Trouble in Tarragona Part II: A Spy Story from the World of Agency
By Julian Darius (With contributions from William Thomas)
Ayden Boyle sat in the uncomfortable, high-backed chair in the waiting area of Chamberlain office and stared across at a long couch beneath three paintings. He told himself he had chosen the stiff-backed seat for its view of the art, but the longer he waited, the more he noted the comfort of the couch. He reminded himself, perhaps not for the first time, that he had always chosen the more difficult road.
“The Undersecretary will see you now,” announced Chamberlain’s assistant. She stood and opened the door for Ayden, then shut it behind him as he entered.
From behind an antique desk flanked by leaded windows and military portraits, Chamberlain barked, “You’ve been assigned to Blackman for almost a year now. Would you care to explain why you haven’t fed me anything I can use?”
“I’ve reported several infractions. Has your office not been forwarding my memos?”
“Poppycock!”
Chamberlain might have been one of the few men on the planet who could have made that word sound both angry and intimidating. “Minor infractions. I’m looking to bury the man.”
“I understand, sir. But if I may be so bold, I doubt you’d wish to wound him. We both know that, if you’re going to come after Blackman, you’d better take him down.”
Chamberlain paused, weighing the remark. A year ago, fresh out of The Watchers’ grueling training course, Ayden wouldn’t have dared such impertinence. Was Blackman wearing off on him? Had he been turned? Or was he finally learning to think for himself? Chamberlain couldn’t decide, but he had no better option than to trust the boy.
“I’ve had a very interesting call,” Chamberlain began again, his tone slower now. “One of Blackman’s most prized assets, codenamed Manuel, dialed an emergency line last night.”
“Have you informed him?” Ayden asked, too quickly, his voice hitching with concern.
Chamberlain’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll do so the moment you step out of this office. Protocol requires the asset’s handler to establish contact. Blackman’s protective of his assets. If Manuel is truly in danger, perhaps Blackman’s instincts will betray him. Perhaps he’ll break the rules. Perhaps,” he added, “you’ll encourage him to do so…at the right moment.”
“I understand,” Ayden said, though a flicker of doubt ran through him. Chamberlain had just broken protocol himself, compromising the asset’s safety by informing Ayden first. And if Chamberlain was willing to gamble with that… what else might he risk?
“Then get out of here,” Chamberlain snapped, waving a hand like shooing a dog. “And enjoy your trip to Spain.”
As Ayden closed the heavy door behind him, he heard Chamberlain pick up the phone and growl, “Get me Raven. It’s an emergency.”