Anatolia, whose empire stretched from northern Turkey into Iraq and Syria and were famed for their lethal chariots and skill with horses, invaded the city. Records of the time speak of a mysterious plague developing wherever the Hittites conquered. Many scientists believe that it is no consequence, that at this time the first documented descriptions of the disease tularemia or rabbit fever are to be found. It is widely accepted that the Hittites deliberately brought infected sheep in to the places they invaded. The method of attack was simple. The Hittites would leave the sheep outside the targeted city. Locals would bring them in and either breed them or eat them, spreading the disease. Many noted scientist believe that it is evidence of one of the earliest forms of biological warfare.”

Jo laughed

“Rabbit Fever, wow I am so scared,” she said sarcastically.

“You should be, there is no known vaccine for Tularemia,” Kate said. “It would be a good choice as a biological weapon as it his highly contagious.

“Is it the agent they are going to use?” Ros asked.

“My gut instinct tells me no because again why warn us?” Lucas replied.

“Yeah but if we have no vaccine anyway we could not stop it.” Harry spoke for the first time.

“No, but with antibiotics we could reduce the mortality rate,” Kate said.

“Right so we are agreed they are still playing with us. Malcolm, Jo, how did the note get attached to the computer?” Ros asked.

“Well security was not breached. Every person who came and went in the past 24hrs should have been here. There are no breaks in any of the security films,” Malcolm confirmed.

“The only people who were in section D after we all left were the cleaners. Malcolm and I are interviewing them when they come on duty this afternoon,” Jo added.

“OK, Kate did any biological agents show up on the note?” Ros asked.

“No it was negative to all bacteria, viruses and toxins,” she confirmed.

“Ok thanks. Let’s move on…”

She stopped as Kate interrupted.

“But you knew they would be Ros that’s why you sent me down there. I somehow put my foot in it earlier and you wanted me out of the way. Well next time just ask. Actually they won’t be a next time: three times today I have said things which have been inappropriate. Well I can’t work like this, walking on egg shells all the time.

I didn’t waste a whole morning though. There are two sets of prints one belong to Lucas and the other is unidentified. Probably belong to the person who stuck it to the computer. The paper was standard cellulose copy paper weight 80g/m2 probably brought at any high street stationers. The chemistry of the toner ink indicates the print was from a Lexmark laser printer and the type face is Arial.

The laboratory tests have detected no material fibres on the note, so who ever handled this did not wear cotton, wool or leather gloves. There was also no trace, of latex or the powder, commonly found inside latex gloves, on the paper. The lab did detect traces of Neoprene, a synthetic rubber, commonly used in latex free surgical gloves. Whoever sent this must have known that we would check for powder residue and chose the gloves on purpose or it’s possible they have a Latex allergy.”

She stood and pushed her papers together.

“Harry, I am going back to my hotel, you can send whoever it is you send to accompany me to the safe house whenever you’re ready.”

She walked out of the room and headed for the exit. Lucas made to follow but was stopped by Ros.

“No leave her Lucas . I want you to stay here and interview the cleaners with Malcolm. Jo how do you feel about a girl’s afternoon with Kate, spilling some of the dirt we have on this lot?” Ros asked.

“Sounds good to me. If we get her really pissed she may tell us how good Lucas is in the sack. Don’t look at me like that Ros I bet you want to know as well,” Jo grinned.

“Jesus, does anybody not know about my sex life?” Lucas groaned.

“Well Flo in the canteen has been sick, so she doesn’t but don’t worry if she’s back today I will fill her in on all the details,” Malcolm joked.

Lucas shook his head in despair.

“Nobody said you could have a private life Lucas,” Ros said. “OK Jo lets go and Lucas don’t show up until at least six,” she warned.

The Plaza On The River

Kate was throwing things into her suitcase when she was disturbed by the knock on the door.

“Christ you don’t even give a girl change to pack…” she opened the door. “Oh it’s you, I didn’t expect you. Well I’m not packed.” She walked back to her bed and continued throwing things.

“Oh wow look at this top can I try it on? Is it vintage?” Jo picked it up and held it against herself.

Seeing the puzzled look on Kate’s face, Ros decided to take pity on her.

“Because we work as a small unit sometimes we are inclined to be a little clicky with each other. Every now and then we need to be told to take our heads out of backsides. Today was one such day and you did a great job of doing it.”

“Well I feel so stupid all the time not knowing what I can or can’t say,” Kate said.

“Jo and I thought if we had a bit of girl’s afternoon, blew away some myths about MI5 we might convince you to stay. How about it?” Ros asked.

Kate smiled, would she ever be able to say no to these people?

“Well if you fill me in a bit then yes I suppose I might be persuaded,” she said.

“Alright now that’s sorted can we order food and alcohol from room service? I am starved.” Jo moved towards the phone as she spoke.

“Honestly Jo what will Kate think of us?” Ros asked.

“That you are more normal than you look . Jo if you are ordering alcohol can you order a decent red wine? Can I ask the first question?” Kate threw her case on the floor and curled up against the cushions on the bed.

Roz dropped her bag and sat on the sofa.

“Sure.”

“Ok are you or have you ever slept with Lucas?” Kate asked.

Jo burst into laughter at Ros’ face.

“I’m all ears Ros,” she grinned.

Ros threw a pillow at Jo.

“No I am not and have not. Why, is that important?”

“Yes, because I am and I don’t share,” Kate replied.

“Details we want details.” Jo flopped into the chair.

“Later maybe. So which of you is spilling the beans about MI5.”

The chat was quite light hearted for most of the afternoon and several bottles of wine were consumed before Kate turned serious.

“Lucas said three team members had died recently that must have been tough. Were they killed in the line of duty or by natural causes?”

“They were killed on duty. Their names were Adam, Ben and Connie,” Ros told her. “What I tell you cannot leave this room. Is that understood?”

Kate nodded.

“Adam was section leader. He died in a car bomb explosion last November.” Ros continued.

“On Remembrance Sunday?” Kate whispered remembering the headlines.

“That’s right. Ben was murdered as well a month ago and Connie died defusing a bomb about two days after that.”

Kate watched as the women exchanged looks. Each giving the other silent looks of support.

“I’m sorry I know what it is like to lose somebody close,” she said

“Yeah your Grandfather right?” Ros continued at her puzzled look. “Lucas told me.”

“Yeah I never knew my parents they died when I was young. You must all miss your colleagues a lot?”

“Yeah it’s been rough for us all, even Lucas,” said Jo.

“Why ‘even’ Lucas?” Kate asked intrigued.

“Well Lucas had only just come back on The Grid and in matter of weeks three of the team had died. It was different for him,” Jo explained.

“He said he was away. Am I allowed to know where or what he was doing?”

“He was in Russia but it’s Lucas’ , story to tell.” Ros looked at her wondering if he ever would tell her.

“Talking of Lucas what’s he like you know, in the sack.” Jo wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“Honestly Jo!” Ros groaned.

“What! I told him I was going to ask,” Jo said.

“What’s he like as a man Jo?” Kate asked.

“Meticulous, kind, caring, funny, slightly dangerous and edgy at times.”

“That’s him as a lover as well,” Kate answered.

“Is that it, no juicy details?” Jo sighed heavily.

“Jo, that’s enough teasing. Kate, Lucas is vulnerable right now. This power you have over him, please don’t use it to hurt him,” Ros said.

“Ros what are you talking about? I have no power over Lucas and I wouldn’t hurt him.” Kate looked at the older woman puzzled.

Roz smiled, she was certain that Lucas was half way in love with Kate. The way he had got so mad when she asked him if they were sleeping together, the glances he sent her way when nobody was looking. Not to mention the tender kiss she had witnessed at the hotel earlier this morning, when she had been there to collect the report from the agent she had watching the hotel. It was suddenly obvious she realised, that Kate had no idea Lucas was in love with her.

“How delightful, you don’t know. Oh I am going to enjoy watching this.” Ros looked like the cat who had got the cream.

“I don‘t know what?” Kate asked.

“Oh no, I am not saying. Well we should be going. If I didn’t say it earlier, we need you Kate. So your ass had better be on The Grid tomorrow.” Ros told her as she walked to the door.

“It will be and thanks Ros,” Kate smiled.

Lucas entered the lobby as Ros and Jo left the lift. He made his way towards them.

“Anything from the cleaners, Lucas?” Jo asked.

“We found the man but he couldn’t tell us much. Only that a woman approached him and asked him to pin the note on my computer. Paid him fifty quid to do it. I would guess the woman was paid as well. Harry wants us back at 8 am tomorrow. Security is on high alert. Is Kate alright?” Lucas asked his concern evident.

“She’s fine Lucas,” Ros replied.

“Bloody daft though, as she told us she is sleeping with you. She said you were as boring in the sack as you are in the office. I told her she can do better.” Jo reached up and gave him a hug as she spoke in a whisper. “Take care of her Lucas, I think she’s a keeper.” Lucas returned her hug.” Ros, I will wait by the car.” She sauntered off across the lobby.

“Hey Jo did she really say that? Lucas asked calling after her.

“Nah she said you were hung like a horse and had great stamina.” She disappeared laughing, as Lucas became the object of many women’s stares.

Ros shook her head in despair.

“Lord that girl’s mouth will get her into trouble. Lucas I haven’t told her anything about Russia it should come from you. Be careful I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“Bloody hell not you as well Ros, don’t you go soft on me.”

“Mess this up North and I will make mincemeat of your balls. Is that better?” Ros said.

“Yeah much, thanks. See you tomorrow Ros.”

Lucas made his way up to Kate’s room smiling at Jo’s cheeky comments and Ros being a hard ass. A warm feeling washed over him, he suddenly felt part of the team. Now all he had to was make things right with Kate.

The knock on the door made her jump.

“Who forgot something then?” she said as she opened the door. Lucas stood there.

“I did. I forgot what it is like to be new and an outsider. I forgot to look after you. Can you forgive me? ”

“Well I imagine I can, it will require a certain amount of grovelling on your part, followed by a decent meal…”

His lips finding hers brought her words to an end, as he kissed her deeply.

“Do your plans involve make up sex?” he asked.

“Make up sex?”

“Yeah Ros says it’s the best kind of sex.”

“Well in that case perhaps we should test the theory,” she said, reaching for his top.

[KitKat385]

Hilarious chapter (you had me bursting out in laughter at when Lucas said “Jesus, does anybody not know about my sex life?”)! I absolutely love what you do with Jo, and the whole 'girls night' bit was great. Glad to see more Lucas/Kate development, and the whole bio-hazard issue is really making me curious now!