Dan Barns: Problem Solver

Chapter Nine

A/N: Do not forget to vote or leave a comment.  Things hit home for Dan on this one.  

I am a unusual sort of man. I have money and a part time job that interferes with everything. I know people say that their jobs make it hard for them to have a life, but this time, it really caused me a headache.

I have worked for The Company for a while. I am use to the antics that they use to get a hold of me. I have been on some high profile missions, and I have made some really resourceful enemies. Sometimes, getting away can be the only relief a man can get.

I decided that going fishing up state was a wonderful way to spend my Friday and Saturday since I had been sent out on three missions within the last two weeks. I need the down time. Cell phone was going to be turned off, no computer, just me, a tent, a canoe, my fishing pole, and a chest of food. Sounded perfect, so I drove the three hours to the tributary that I liked to go to when I need time alone to reflect and to think about anything.

Setting up a campsite is the first and most important thing when going camping. I cleared it with the park ranger, and found my favorite spot by the water spot. I could fish from the bank or ride in the canoe, or just sit back and relax. I was just sitting out my camp chair when my cell phone rung. It was my neighbor telling me my house just got broke into. Sheriff Garrett needed me to call. Nothing was taken, but a note was left. My neighbor said she had called to get my door repaired so I told her I would pay her when I got back.

My next thing was to call the sheriff. "I need to speak to Garrett. This is Barns." I said calmly. I heard the phone fly across the room and hit the hand of someone.

"This is Garrett. Dan you have a problem. Someone has mistaken you for a world spy and has threaten to kill you. I don't know who would do this but we have an Asian in the jail and he said he is just the messenger. He said you would know what this is about." Bill Garrett said in almost one breathe.

"Bill, calm down. I am out of town for the weekend. I will make some phone calls and some FBI will come down and help you find out who this is. I want you to just let them do their job. If I am a spy, then they will know what needs to happen. I will be back on Sunday and will check things over. Right now I am fishing, or about to be. I will bring you back some fish." I said as I looked towards the water.

"Okay, as long as you are safe. Let me know when you are heading back and I will meet you at your house." Bill said as he hung up.

I could tell he was thinking I was blowing this off. I knew rushing down there was what the person wanting me to do. So I sat back in my chair and baited up my hook. Never do what the bad guy wants if you are already out of his way and he has no clue where you are. It saves your life, and keeps him on his toes.

I casted the hook into the water and then waited for a bit. I used that time to call the home office. I rarely call, so knowing everyone was not my bag.

"Hello, I need to speak to Rachel on the fourth floor. She is secretary for Andrew. " I said as I got a hit on the pole. It took about a minute to get transferred where I needed, which let me pull in a two pound bass. I was putting it into the basket when Rachel answered. "Give me a minute, this is Barns." I put down the phone and washed my hands. "Sorry about that. Let Andrew know that someone just kicked in my house. I was not home, and I got a call from a neighbor and I talked to the sheriff already. Asian man is in custody and he is just a messenger. I am safe and fishing. I will be back Sunday for pizza."

"Mr. Barns, Andrew is right here." Rachel said. I groaned. I knew he would want me to come in. I have fish biting and hate the big city.

"Dan are you okay?" Andrew asked as he was reading the message I was trying to leave. "You need to come in so we can protect you. Where are you and are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I was not even home. I am fishing and I am out till Sunday. I told Bill that you would send FBI down to investigate the scene and that he was to help them as much as he could." I said calmly.

"Who would want you out of the picture and how did they find you?" Andrew asked. I so badly wanted to play dumb, but I knew that it could be any number of fun people.

"I don't know. I could give you a list of the places you sent me to retrieve data or people or items or where you sent me to stop this or that. Andrew, I am not a popular person to invite to drug stings or coming out parties. So just think on who has the money to hire the person in custody."

This was one of those days where knowing what I know about the people I know, is what is more dangerous than doing my job. Andrew was quite and I could tell he was starting to worry. I also knew he wanted me to be safe and not knowing where I was had started new gray hairs to form.

"Dan, I will call you when we get something. Be safe and stay off the radar." Andrew said after a worried pause.

"I will dad, I will turn the phone on twice a day to check messages. Send people to check into this as soon as you can. I do want to know who wants my hide on their wall." I said then laughed. I hung up the phone and turned it off. I knew anyone with a computer and a brain will be watching for my phone to be used.

I fished, and thought, and fished. I was antsy and I wanted answers. I play a mean game, but I also knew I was the target of choice, so it had to be someone with money and power, with a good set of goons. I started with countries, but that list was too wide spread. I then went through the big wigs that I recently got mad. That was shorter, but more recent with money was the Arab that had lost his daughter due to me. There was the crime circle who lost a few tons of drugs and guns. Then we can not forget the some of my more distant "Friends". Some people want me to help them, others just wanted me dead or at least out of commission.

I fell asleep in the chair, a jerk of the line brought me to my feet.