Smoke and Mirrors Read Free Page A

identified? Because if Ivan Drasnov found out they set him up, he’d have sent sympathetic Kriminalnaya after both of them. Christ, we know Ivan’s got connections here in London.” He tapped the armrest in agitation. “And what’s going on with AG these days? It could have been any of those bloody bastards Turner worked with. Have we interrogated him yet?”
    Swiping a tissue from its box, C said, “I admit that was my first thought. But we had the experts from Trades and Services look at it. Nothing out of the ordinary turned up. They even found two other such accidents on record. One happened in the States, the other in New Zealand.”
    Brad locked eyes with C. He was out of ideas. Out of energy. “You’ll let me know if anything else surfaces, yeah?”
    “Are you leaving?” C’s eyes flitted across Brad’s chest.
    Brad stood. “I’ve got business with my Colombian target. Only planned on being here until yesterday, but the debriefing was held this morning. I’m late as it is.”
    C wouldn’t argue the point. They had all suffered losses, albeit some worse than others. Unfortunately it was what they were bred for.
    “I know you’re pulling in the net; don’t get careless.”
    Glad to be reproved instead of coddled, Brad took two excruciating steps toward the oak door. “Do me a favor?” A ragged breath rattled his teeth. “Make my regrets.”
    “If it’s what you wish.”
    Brad opened the door and walked through. He could have made the memorial service if his life depended upon it. Never. Hell, he couldn’t even imagine facing Parker’s penetrating green gaze right now. Maybe ever again. It was bad enough being back at Vauxhall HQ; for the last time he’d been here, it had been for Nigel’s final debriefing. Huge, complicated plans were in motion because of his friend’s tenacity and brilliant fieldwork.
    But that was over. Nigel and his clever, perfect Sammy were over.
    C’s door clicked shut, but not before Brad heard the beep of a line being picked up. “Monroe,” C’s low voice murmured, “I’d like to talk to you about one of our agents.”
    Brad ignored the rest of the conversation. If the head of his division wanted him to see The Firm’s shrink, he’d have to send the quack to Sardinia.

Chapter Four
    “D r. Monroe sent over Parker’s file.” Jack handed the thick ‘Eyes Only’ folder to C. “And here’s this morning’s debriefing. The e-file’s been sent as well.”
    C traded the folders for a signed requisition form, which Jack folded away into his shirt pocket. “You were a Vetter when she applied, correct?”
    The Reports Officer nodded. “She was an unusual case. Met the criteria for being a British citizen born to British parents, but Dr. Brothers was basically raised in the States.” Jack paused before saying, “I also handle Agent Milton’s dossier.”
    C eyed Jack over the top of his glasses. “What of it?”
    Jack stepped toward the door, a smile kicking up the corner of his mouth. “I’ve been around here long enough to know nothing’s a coincidence.”
    C grunted and reached for his tea. “Close the door on your way out.” Then he opened the first file and eyed the thick, meticulously detailed debriefing. He scanned the pages until he found what he was looking for.
    Debriefing File 22B
    10, February 2012
    GMT 8:10-17:28 (30 minute break from 10:30-11:00 and 61 minute break from 13:00-14:01)
    Interviewers:
    Report Officers Ellen Fleming and John Thibaut
    A. SIS Employees:
     1. Administrative Officer (s): Chief of SIS
     2. Operation Officer(s): Report Officer Jack Kingston; Case Officers Alasdair MacLeod (Italy) and Jared Mahoney (Russia)
     3. Trades and Services Personnel:
       a. Security Specialists: Sean Brighton, Dean Mulvaney, Brian Smith; Driver: Benjamin Conroy (off duty)
     4. Medical Section: Dr. Parker Brothers
     5. Agent Section (to be removed unless copy given to C): Bradley Milton
     6. Technology Personnel: Alison Bridge
    B.