Chapter 31

Present – Byron – At Houston Intercontinental airport

I look at Thom and question, "You know what this means?"

He responds, "Hell yes! I need to call Jennifer."

He takes out a throw-away phone and dials Jennifer...

Present – Jens – At the cabin

I destroyed the TV after thinking Ben knocked up Stacy and feel like hell. I look at everyone, swallow my pride and apologize, "Gee guys I'm sorry for overreacting."

I expect to be blasted but Masha simply comments, "Jennifer your outburst of anger was understandable however it was also caused by poor judgment. I could have informed you that your Ben did not impregnate Stacy Summers. You really must learn to control your emotions before they injure you or someone else."

I prepare to answer when my phone rings. I look at the caller ID and inform everyone, "It's Thom, he might have a lead on Megan."

I answer the call, "Okay Thom, what did you find."

Thom replies, "Jennifer, Megan fled the country to Venezuela and they don't have an extradition treaty with the USA."

I hear Byron in the background correct him, "Thom they do have an extradition treaty, but the current regime ignores it."

Thom adds, "I guess we've hit a dead end."

I say, "Hold on for a moment, let me run this past Jack and the team."

I look at Jack and Masha and ask, "It looks like Megan is in Venezuela. What do you think we should do?"

Jack says, "Have them go after her! After what she did I wouldn't leave her running around loose."

Masha adds, "Yes Ms. Donaldson, she is like a putrefying wound which needs to be lanced."

That was exactly the way I felt, (even if it should have been 'a festering sore that needs to be drained') so I order, "Thom and Byron, you're not going to like this, but you two need to go after her."

Masha queries, "Ms. Donaldson, might I have a word with Thom before you hang up?"

I order, "Thom, hold on, Masha wants to talk to you."

I hand the phone to Masha...

Present – Masha – At the cabin

I acquire the mobile phone from Ms. Donaldson, move away from everyone else for privacy and question, "Thomas, to which city did she arrive?"

He replies, "Caracas."

I continue my interrogation, "Do you still have connections in the DEA?"

There is a short pause and he says, "Masha I might, but why do you ask."

I answer, "Contact them and see if they will infiltrate you into Aruba. From there you can take a ship into Caracas. I would also make sure they supply you with weapons."

Thom answers, "Do you think we will need them."

I reply, "You will most certainly need them because she will have found undesirable associates who would not think twice about eliminating you."

Thom answers, "Gee thanks."

I reply, "You are most welcome."

I disconnect the call, walk over, hand the phone to Ms. Donaldson, look at my husband Jack and mention, "I think I need to spend a short amount of time on the computer."

Present – Jack – At the cabin

I and everyone else heard enough of Masha's conversation to confirm that she's not a soccer mom (if there was any question left), but hell I don't care anymore! She's hot as hell, loves me from the bottom of her heart, gave me a great son and is carrying my child – I'm sure as hell not going to complain that she was or is a spy because she's never asked me anything out of the ordinary.

We head to the room and I question, "Are you going to make sure Thom and Byron have some help?"

She smiles at me and confirms, "Most certainly my husband. It is good that things are finally out in the open."

She gets on the computer, I put Ivan to bed, she sends some e-mails, then comes to bed and we ... Well like I said before I sure don't kiss and tell!

Present – Jens – At the cabin

I look at the twins and Alexi and say, "Sharik and I are tired, we're going off to bed."

Alexi answers, "Yes Ms. Donaldson this has been a most entertaining evening however, we also need to retire."

Sharik and I head to our room and crawl into bed. We are almost asleep when I hear a hell of a racket...

Present – Mira, Ira and Alexi – At the cabin

We retire to our room and Alexi questions, "Mira, did Ms. Donaldson forget that Mr. Blaine is unable to father children?"

I decide this will be an excellent teaching tool so I respond, "Alexi, Ms. Donaldson allowed her emotions to control her actions and when that happens..."

Ira finishes, "she careens out of control. This occasionally happens to us."

I was thankful for Ira including both of us but I still correct, "Alexi, Ira is supporting me by telling you we both have occasional emotional issues, however that is an incorrect association. I still have emotional attachments to Ben Blaine which sometimes create unfortunate issues."

Ira adds, "Yes these issues have been acknowledged to become problematic in the past."

Alexi questions, "Mira, did you destroy any televisions?"

I look at Ira and blush and Ira advises, "Alexi, no television appliances were terminated, however Mira did terminate some miscellaneous equipment with her lower bipedal unit and we did experience several physical altercations."

Alexi grows wide-eyed and states, "I am not sure I ever want to fall in love."

Ira explains, "Alexi, outside of the love within our family I have never experienced such an emotion."

I know it is my duty to respond, "Alexi, not because of your looks but because of your intelligence, you will have many women interested in you. It is inevitable that you will experience love."

He questions, "Why would women be more interested in me because of my intelligence than my looks. I assumed that women are always attracted to the best looking men."

I giggle and elucidate, "Alexi you do not fathom women. Young women who are in high school are certainly more concerned about a man's appearance. However they realize, as they mature, that an intelligent man will provide a more stable and rewarding home."

Ira adds, "And also be aware that attractive women can be a most formidable opponent. Many times the men we terminated did not notice the weapon in our hand until it was past time for action."

I concur, "Yes Alexi, beautiful women are a trap that should be avoided at all costs."

He looks wide-eyed at both of us and states, "I am glad I have two beautiful sisters who will protect me and I promise that I will help to keep my sister Mira from throwing bowls of cookies at the television. I do have one question I would like to proffer if possible."