Murmansk

Chapters 38, 39, & 40

Chapter 38

December 12, 2000

Patrick McGruder watched the clouds pass below. Puffy and white, the blue sky surrounding them reminded him of a cool pool of water even as they reflected the magnificent sun of the day. McGruder sighed...if only his outlook could be so bright.

"You ok?" Michael Montana asked quietly.

McGruder turned to his old friend, a tight smile forming on his lips.

"Yes Montana, I'm just not so used to being on this side of the equation I guess."

Michael nodded in understanding. "It can happen to any of us Patrick...nature of the beast."

Returning his eyes to the front, Michael smiled at the sight that met him.

A very sexy Beth Montoya, his Forensic Accountant/Field Operative was leaning over Joe Bright's seat. Joe was the other operative that he had brought along on this mission.

Two of only three in his inner circle, Michael had brought the best of the best along for this particular mission. But it wasn't Beth's work in the field he was thinking about at that moment.

Having had an on and off sexual relationship with her over the last couple of years, his mind was absorbed on a past exploit in the bedroom.

Catching himself, he cleared his throat before turning back toward McGruder. "You've made the right choice today Patrick, this will give us an edge when we get on the ground."

"Indeed," McGruder nodded, "One which I hope we can take full advantage of if everything goes according to plan."

"It will," Michael grinned, "It was thought up by two of the best in the business." A movement in the aisle claimed his attention again; Joe Bright and Beth were now moving toward him.

A hulk of a man, Joe came off as fat in his usual tacky jacket and slacks, but Michael knew better. Having met Joe on the very first day of Michael's first operation, they had been together ever since. An ex detective, Joe was a chain-smoking, uncouth individual that always got results.

"Pilot says two hours," Joe mumbled as he approached Michael's seat, "Bethy and me's gonna break out the gear and set it up."

Michael smiled at Beth's grimace; Joe always called her Bethy, much to her dismay.

"Good idea," Michael responded. "Don't catch anything on fire."

He knew part of the reason that Joe was volunteering to go to the cargo hold was his need for a nicotine infusion.

"Fucking pissant," Joe muttered under his breath before raising his voice, "If I do, I guess you'll be one of the first people to know."

Beth rolled her eyes as she followed Joe into the rear of the plane.

"It's good to see Joe again," McGruder observed when they had passed. "A good guy...although I think you may be the only man that he could ever hope to work for...at least for any length of time."

Michael had to laugh at Patrick's observation. "You may be right about that...it takes a mind with a certain bent to handle Joe's...."

"Peculiarities?" McGruder finished Michael's sentence. "Yes, I suppose it would. Still, I'm overjoyed that he is here, as well as you and Beth."

McGruder's smile turned to sadness again before he turned his face once again toward the window.

Michael noticed.

"If they are as good as you say they are Patrick, they will come out of this fine."

McGruder turned again toward Michael. "I hope they are as good as I think they are too," he responded before turning back toward the window.