Chapter 1

It was a pretty nice day in the D.C. area. Actually the river and park was in Alexandria VA but only 8 minutes from his office. After a bad morning, the run should relax him some. God knows he needed to relax. It had been a grueling few months. He was 24 and already wanted to retire. The last contract he had was like all the worst things people had warned him about came true.

Everyone wanted him to posture his conclusions on what would make their work and money better; not what was best for the client. In this case there were three of them; each bringing something to the table. The 'their' in this case were the people who had hired him; not the actual clients. They had agreed to a form of arbitration; not having any single person or group to advise them without sounding like they were 'singing the party line'.

Yep, you guessed it, they were all from different firms, countries even and did not speak English.(Or so it seemed)

It was a straight forward project, with two follow up's if the first went well. Mexico, Brazil and Argentina all needed toll roads built. The Germans, French and Japanese had been asked to sub to the American firm. They had hired me, I did speak those languages, and had been to those countries, came with a good reputation and clearances from my previous 'employer'.

The real world was not something I cared for. At the first 'private' dinner with the 'bosses' I became wary. When several phases and meanings came up in the table talks the American firm's rep told me how to respond and just tell them what they wanted to hear. It marked a decision that was very easy to make.

Very calmly and quietly, I told the three negotiators that this was not going to work out; that I was too young and it would be better if each of them had their own people to carefully review any agreements. Better for them to get people they could trust. James told the American rep that he was unable to do the job and 'politely' suggested they get someone more suited to 'taking orders'. He turned to leave.

"I think we already have someone. We have some other work that we would like your thoughts on. We will not be considering your 'projects' Mr. Rollins. Mr. James Dodder, would you be so kind as to join us for dinner?" He said this in English.

They all had serious misgiving about Mr. Rollins and his firm. When they heard for themselves the 'tell them what they want to hear' part, many things were confirmed and their future together looked bleak. They also were quite pleased on how I had refused to lie to them.

The dinner was to be that evening and I, of course accepted. This did not make Mr. Rollins happy and he 'threatened' that the 'Wrath of God' would descend on them and me. It was a $4-5 Billion deal.

The old saying 'Win Some and Lose Some' came to mind. My family, or I should say, those still speaking to me were down to my sister and an old Great Aunt. My Grandfather, when he passed had left me the bulk of his estate. All the toys he had accumulated were there too. My mother and father were going to fight it until my Great Aunt told them right out that not only would her lawyers fight for her brother's will in court, but that she would also be leaving my sister and me the bulk of her holdings. These were even larger than my Grandfather's. Mom and Dad split then, in a divorce, sulking but now happy with the $7,500 a month they each would be receiving.

My run was fated to be a short one, alas, I would miss our dinner appointment too.

I was just jogging one way when a small but beautiful girl ran by going the other way. I no longer had a girlfriend, she left to be with some Accountant or CPA. I never had told her what my Grandfather had left me, always meeting at her place, a restaurant or my D.C. apartment.(Which I had before the inheritance and was still under lease.)

I digress. Something I saw made me look back. I saw her shapely legs and ass right away. She also turned and looked back. I was by no means in her league but our eyes met. The Chinese have a saying, 'May you live in Interesting Times!' Another thought came to mind. This girl was pretty cute but young. Somehow the thought of 'Love At First Sight' crossed my mind, but thought better of it. I turned my head to continue my run.

There was a 'Thud', then the sounds of a body falling and hitting the asphalt. I turned back and saw her sprawled in front of a tree. As I ran up to her I hit my Emergency Speed Dial on the phone. Not thinking that I no longer worked for the Agency and gave my ID, Password and security code. "A little out of date James. What do you need?" came the voice.

I was embarrassed. "I need help! Not for me, some girl hit a tree while running here in Alexandria. I'm checking her now but she is out cold. I'm sorry to have called you! Could you give me the number of a Hospital or should I just call '911'.

"Help is on the way. You know you never leave us, just get to rest up a while. Who knows, you may be needed in the future. You can call us anytime, we'll be calling you, count on it."

The sound of cars, Black SUVs was very distinct and visible. Several men got out and came to me and the girl. These guys had been through this before.

"No ID on her!"

Meanwhile, one man on the ground was lancing her throat while another was on his cell. "Transport." he said.

The two men with me, walked me to one of the SUVs. "You need to come with us!" The man attending the collapsed girl said, she couldn't breath, a ride is coming and we'll take her in. She will be listed under your name at GWU Hospital. Our section, so call first. I heard the rotors of a Med Evac as the doors on the SUV were closed. It was a quiet trip. No a word was spoken. We got to a compound, went through security and I had to be escorted into the building. I saw a friendly face. "Hello Jim, did you miss the food or the coffee here? I know it was not the pay!."

"Hello yourself Bob! De-brief Huh!"

"You know the routine buddy. We don't know if she was a 'Honey Trap', going to kill you or if is just an accident. If she can't give us a name or number, we will start a facial recognition. In-fact, normal routine, it's already in the works."

I was there about three hours. I made a phone call to Mr. Bauer canceling our dinner. I tried to explained to him, in German, what had happened. Then I remembered something and spoke in English.

Not problem! It is refreshing to find one who values life over business. We will call you soon to re-schedule."

Bob came up to me and said. "Thanks! Now we need a translation, you want a part-time jig?"

Everything needed to be checked.

"Bob, can I go find out about the 'accident' victim? Would you call ahead and clear me? Can I get a ride back to my car or do I need a taxi?"

"Well, since you now 'part-time' with us, I guess we can let you use a car." He smiled. I guess I had another 'part-time job again!