The Making of a Spy

Chapter 1

William Armstrong Jr. (Will) met Sofia Guerrero in college when Will was a junior and Sofia was a sophomore. They started dating and became exclusive the next year. Sofia got pregnant during her junior year. Will was a senior, and they married, then Kane was born. Sofia was able to graduate a year later, on time, with Will’s parents’ help caring for Kane. Will was recruited by the CIA upon graduation because of his father’s background in intelligence. When Sofia graduated, she was also recruited by the CIA for her language skills, beauty, and skin color. She could blend in easily in the Middle East, Europe, and South America.

Once Sofia graduated from the farm, she was assigned as a NOC, and she was gone. Will cared for Kane with his parents’ help during the day. Sofia and Will remained married but realized they would have relationships outside their marriage. Sofia, due to her NOC status, and Will, out of need for intimacy. Will’s liaisons were discreet because of Kane but also because of his job. Technically, he had to report any relationships beyond a casual date. So, he arranged a series of friends-with-benefits encounters to bypass the reporting requirements.

Unknown to anyone but Grandfather, he had a friend who was a retired geneticist. Oliver Baer, PhD, worked on many dark off-the-books programs for the CIA. Although he had officially retired, he kept a lab behind his home and continued the research he had abandoned. His discovery was earth-shattering and dangerous. Oliver knew it would be exploited by those assholes who pushed him out. It would also get him killed for his discovery. So he continued to refine and improve the formula.

He told his good, longtime friend, William Armstrong, and discussed in length the benefits it would afford his grandson Kane. William would bring Kane to Oliver’s house during their monthly visits starting when he was one year old. Kane was given injections to increase his strength, endurance, and mental aptitude. Unknown to everyone, it also altered his DNA and bestowed beneficial gifts upon Kane.

Kane was gifted, with a high IQ, and learned quickly. Dad and Grandfather got him involved in martial arts when he was five because of their jobs. Kane needed to be able not only to defend himself but also to kill an imminent threat. They also took Kane to a private shooting range and taught him about firearms. Kane started off with a .22 rifle and pistol under their supervision. Kane had a thirst for learning, and although he could shoot the weapons, he learned about the calibers, functions, and even how to disassemble and reassemble them.

The range gunsmith would give Kane a lesson on whatever firearm he was working on during their visit. Dad and Grandfather would have Kane shoot his .22s, then they would take him to the gunsmith, Ray. They would practice shooting while Kane learned how to improve firearms accuracy, function, and trigger pull. Ray would show Kane how to work on a different firearm each visit.

Kane was a fast learner, and by kindergarten, Grandmother realized he was too far advanced for public school, so she organized homeschooling for him. So, his daily schedule would consist of martial arts training three days a week, studying, and helping his grandparents with their projects. Both were retired but did assignments in their respective fields to keep up to date and active.

Grandmother explained the law she practiced and how to examine the evidence. She said prosecutors and defense lawyers often overlook or miss important details of the case. She would point out several instances and say that if something seems strange or odd, it requires further investigation. She had Kane read witness statements and investigators’ reports to find inconsistencies.

Dad would spend as much time as possible with Kane and discuss his job and the issues he faced at work. It was against CIA rules, but Will wanted Kane to know the process of intelligence gathering and data analysis. They would only discuss subjects in Dad’s home office with a white noise machine running. It defeated listening devices, and Dad had an audio-video detector they used regularly at home.

When Kane was 10 years old, he would travel wherever Sofia, his mom, was for a week or two once a year to reconnect. During those trips, Sofia taught Kane the tools of the trade she had learned. They would check for tails, change direction, and look at reflections in windows to see if someone was observing or following them. He learned to read people’s actions and spot potential threats in restaurants and on the street.

Mom also taught Kane about disguises and how to quickly change his appearance to shed a tail or evade capture. She also taught him how to appear weak if apprehended and escape. He learned how to pick locks, get out of restraints, and the art of sleight of hand or picking pockets. Mom said when on the run, it’s the best way to get funds or get an ID you can use temporarily. She also taught Kane how to alter passports and IDs. They also covered safe-cracking and how to locate the safe in a room or office.

Mom stressed the key to a successful intrusion is not leaving a trace you were there. So, wear gloves and take pictures to make sure everything is in place when you leave. She also taught Kane the art of deception or lying. Mom taught Kane about cover stories and how they had to appear real. Research your cover so you can answer basic questions. If the questions get too detailed, change the subject or make an excuse to leave.

When Kane was fourteen, his Dad came home and told him there was a mole hunt at work. He showed Kane his safe combination and a code word he’d use if there was trouble. They spent a weekend gathering items Kane would need for a go bag. Dad told Kane, when you get my text to get milk at the store, leave immediately after emptying the safe. Take the safe contents and your go bag to our pre-arranged spot. Grandfather will pick you up and take you to a safe house. He will set up a communications link with you to use if needed.

Dad said he didn’t know whether your Mom is involved or whether the mole hunt is centered in the CIA office. But trust no one but your grandparents, and put down anyone who shows up at the safe house. If the safe house is compromised, use your emergency communications link to Grandfather and leave immediately. Dad said he had a bad feeling about the situation and hoped he was wrong. He said to remember your training and disable those pursuing you. If cornered, put them down with prejudice.

Two days later, Kane received the code text message from Dad and responded immediately. He was leaving through the backyard when he heard vehicles arrive at the house. Kane went to the prearranged pickup point, and Grandfather took him to a safe house. It was a cabin in the mountains, and there was plenty of space between any neighbors. It also gave Kane a clear view of the road so he would have ample warning.

Grandfather showed Kane the armory and said to use it only when necessary. Loud noise brings unwanted attention. He pointed to the bow, arrows, and crossbow. He said to use them for food or to kill silently. He also gave Kane six burner phones and told him to use them once, then destroy them. They are for communicating with me, and my contact number is preprogrammed in each one. Now I’ll arrange to restock food once a month, and you’re fully stocked.

Kane asked about Dad and Mom, and Grandfather said he’s working on your Dad’s situation with some high-ranking officials. Now your Mom is trained to disappear so she can take care of herself. Hopefully this situation will be resolved soon, and you can come to live with us. When your Dad is cleared, things should return to normal or close to it. Remember, do not let anyone capture you.

Grandfather showed Kane how to set up noise traps to alert him to trouble. He advised that if an attack happens and you successfully kill them, pull them deep into the woods and strip off their clothes. The wild animals will take care of them for you. Then bury their clothes and clean up any messes made. So, when you leave, it will look like nothing happened. Grandfather wished him good luck and left Kane alone.

Kane went to the armory and got the bow, crossbow, arrows, two combat knives, a pair of tree camos, and a camo backpack. Then he grabbed a .338 Lapua sniper rifle with a night scope and a Glock 9mm. Then he spent the afternoon looking for prime shooting locations and escape routes. His Mom’s and Sensi’s training came to the forefront, and they felt ready for anything. After placing the .338 Lapua in his sniper’s perch, Kane made dinner and went to bed.

The first intruders arrived the next day in a Ford F-150 4x4 raised with off-road tires. Kane saw them over 100 yards away and exited the cabin with the crossbow, arrows, and combat knife. He was wearing his tree camo’s and climbed into a tree. The truck pulled into the driveway, and two young men got out. Both were armed with handguns in their waistbands, and one said This looks vacant. The other said, “Yeah, it’s a good place to lay low for a while.”

One man said to Roy, “Why did you have to shoot the guard?” We agreed no one would be hurt. The other man said dammit Mark, you didn’t search the fool. He had a gun on his ankle and pulled it out. Roy went to the front door, and Mark went to the back of the cabin. Kane shot Mark with an arrow center mass, killing him instantly. Roy yelled, asking Mark if there was easier access in the back. When Mark didn’t respond, Roy cussed and went to the back to find Mark.

When he saw Mark shot with an arrow, it was too late, as Kane killed him too with an arrow. Following Grandfather’s advice, Kane dragged Mark and Roy deep into the woods. He stripped them, gathered their clothes, and returned to the cabin. Kane found the truck keys and parked it 30 yards away in the trees. He backed it in so he could make a quick getaway if needed. Kane searched the truck, and beside some clothes there was a backpack filled with cash.

In the bed of the truck were tools, and Kane figured they had robbed a bank or business and used them to get into the safe or secure room. Returning to the cabin, Kane used tree branches to erase the tire marks and drag marks into the woods. Then, using a shovel, he dug a hole, put their clothes and the blood-soaked soil in it. Kane covered the hole and used the excess dirt to repair the kill zone. Once satisfied everything looked normal, he took the backpack inside the cabin.

Kane counted the cash and was shocked there was over $150,000. He stopped counting and knew there was plenty more. The sizes of the bundles and the denominations, from ones to hundred-dollar bills, led him to believe they hadn’t robbed a bank or business. It had to be an illegal business, like gambling or drugs. So, whoever got ripped off would be looking for their money back. Hopefully Mark and Roy were smart enough to wear disguises and not let anyone see their truck.

Meanwhile, William Armstrong called his longtime friend and William Junior’s godfather, Air Force General John Beck. After pleasantries, William told John about Junior’s trouble at the CIA. He said there’s a mole in their house and they’ve been on the hunt. Junior was suspected and has been captive for over a week. Now we both know it’s total bullshit, but no one can speak to Junior. I can’t even get confirmation he’s there and ok.

The assholes have come to my home and interrogated Ellie and me. But do you know what has riled me up the most? They attempted to capture and interrogate Kane. If I don’t get some answers soon, John, spooks are going to start disappearing permanently. John told William to hold off on cleaning house, and I’ll make an inquiry that can’t be stopped at the front desk.

General John Beck, an aide, and two of his security team then left the Pentagon. They drove to CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Four-star General John Beck and his entourage entered and went to the reception desk. John told the guard he needed to speak to CIA Director Dale Wright on an urgent matter. The guard said the Director doesn’t see anyone without an appointment. John said to him Leave a message for me.

Tell him Air Force General John Beck is suspending all support to the CIA until further notice. They turned to leave, and the guard yelled Please wait. He made a call, and General Beck and his entourage were escorted to the director’s office. Director Dale Wright asked about the urgent matter that brought General Beck to his office. John said You’re running the CIA like a third-world country here in the US. I would quote you the laws that prohibit you from operating here, but you know them already.

So, let’s get to it. Where is William Armstrong Jr., and why hasn’t family or an attorney been able to speak with him for over a week? While you think up an excuse, you can explain how an interrogation team questioned Admiral of Naval Intelligence William Armstrong and his wife, Ellie. Now, while your asshole is puckering, you can explain sending a rendition team to capture William Armstrong’s grandson.

We’re talking over 50 federal and state laws broken, and I want skins on the wall now. First, charge or release William Armstrong Jr. immediately, and he had better be in excellent health, Dale. Second, stand down on your pursuit of Kane Armstrong and the whole Armstrong family. Now I don’t know about Sofia, but if you sent a rendition team, odds are they’re missing. Until I confirm my conditions have been met, your Air Force privileges are suspended.

John told Dale he shouldn’t wait too long. Admiral Armstrong has a lot of friends. Accidents happen, and I’d be extra careful if I were you. Director Wright told General Beck he was unaware of the situation but would get to the bottom of it immediately. General Beck said I hope so, and god forbid if something happens to William or Kane. He told the Director to call him when his conditions were met. In the meantime, I’ll try not to throw any agents out of planes. The general left his business card and then left with his entourage.

CIA Director Dale Wright told his assistant to get Bob Naham and his team in here immediately. Also, I want six, no eight, security personnel standing by nearby but out of sight. Bob Naham arrived with his four assistants. Bob asked Dale why they were summoned while they were in the middle of an investigation. Dale asked the status of William Armstrong Jr. and the evidence against him. Dale said, “Well, the evidence is circumstantial, but we’re using advanced interrogation techniques.

Dale said So let me get this straight. You have no solid proof William Armstrong Jr. was guilty of anything. You’ve held and tortured him for over a week. Where in the hell did you get the idea that it was approved or legal? Whose idea was it to send a team to interrogate Admiral William Armstrong and his wife? While you think of an excuse, explain who sent a Rendition team to capture and interrogate Kane Armstrong.

Do you know I’ve had Air Force General John Beck in my office, reading me the riot act? He is suspending all Air Force assistance to the CIA until we stand down. Admiral William Armstrong is calling friends to eliminate spooks. Guess whose head is at the top of the list. Now what else don’t I know about because you’re leaving someone out? Bob Naham said we sent a rendition team of twelve to capture and interrogate Sofia Armstrong. They’re missing, and Dale said, “Holy shit, twelve men missing.”

Dale buzzed his assistant and said Send them in immediately. The security personnel arrived, and Dale told them I want these men polygraphed and to find out who planned this operation. They are all to be detained until we know everything about the operation. Then I’ll decide when they’re released. Dale asked Bob where William Armstrong was, and he said he was in the infirmary. He had a reaction to a drug, so they’re treating him.

After they left, Dale called the infirmary and asked the status of William Armstrong Jr. The nurse said he’s unconscious, and we were told by Bob Naham to monitor him until he wakes up. Dale told the nurse to call an ambulance and get him to the hospital immediately. Have a list of drugs given to him so the doctors can treat him, and he hung up. Dale made a call and said to make plans for Bob Naham and his team. He said no to an accident. Have them seen leaving on a mission and hung up.

Bob didn’t tell Director Wright about the two elimination teams he dispatched for Kane and Sofia. He was sure William Armstrong Jr. would break seeing their dead bodies. But now that they were detained, he couldn’t cancel their missions. Bob knew when Director Wright found out they would be eliminated. Bob saw a chance to run, knocked down a guard, and then entered the stairwell. He was captured before reaching the next floor and beaten for the escape attempt, then handcuffed. Bob was dragged to interrogation, isolated from his team.

Sofia was in an apartment in Spain when the security camera caught two SUVs arriving. Six men exited in tactical gear, armed to the teeth. AR-15s, side arms, grenades, and breaching tools. She opened the door a crack, then went across the hall and picked the door lock. Sofia watched through the peephole as the team entered her apartment. She waited a few minutes, then entered the apartment when they were relaxed and killed them with two silenced Glock pistols.

She picked up one of the men’s radios and said a cleanup was needed for six. Sofia quickly packed, put on an old-lady disguise, and left through the back door, pulling a suitcase and walking with a cane. She watched from a block away as a van and an SUV arrived at her apartment. Soon, trash bins were brought to the van and returned several times. Sofia left laughing at the fools and caught the next train.

Kane heard a snap and knew he had visitors. He peeked out the window and saw a man in tactical gear armed with a sniper rifle, a sidearm, and grenades. He must have been the advance man, and Kane saw him pick a sniper nest 10 yards from his. He grabbed his crossbow, arrows, and tactical knife, then exited the front door. Kane went to the opposite side of the house and disappeared into the woods. He snuck up behind the sniper and waited.

Upon hearing Overwatch was set and it was all clear, he slit the man’s throat. Kane rolled the man away and assumed the position. Five men came to the cabin; two stayed in front, while the other three went to the rear. Kane killed the three with the silenced sniper rifle and waited. He could hear the two in front checking with their team in the rear. Getting no response, they came to the back, and it was too late, as Kane killed them too.

Kane checked that they were dead with the tactical knife, then walked through the woods by the road to be sure no one was in their vehicle. He found a van parked in the woods 50 yards from the cabin. It was empty, so he returned and pulled the bodies deep into the woods. After stripping them, he crushed their coms and cell phones. Then he buried their clothes and cleaned up the kill zone. When everything looked normal, Kane called Grandfather on one of the burner cell phones.

Grandfather asked about the situation, and Kane said, “Dinner for six.” Grandfather laughed and said it’s over. Your Dad’s in the hospital, so I’ll be there in an hour. Put the weapons in the armory, gather your gear, leave the cabin, and find a safe place to wait with a view. The call ended, so Kane crushed the phone and followed Grandfather’s instructions. While waiting, he thought about the money and decided not to tell anyone. It would be his secret stash to use when needed.

An hour later, Grandfather arrived and walked around the cabin, saying Kane come out. Kane snuck up behind him and said, “Don’t yell,” causing Grandfather to jump and laugh. They inspected the killing zones, and Grandfather praised Kane for the excellent clean-up. Kane asked about the van the intruders used, and he said We’ll leave it. On the way to Grandfather’s house, he said Your intruders must not have gotten the cancellation code.

Kane was welcomed with a hug and kiss on the cheek by Grandmother. Grandfather said Your Dad’s in intensive care, recovering from a drug cocktail the CIA used to interrogate him. We’ll visit him tomorrow, but we must remain on guard. I got an intel report that said six men were found dead in an apartment in Spain. There are also rumors that twelve men are missing, so your Mom’s been busy. With your count, there could be friends who are upset and want revenge.

Grandmother told Kane to clean up, and she would cook dinner. Kane enjoyed the hot shower as his cabin didn’t have a hot water heater, or they didn’t know how to turn it on. He put on some sweats, feeling normal again, and went to the kitchen. Grandfather was on the phone with Air Force General John Beck, telling him the status of the situation. He told John that Will was in intensive care and that they would visit him tomorrow.

Grandfather ended the conversation with Kane is fine, and had dinner with six. Grandmother and Kane could hear laughter on the phone as they said goodbye. They sat down, and Kane thanked Grandmother for the hot meal. He’d been eating cold food, afraid to start a fire and announce someone was at the cabin. Grandfather said he made a good choice, as the after smell is a telling sign. When they finished dinner, they said goodnight and went to bed.

CIA Director Dale Wright was working late when the Director of Operations, Matt Richman, knocked on the door. Dale waved Matt inside and asked what was going on. Matt said he had some bad news. Six of our operatives were killed in Spain today. No one knows why they were in the apartment geared up. But a female used one of their radios and ordered a cleanup for six. Dale said dammit Bob Naham lied to me. He said there were no more ops.

Matt said That’s not all; we’re missing six here too. Dale asked if we knew where they were dispatched, and Matt said no. Dale called to ask about Bob Naham’s condition and was told it was okay. Dale said to give him the full treatment and to find out about the two six-man teams that are missing. He ordered them, and we need details to cover our ass.

Grandfather, Grandmother, and Kane went to the hospital the next morning to see Will. They were shocked by his condition. He had lost so much weight that his face looked totally different. It looked sunken in, with no skin tone, just white. The doctor told them that Will was battling the effects of the drugs but was doing better. Grandfather asked about his recovery time, and the doctor told them he wasn’t sure. Once he wins the battle, there will be physical therapy to regain movement, muscle tone, and strength.

Kane took a photo and planned to crucify those responsible for Dad’s condition. He had learned computer skills from his grandparents, and Dad then refined them with his studies. Computer programming was one of his interests, and he took a few courses. That led to advanced courses, and Kane joined several chat rooms to improve his skills. A member named Dark Knight mentored him through challenges, helping him improve his coding skills. That led to hacking, and now he has an ever-expanding toolbox.

Leaving the hospital, Grandmother said those assholes need to pay dearly for what they did to Will. I’m going to draft a lawsuit that will make them lose bowel control. Grandfather said he’ll make some calls and find out what’s going on inside the CIA. Kane had his own ideas but said it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have someone watching Dad. It would all go away if he dies, and his grandparents said oh shit simultaneously. Grandfather said he would make some arrangements.

Arriving home, everyone got to work. Grandmother started drafting the lawsuit. Grandfather was on the phone calling friends and arranging protection for Dad. Kane started going through Dad’s files in the safe. He wanted to know if he identified the mole hunters. After a few hours, Kane saw a notation with Bob Naham’s name. It was underlined twice, with “dangerous” next to it. Kane assumed Bob Naham was the leader of the mole hunt and needed more information about him.

Grandmother’s call for lunch interrupted his research, and Kane went to the kitchen. Everyone was deep in thought, and there wasn’t much conversation. He asked Grandmother if she needed his help with the lawsuit, and she said no, not now. But I will tomorrow, when we’re looking up which federal and state laws were violated, as well as the constitutional violations. Then we need to research the CIA’s charter of operation granted by Congress.

Kane had an idea during lunch, and when he finished, he returned to his room. The CIA kept its employees’ identifications confidential. The only ones the public knew were the politically appointed ones. That meant the director and assistant directors who were not promoted within the CIA. Even some of them would be known if they testified in a congressional hearing. But employees like Dad had their identities protected for their safety.

So, he researched who had been appointed to CIA positions by the current administration, aside from the director. Three names came up, and Kane researched all three. Jay Watkins was single and an assistant director in charge of congressional affairs. Jay was in charge of supplying Congress with information they requested. So, he had the clearance needed to get the information Kane needed. Unfortunately for Jay, he wouldn’t know he was supplying it.

Kane researched Jay Watkins online and found out he was an avid golfer. He was a regular on the political golf junk circuit, attending most events. Kane found his address by searching property records. Jay lived seven miles from them, and a late-night visit was in order. Kane grabbed some cash from the robber’s backpack and rode his electric bike to Jay Watkins’ house. It was a ranch-style home with an attached garage. The alleyway was the best entry point.

Then Kane went shopping, and he bought a ski mask, a rubber glove, black jeans, and a black hooded sweatshirt. There was a store nearby that carried nanny cams, and he got a clock with a WIFI connection. Then rode to his house and parked in the alley. He quietly entered and was shocked by the condition of Dad’s office and bedroom. His wasn’t disturbed, so he got out the lockpick set Mom had given him. Leaving, he checked the street and saw a plumbing van parked at the end.

Kane rode to the next alley and parked. He walked up behind the van and used one of the gifts he had unknowingly received. When he turned thirteen, Kane discovered he could read minds. He could also sense people in the immediate area, and his reading and comprehension skills improved dramatically. He had a photographic memory and could read almost as fast as he could turn the page. His strength, speed, and stamina also improved. He kept all this secret from Dad, his grandparents, and Sensi, and was careful to use his new skills.

He knew there were two men inside the van and read their minds. They were CIA techs monitoring our house. Listening devices were installed inside, and they visited daily to download data from the receiver in the attic. Kane was tempted to enter the van and beat the shit out of them, but decided not to and returned to his grandparents’ house two miles away. Kane left the nanny cam clock in the garage, plugged his bike, and went to his room.

Grandmother called that dinner was ready, so he headed to the kitchen. While they ate, Grandfather said he had arranged for nurses with prior service experience to watch over Will. Kane told them he bought a nanny cam wall clock with wifi to put into Dad’s room. We can view it remotely, so there’s a record of visitors. Grandfather said that was a good idea. They finished dinner and went to bed.

Chapter 2

Kane woke up after midnight, dressed in dark clothes, grabbed his ski mask, gloves, and lockpick set. He rode an e-bike to Jay Watkin’s, an assistant director in charge of congressional affairs for the CIA. He parked and entered the property from the alleyway. After checking for an alarm system, Kane picked the sliding glass door lock and entered quietly. He went to Jay’s bedroom, and Jay was sound asleep. To be sure he’d stay that way, Kane used a pressure point to put him into a deep sleep.

He read Jay’s mind and got the safe and laptop codes. Then he went to Jay’s home office and logged onto his laptop computer. Kane installed his worm and shut it down, leaving it in the same spot. After perfectly resetting the chair, he opened the safe in the closet. Kane was shocked by how much cash there was and wondered why he had it. Seeing a journal, he opened it and discovered Jay was a delivery man for bribes to the congressmen.

Kane was going to leave it alone and started to close the safe. But he stopped and read the journal, and the next payments weren’t due for another month. So, Kane got trash bags from the kitchen, emptied the safe of the cash and journal, then reset the code on the digital keypad. Carrying two trash bags home on the e-bike wasn’t fun, but he made it. Kane plugged the e-bike, carried the trash bags to his room, put them in the closet, and crashed.

After breakfast the next morning, Kane helped Grandmother find and cite the federal and state laws the CIA violated by detaining and torturing Dad. They found over forty, and Grandmother said we’ll use them all. Some will be thrown out, but we will have plenty to use should it come to trial. Listing the laws violated and how they affected Dad’s case took almost fifty pages.

During lunch, Grandmother said tomorrow we’ll work on the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Kane asked what else, and Grandmother said that the next day we would find and list the powers and restrictions afforded to the CIA by Congress, its Charter of Operation and Oversight. Once we have all the information, I’ll write a summary, and that will be it. It will bury them in so much bullshit they will beg us to settle it. Kane asked if she was going to file it, and Grandmother said not right away. I’ll have it delivered to the Director of the CIA and give 24 hours before I file it in Federal and State Court.

Kane spent the afternoon finding and building a stash place in his closet. There was a cabinet shelf for pants, sweaters, and miscellaneous items. It backed up to a linen cabinet in the hallway. There was a hollow spot two feet deep, and it worked perfectly for his stash. Kane rode the e-bike to the hardware store and bought hinges, a latch, a quart of paint, and painting supplies. When it was done, no one could tell the cabinet shelf could move. He put the cash and journal from the safe and the backpack from the thieves inside the cabin, then closed it. He cleaned up and took it to the trash.

His grandparents’ house was large, with six bedrooms, and each had a home office. He had the second floor to himself, and there were two stairways so he could enter and exit unobserved. They had a basement gym that they used three days a week. Both of his grandparents exercised regularly, and he had his heavy bags on one side, unused. So, he could practice his martial arts, and he exercised early in the morning. They preferred to do it at midday, eliminating any conflict.

Their home was on two acres and had a four-car garage. Kane did the lawns as a courtesy for all that they had done for him. Grandfather had a riding lawn mower, so it wasn’t bad. The bitch was trimming the bushes and edging with the weed eater. But every two weeks wasn’t too bad. Grandmother called that dinner was ready, so Kane cleaned up and went to the kitchen.

Grandfather said Will woke up, and they are moving him to a private room tomorrow. We’ll visit late tomorrow afternoon so he’ll have a chance to settle in. Kane said he went by the house yesterday afternoon to check the condition. Don’t worry; I entered and exited from the alleyway. They trashed Dad’s office and bedroom and made a mess of the living room. As I was leaving, I saw a suspicious-looking plumbing van, so I peeked into the front window. Two men were inside with electronic gear.

Grandfather said dammit they were supposed to stand down. He said we’ll drive by tomorrow on the way to the hospital. If it isn’t there, then it’s a weekly thing to download data. I’ll get some toys so we can make their lives miserable. Grandmother asked if it was wise, and Grandfather said yes. They have to know we won’t tolerate their shit anymore. They finished dinner and went to bed. Kane crashed after a long day.

CIA Director Dale Wright was working late when the Director of Operations, Matt Richman, knocked on the door. Dale told him to come in and asked what the reason for the visit was. Matt said I have bad news about Will Armstrong. He’s in intensive care and looks close to death. He should recover, but it will take months of rehab. Only after the rehab will we know if there’s any long-term damage. Dale said shit this situation keeps getting worse.

Dale asked if he knew Admiral Armstrong’s wife, Ellie, is a top-tier retired defense attorney. Matt said no, and I’ll bet she’s preparing to screw us good. Dale said You’ve got that right, and we need to put a lid on this before it blows up in our faces. Admiral Armstrong is also a problem with his connections. Matt asked if he wanted to send a man to plan for action if needed. Dale said that’s a good idea and to check the hospital situation as well. We’ve got to have a fallback plan, and Matt left the director’s office.

The next morning, after breakfast, Kane was searching public records, websites, and the Library of Congress for information. The Library of Congress required a membership for online access, so Grandmother gave him her credit card to sign up. Kane got most of the information she needed before lunch, and they reviewed and organized it. She said we got all the information we needed today. Tomorrow, I’ll organize it, you’ll do the data entry, and we’ll be done. After a review, it will be ready to print and deliver.

After lunch, Kane returned to his room and checked his cloud account. Jay Watkin’s computer files were there. As an assistant director in charge of congressional affairs for the CIA, Jay had clearance to view most of the CIA’s database. Kane checked his backdoor access the worm allowed him, and Jay wasn’t using his laptop. So, he logged into the CIA database through it.

He first checked Bob Naham in the Human Resources files. Bob was listed as a troubleshooter and investigator. His current assignment was the mole hunt, and he had a team of four assistants. Bob reported to Jay Watkins, and that shocked Kane. Why would a mole hunter report to an assistant director in charge of congressional affairs? There was more to this than meets the eye, and he had to find out who Jay Watkins reports to.

Grandfather called that they were ready to go to the hospital. Kane logged off Jay Watkins’ computer and went to the den. Grandfather, Grandmother, and Kane got into their GMC Yukon. He said Wait a minute and grabbed the clock nanny cam. They drove past his house, and the plumbing van wasn’t there. On the way to the hospital, Grandfather said That means they visit once a week. We’ll plan to be there a week from yesterday and say hello.

They arrived at the hospital and went to Dad’s private room. He looked better but still like he was near death. He was awake and tried to speak but couldn’t. Grandfather said not to try, and he updated Will on what happened during his long nap. He told Will that Air Force General John Beck had visited CIA Director Dale Wright and suspended all support to the CIA until you were released or charged. They sent teams after Sofia and Kane, suffering heavy losses.

The situation is better now, but we’re still having some issues. They have surveillance on your house, and you could be in danger. So, I’ve arranged for nurses with service experience to watch over you. But if you see a strange person enter, press the call button. Kane bought a nanny cam clock so we can monitor any activity. Mom is drafting a lawsuit that will make the CIA lose bowel control. Kane and I will pay a visit to the surveillance team and say hello.

We don’t know about Sofia, but she has put down eighteen so far. The last six were in Spain, so as far as we know, she’s doing fine. Director Wright assured us it was over, but other players are involved. He claimed not to know about your torture and probably doesn’t know about the current situation. So, there’s a rogue group within the CIA, and we need to be careful. Kane mounted the clock and hugged his dad goodbye, telling him not to trust anyone.

Grandmother hugged Will and kissed him on the cheek, saying We’ll visit again soon. Grandfather embraced Will and slipped him a switchblade knife. He whispered to hide it well and put down those who attempt to kill you. Grandfather told Will to remember the call button was his best friend, and they left. Grandfather stopped by the nurse station and slipped a few envelopes to a nurse. He said to call me immediately if there’s a suspicious visitor. Please pass the message on to the other shifts, and they left.

On the way home, Grandfather stopped for Italian takeout. During dinner, Grandmother said I’m worried about Will. He’s a shell of his former self, and there’s no way he can return to the CIA. Kane said Dad always talked about writing about his experiences there. Grandfather said he’d have to have everything vetted by them before publishing. Grandmother said maybe if they settle, I can slip something into the agreement. They finished dinner, said goodnight, and went to bed.

Kane woke up sensing danger, quickly dressed in dark clothes, and grabbed his combat knife. He exited the kitchen, rounded the corner of the house, and confronted a man putting something on the gas meter. He saw Kane pull his gun, but Kane drove the combat knife into his chest, killing him instantly. Kane pulled the man behind the garage, removed the device from the gas meter, returned to bed, and fell asleep.

Early the next morning, Kane was in the gym practicing martial arts on the heavy bags. He envisioned those responsible for his Dad’s condition and killed them several times over. After cleaning up, Kane went to breakfast and reported the intruder he confronted last night. Grandmother asked what happened, and Kane said he won’t be joining us for breakfast. Grandfather laughed, then asked where it happened. Kane said he was putting a device on the gas meter.

Both grandparents simultaneously said, “ Son of a bitch.” Grandfather said this ups the game considerably. We’re going shopping this afternoon, and they will pay dearly for it. Grandmother said Let’s hurry and finish the lawsuit this morning. I want it on the director’s desk before the end of business today. After breakfast, Grandfather asked Kane where the body was, and he said it was behind the garage, with the device. He said, “Good, I’ll put him in his vehicle and dispose of him properly.”

Kane helped Grandmother input the data for the lawsuit, then they reviewed it. By the time they printed it, it was over 150 pages. While they ate lunch, Grandmother said While you’re shopping, I’ll get the lawsuit bound and couriered to the CIA director. I will include a note that he has 24 hours to respond before it is filed and copies are released to the press.

After lunch, Grandmother went to the FedEx center, and Grandfather and Kane went to the Army Surplus Store. Joe, the owner, welcomed William, and he introduced his grandson, Kane. William told Joe what happened to Will, and they needed some toys for playtime. They went into the back room, and Grandfather got C-4 with timers, a case each of smoke, concussion, teargas, and regular grenades. He also got a tranquilizer gun, rifle, 100 darts, and 4 point-to-point beams.

When they checked out, Joe told William, “Happy hunting,” and they laughed. On the way home, Kane asked Grandfather how he disposed of the intruder. He said I drove his car behind an abandoned warehouse, put a gas can between his legs, and set the device. There will be no way to determine how or when he died except from the explosion.

Arriving home, they set up the point-to-point beam to cover the property. Grandmother arrived home when they finished with a dozen bound copies of the lawsuit. She said I stopped by to see Will on the way home, and he’s ok. But I informed the nurse of our trouble last night, so they are on alert. Grandmother headed to the kitchen to start dinner, and Grandfather asked Kane to find out where the director lives. Tomorrow night we need to visit his house and give him a wake-up call.

CIA Director Dale Wright was working when his assistant set a package on his desk, saying it had arrived this afternoon by courier marked “critical”. Dale opened the FedEx box, read the note, and skimmed a few pages, then said holy shit. He told his assistant to get legal in here asap. Also get the Director of Operations, Matt Richman, in here too. CIA legal counsel Greg Beacham entered the director’s office and skimmed the lawsuit. He said, “Boy, you’ve really pissed someone off.”

I’ll need to examine the lawsuit thoroughly before giving you my official opinion. But we already know this can’t see the light of day. The Director of Operations, Matt Richman, arrived and scanned the lawsuit too. Greg advised Dale to call Hattie Armstrong first thing tomorrow morning and settle it. Whatever it costs will be a bargain compared to the trial, congressional hearings, and the media shit storm. Greg left with the lawsuit to review, and Matt said it arrived sooner than we thought.

Dale said yes and asked Matt if their advance man had submitted his report. Matt said no, and he isn’t responding to calls or emails. So, I’m assuming he’s seriously injured or dead. Dale asked if he was just to observe, check the situation, and report. Matt said yes, and Dale said it didn’t add up. Something’s off, and I want a complete report on the advance man. What ate for breakfast, who he spoke to, everything do you understand? Matt said yes, but why, and Dale said we’re being played.

The proper response for an unarmed intruder is to call the authorities, rough them up, or both. Admiral Armstrong is a man of rules. Hurt one of mine, and I’ll hurt ten of yours. You don’t kill an unarmed intruder unless he wasn’t unarmed and was doing something to endanger or kill them. We’ve got a rogue unit within the CIA, and we need to find out who they are fast. Bob Naham may be one of them, so do a deep dive into his life. He disregarded my orders and tortured William Armstrong Jr. Matt said shit I’ll get right on it and left.

While eating dinner, Grandfather got a call from the hospital. The nurse reported that a doctor she hadn’t seen before was reading patient files during rounds. When asked who he was looking for, he said I’m on the wrong floor and left. William said Thank you for the warning, and we’ll be there shortly. Grandfather and Kane left the table to prepare, and when they left, Grandmother said to be careful.

On the way to the hospital, Grandfather told Kane We need the intruder alive. We’ll take him to an abandoned building or warehouse and interrogate him. He could have information on who ordered the hit and why. If not, the fool will suffer a painful death. Now we’re going to Will’s floor; check in with the nurse, and you’ll stay in his room out of sight. I’ll go shopping for supplies then return. If something happens while I’m gone, call me immediately.

They entered the hospital after visiting hours were over, went to Will’s floor, and checked in with the nurse. Kane got settled in Will’s room, and Grandfather left to shop for interrogation supplies. He went to a 24-hour Walmart and got a butane torch from the plumbing section. In the paint section, he got duct tape, two tarps, painter’s togs, and gloves. In hardware, he picked up rope, a pulley, and tie wraps, and hand pruners from the lawn and garden. He grabbed a first aid kit and two bottles of alcohol from the pharmacy section on the way to check.

While Grandfather was gone, a doctor entered Will’s room, went to his IV, and pulled out a syringe from his jacket. Kane knocked him out and put him into a deep sleep by pressure point. Kane went to the nursing station and borrowed a wheelchair. He removed the man’s doctor’s coat and then put it on him. Grandfather returned, saw the man in a wheelchair, and told Kane Good job. They took him out to the staff elevator and rolled out the employee entrance.

When he was in the rear of the Yukon, Grandfather handed the assassin’s car keys to Kane and told him to press the fob until you locate it. Then drive it here and follow me to a building I saw on the way to Walmart. Kane found the assassin’s car and followed Grandfather to the abandoned building. They stripped the man, hung him on a beam, and put a plastic under him. Kane woke him up with punches to the stomach and balls. After a beating and removing three fingers, the man begged them to stop.

He told them he was hired by email and paid by wire transfer. Kane asked where his laptop was and the access code. It took two toes for him to tell them it was under the backseat of his car. Kane went to the car, retrieved the laptop, returned, and gained access. Kane purposely asked for the code because he didn’t want Grandfather to know about his hacking skills. Grandfather said Let’s end it and injected the assassin with the syringe he was going to use on Will.

They lowered the man, rolled him up in the tarp, secured it with duct tape, and put him in the rear of the Yukon. Leaving the assassin’s car, they threw the body in a closed restaurant dumpster on the way home. Arriving home, Grandfather told Kane not to tell your Grandmother the unpleasant details. We will tell her that we stopped an assassination attempt on Will. They parted ways and went to bed.

The next morning, during breakfast, William told Hattie that they stopped an assassination attempt on Will last night. He’s fine, and if the director calls about the lawsuit, don’t tell him about the attempt on Will’s life or our intruder. That will only muddy the waters and delay any settlement. Hattie said, “I’ll keep him in the dark about those events and make him change his shorts with my settlement demand.”

After breakfast, CIA Director Dale Wright called Hattie Armstrong about a settlement. Hattie listed her demands, and Dale said she was insane. Hattie said That’s my offer, and you have until 4 p.m. to accept it. If not, I have everything ready to file with the courts and to send copies to the media, and then she hung up laughing. Dale had their legal counsel, Greg Beacham, listening to the conversation. Greg told Dale Hattie’s demands were outrageous.

But if you don’t meet them, you’re done as the CIA Director. The agency will never be the same. The oversight will be so severe that everyone will have to ask permission to use the restroom. The CIA will become a laughing joke to our enemies, and we’ll lose all of our assets, top agents and staff. Dale said thanks for painting such a rosy picture for me. Greg told Dale he was stating a fact, and Dale told Greg, “You’ve just confirmed what I already knew.”

Dale called Hattie back and agreed to the settlement. She said, “Great, I’ll bring it to CIA Headquarters at 4 p.m., and my grandson will be with me.” Please clear our arrival with the front desk, and no tricks, Dale. William will be at the courthouse ready to file should he not hear from us. Remember the post office is close by too, and she hung up. Kane asked Grandmother if he gets to kill or maim some spooks. His grandparents laughed, and Grandfather said, “Only if you are attacked.”

Kane went to his room and began programming a new program he called “Spread the Joy.” It would attach his worm to the contacts he designated in his target’s email account. Kane planned to test it on Jay Watkin, the assistant director in charge of congressional affairs for the CIA email. He needed to know more soon about the people Jay worked for or reported to. Once he tried to open his safe for the payoffs, he’d know someone was on to him. So unfortunately, Jay didn’t have a long lifeline.

It was getting late, so he saved his work and looked up the information on CIA Director Dale Wright’s home address for Grandfather. Dale was married with two children in high school. That’s where Kane got Dale’s home address from the high school administration records. He hacked into the high school computer system and got what he needed. Grandmother said it was time to leave. He wrote down the address, shut off the computer, and went downstairs.

Kane slipped Grandfather the address and whispered to him It’s for our project tonight. Grandfather said, “Great, I’ll get everything ready for tonight,” and Kane went with Grandmother to the CIA headquarters. They breezed through security and were escorted to Director Dale Wright’s office. Dale welcomed them and introduced their in-house counsel, Greg Beacham. Greg said they were awfully trusting coming here without backup.

Kane said we have a plan for any trouble. I kill everyone on this floor, then we hide in a closet and call 911. When they arrive, we tell them about six men killing everyone. So, does anyone want to test our plan? Dale said, “No, let’s finish business.” While Dale read the agreement, Kane whispered to Greg that he would be the first to die. But don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing. Greg quickly moved his chair away from Kane, and Grandmother asked what he said to Greg.

She laughed when Kane told her and said the asshole deserved it for the comment about backup when we enter. Dale called in his assistant, and he noticed all the signatures. Greg signed as a witness. When the assistant left to copy the agreement, Kane asked Mr. Beacham whether his job was to advise on issues at the CIA. Greg said yes, and Kane asked what advice did you offer for the torture of my Dad. Greg’s face turned red, and he stuttered; then the assistant returned with the copies of the agreement.

Hattie told Dale to make the deposit immediately in the Cayman Islands Bank account. I will check it when we get home to confirm the deposit was made. She reminded Dale to fulfill the other terms immediately too, and they left. Leaving the building, Kane said there was something strange about their legal counsel, Greg Beacham. Grandmother asked what was so strange about him. Kane said, instead of denying any involvement, he turned red and stuttered. Grandmother said, “Oh my God, you’re right.”

After the Armstrongs left the director’s office, Dale asked Greg why he baited them with the backup comment. You put them on the defensive, and the look in Kane’s eyes was frightening. Greg told Dale what Kane said to him, and Dale said he didn’t doubt what Kane said. Now, why didn’t you deny any knowledge of the torture of William Armstrong Jr.? You sat there stuttering like a guilty man, thinking of an answer. Greg got pissed and left the office.

When they got home, Kane confirmed that the deposit had been made to the Cayman Islands bank account his grandparents had set up for his Dad. Hattie told William there’s another person we need to check out. There, in-house counsel Greg Beacham commented that we were fools for not bringing backup. Kane shocked everyone, including me, saying they had a plan. He would kill everyone on the floor, then we’d hide in a closet and call 911. We would report six men killed everyone, and we hid.

Grandfather laughed and said that was a good plan to make them think. Ellie then told William about Kane asking Greg, since he gives advice to the CIA, if he advised on the torture of his Dad. Greg turned red and stuttered, and William said that’s a sign of a guilty man. We’ll add Greg Beachham to our list and told Kane he did a great job stirring up the pot.

After dinner, Grandfather whispered to Kane to be ready to go at 11:30 tonight. They went to bed, and at 11 p.m., Kane woke up, showered, dressed in dark clothes, then went to the den. Grandfather arrived and took off in the Yukon. They had driven a few miles, and Kane told him to pull over and park. Grandfather asked why, and Kane said Mom had taught him never to use his own vehicle for a job. They got out, and Kane picked the lock of a Toyota Camry. He took pictures of the parking spot and the steering wheel and seat positions.

Then he hot-wired the car and asked Grandfather whether he was driving or I should. Grandfather laughed, got into the driver’s seat, adjusted the steering wheel and seat, then they took off. On the way to Dale Wright’s house, Grandfather asked Kane what else his Mom taught him, and Kane said everything she thought he’d need. Grandfather said they had a resident NOC, and they laughed. Grandfather parked a block away on a side street and told Kane how to set the explosive.

They put on gloves and ski masks and assembled the device. Grandfather told him to enter the property from the alleyway. Place the explosive next to the gas tank and set the timer to 20 minutes. I’ll pick you up at the alleyway, “ Kane said, and he took off. He placed the explosive next to the gas tank, set the timer, and returned to the alley entrance. Grandfather picked him up, and they returned the stolen car. Kane reset the driver’s seat and steering wheel. After checking the parking placement, they returned home.

Grandfather told Kane he had some things to do and to go to bed. They saw a flash of light in the distance, but heard little sound. Kane went to bed, and Grandfather burned their ski masks and gloves, then put the explosives in the hidden bomb shelter with his other toys. Then he thoroughly cleaned the Yukon’s interior with a leather cleaner and conditioner. He shampooed and vacuumed the carpet, then went to bed.

Dale Wright, his wife Becky, son Dale Jr., and his daughter Britney were woken up by the blast. So were the whole neighborhood and the blocks surrounding them. He looked out the broken kitchen window to see his wife’s Suburban engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived, and then the police and the FBI followed. While Dale answered questions, his wife, Becky, packed, and Junior and Britney packed some bags too. Becky called her parents and came and picked them up. After answering questions for hours, he returned to bed and fell asleep.

Chapter 3

During breakfast the next morning, Grandmother asked if they had heard about the CIA director’s car being blown up last night. Grandfather said no and asked Kane if he had heard anything. Kane said no, he slept late and hadn’t read the news online. Grandmother said someone blew up his wife’s Suburban in the driveway and they suspect it was a terrorist attack. William said that doesn’t sound right, as no one was hurt. Terrorists go for body counts and would have blown up the house.

Then the doorbell rang, and William answered it. It was the FBI, and they wanted to ask them questions about the bombing at the CIA director’s home. William said he’s never met the man, but his wife met with him yesterday and called Hattie to the door. Hattie asked if they had a warrant, summons, or an order from a judge. They said no; someone named your family as possible suspects. Haddie asked who named them, and the agents said that was confidential.