Russian Roulette

Chapter 38 : Setbacks

California

The skies outside were transformed in a shade of deep blue as I sat in the living room, with Vicky asleep in my arms, tuning into the evening news. The story of the attack in the White House has broke, I predicted that the place's security will be called into scrutiny. Now, I found myself watching Wolf Blitzer's report regarding the incident that is still cycling in the evening news circle. "Breaking news, the White House's West Wing has just experienced an attack that is targeting the Vice President of the United States." he reported. "We're still gathering information but due to safety reasons both the President and the Vice President have relocated to safety." the scene then cuts from the studio to the video of Marine One soaring through the night skies. "As you can see Marine One has been called in to evacuate the leaders to safety."

I sighed and gently bounced Vicky in my arms as I heard someone climbing down the wooden stairs. I said nothing and grabbed the remote, muting the report. Besides the electric lights the fireplace, where the TV is anchored above, provided the lightings in the ranch acting as a safehouse. The figure then walked off, possibly into the kitchen. According to the live updates I received from my principal Secret Service agent the remaining agents that Director McDonald has deployed have already done setting up security checkpoints on the main road leading to the safehouse. In addition to road checkpoints attack dogs were also sent, which are now sweeping the premise for threats. Bruce sat down beside me, wearing a crisp white button-down that has its sleeves rolled up. He noted the expression on my face and held me close in his grasp, trying not to startle Vicky. With a brief but passionate peck on my forehead he rubbed my shoulder. 

"I have been talking to Dick just now." Bruce said, almost in a whisper. "He could use our help. On his case I mean."

Spotting several pillows stacked on the couch I grabbed them and made a makeshift crib for Vicky to sleep on. "Why? I mean, you trained him." I ask.

"He ran into some shady target, he needs your help from the English side." I dipped my head low. 

"You know, back in the day when you started following me when I was in London on an assignment I told him about you. I hate to tell you this but-"

"MI6 started to pay attention to me? I sort of figured it out."

"He... he actually believed that you're a threat to me." Bruce leaned in close, clasping my shoulder. 

"I know we got off on the wrong foot back in the day Isa. And I assure you, I wasn't stalking you for any case, I'm just curious about you."

"Alfred said that you're trying to pursue a relationship with me." I said. 

"I admit, it is really hard for me." he said. "I'm really in love with you, and still are." I placed a hand on his, reassuring him. "I owe you an apology for the call."

"You left your phone?"

"No." he said. "I don't know how did she get it." taking the remote again I unmuted the channel as Wolf prepared to say something while a live feed showing the Press Briefing Room in the building of the Department of Justice. The door connecting the room and the hallway outside was opened and the Attorney General, Gerald Baker, entered the room as cameras flashed in the background. Standing behind the lectern he lowered his head, looking at an unknown document and sighed to himself. 

"Two hours ago, five-thirty p.m. local time, the leader of the Russian opposition, Sergei Volodin, has succumbed to the effects of the two doses of the nerve agent known as Novichok. He breathed his last in his wife's presence, Tatiana Volodin. He has been living in exile since leaving the Russian Federation, continuing his fight at the same time for a more democratic Russian Federation according to his words." my hand on the remote control stiffened as I reeled in Attorney Baker's report. I laid back, my breathing shaky as rage pulsed through my blood. 

"That doesn't sound good." Bruce said. 

"It has never been." I say, standing up.