Chapter 83

As we exited Doctor Abrams private office, Sherrie, Jennifer, and I were instantly surrounded by my security team. It was way over the top, and I waited to be briefed. The team leader, Jack Maxwell, said, "We had a breach. Your suite was tossed this morning, sometime after you all went your separate ways."

His words struck hard, and I waited for the really bad news. "We've cleaned up, checked for bugs, and placed cameras in every location possible. No one is approaching your suite without our eyes on them.

"But, you won't need to worry about it.

"For now, we're taking a wait and see posture until we fully examine the street views and lobby video. On a positive note, the hotel is going apoplectic. They do not lightly suffer security problems, and their executive staff is driving their end of the investigation like a bunch of maniacs.

"Dr. Temple and Miss Bell are fine, but not at the hotel. We'll rendezvous with them in just a few minutes, for a nice dinner at the Wasa Alle that Dr. Temple arranged. It's a very special restaurant - considered the number one dining experience in Sweden, and has a reputation for being very discrete. I doubt your headwaiter will know who you are, by name, or description.

They will cooperate with our security needs. The Embassy has contacted us and is insisting on supplementing us for the duration of your stay in Sweden. You will find things 'different' when we exit the building, so be warned."

"What does 'different' mean?" I asked.

Jack Maxwell was about forty, tall, lean, but hard looking, and very strong. His hands looked like they could crack a cement block into small pieces. He smiled - something I hadn't seen before. "The Ambassador, apparently on orders from the White House, has taken it upon himself to move your entire party, including Jerry, Jennifer, her care team, and her mother, into private accommodations within the US Embassy compound.

"We went along with it because, frankly, we had no choice in the matter. The Embassy is leading the investigation into the breach, and as guests of the State of Sweden, we have very little effective leverage. Between an Ambassador that is terrified of something happening to you on his watch, and a very protective Justice Department, DHS, and White House, not to mention the unusual 'special interest' of a certain Federal Judge, there are very few stones that will remain unturned.

With the breach, the Embassy, and my bad news, today, I was suddenly so tired, that I didn't care if I ever had dinner. Jack led Sherrie, Jennifer, and me out to an armored sedan that was surrounded by a blatant show of security. My first thought was, 'I should just walk away from all this and let the mob kill me. Then Rebecca, Colleen, and her parents could get on with their lives.'

Jack seemed to sense my mood and smiled encouragingly.

It didn't work.

It turned out that Jennifer and Sherrie were taken straight to the Embassy by a separate team.

Someone thought ahead, and realized that the little girl needed to be changed, cleaned up, and cared for, outside of the needs of the rest of us. I found myself very grateful for that.

The ride to dinner was short - shortened, because the City of Gothenburg had turned out a contingent of police vehicles that cleared our path all the way. I asked Jack to get names and station information, so I could send thank you gifts. He seemed to think that was a marvelous idea.

Colleen flew into my arms, as I walked into our private dining room. Rebecca was hot on her heels, and soon I had my two ladies in my arms, hugging and kissing my fears away. We enjoyed our greeting so much, that when we finally finished, the first course was served, and our wait staff waited, patiently, for us to sit and begin.

Rebecca gave me 'the look, ' and I knew she'd already spoken to someone at Doctor Abrams clinic. It was all over her face. Colleen kept looking between us, which told me she had no idea. That would have to wait. Dinner looked far too wonderful to ignore.

Sweden has many fine dining establishments, and if we had time, I would have loved to sample them all. As it was, we would be leaving on our yacht in the morning. There was no way I was exposing Jennifer to any danger. Colleen asked my thoughts, and I said as much.

"I agree with Brian," Rebecca said, firmly.

Colleen mentioned that the boat had arrived and we could schedule departure as necessary. She stepped away from the table to let the captain know of our plans. Fully satisfied with our dinner, we allowed Jack to herd us back to the Embassy and our new accommodations.