A Chuckling Right

 245.

Disaster once again narrowly averted, we arrive at the safe house. Its location, secure and temporary lodging for VJ and his Mother, pending her release from the clinic, is a low-key apartment near our downtown office used for witness protection. With video surveillance of the street and underground parking, one agent can effectively provide the necessary protection for those promising information or related to those who have. These are those.

We have established a positive relationship with VJ, the reciprocality respectful as well as informative. Drysdale will take the first watch and meets us at the apartment.

"Vincent Sarccino Junior this is Agent Drysdale. He will be your host and chief of security for the night. You Mother will join us once she is released from the clinic, hopefully tomorrow. Agent Drysdale this is Vincent Junior," I begin. "VJ" says Vincent, "please call me VJ."

"Alright, VJ it is sir," returns Drysdale, extending his hand, "Do you have any questions, like what kind of pizza should we order for dinner?"

"I have two questions, but pepperoni is fine, thank you, one is: Why am I here? And two is what did the perps - you call them that, right? - what did they hope to gain by kidnapping us? Which leads to question number three, since it looks like we have the time: Where is my Dad? And, I guess, question four: Are you guys FBI?"

Although VJ has asked the question of Drysdale I take the opportunity to answer. I dismiss Mustang sending her back to the office for a quick session with Julie and also with the instruction to head home for a good rest afterwords, as she will take the day shift tomorrow. "At zero-niner."

Mustang heads for the door as I return my focus to VJ and his four quires. "Let's take it from the top. First, can we get one with onions and mushrooms? Second, you are here because there are bad guys who want to use you as leverage, to keep certain facts secret, and we feel it best to keep you, and your Mom, temporarily out of their reach. Third, your Dad is under similar protection at another facility, and four, no, we are not FBI, although we work directly with them in joint ventures sharing intelligence and operational logistics, the same partnership we employ with local agencies like the DC police, CIA and special military units." I can see from the exchange that the four questions will quickly escalate into eight, and allow VJ, the time to process them.

Turning to Drysdale I pose the option, "Maybe I should take the first shift, why don't you head back and join Mustang in the wrap debrief and spell her tomorrow afternoon?"

"You got it," he says turning towards VJ, "Nice meeting you VJ, see you tomorrow and enjoy the pizza."

"Likewise Agent Drysdale, we'll save you a slice."

Drysdale tosses a knowing up-and-down at each of us and leaves the scene with a chuckling, "Right."