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At the heliport, Jack Hoskins met Brad Spencer and David Gorridge and led them onto the awaiting helicopter.
“We have a short hop to Dulles where we’ll pick up one of our specialists, and from there we’ll take a company jet to Tbilisi, Georgia. I hope you brought something to read, it’s gonna be a long flight.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty to keep us busy,” David said as he pointed to a suitcase that was marked CIA Confidential.”
“That must be the Hummingbird, I’ve been dying to get my hands on one of those,” Hoskins said.
A short time later the helicopter touched down in Dulles and the three men hurried to the private jet where Frank Prescott was waiting to meet them.
“I’m really glad you could make it, Frank,” Hoskins said, “This is Brad Spencer and David Gorridge, they work in electronic surveillance.
“Nice to meet you boys,” Frank said as he extended his hand.
“Gentlemen, this is Frank Prescott one of our senior field agents. Anytime that we hear that any radioactive materials, weapons, explosives, or by products have gone astray, we call in Frank.”
Frank looked at the two young men and wished that he could turn around and go back to his office. He could tell just by looking at them that they had no field experience at all. Taking them on a potentially dangerous mission would be like taking someone’s grandmother. You constantly have to look out for their safety as well as your own, and this generally has a negative effect on the outcome of any mission.
“Jack tells me that you’re from Georgia and may have a hot lead for us,” Frank said to David.
“Yes Sir, I’m originally from Tbilisi and my sister witnessed it first hand.”
“What’s your guess as to what were dealing with here, Frank?” Hoskins asked.
“I’m afraid that if the information that you’ve given me is correct, we’re dealing with a deadly amount of cesium 137. That’s what was used in the Soviet agriculture experiments during the early seventies. The cesium has a half-life of thirty years. If they dump some of this into a populated area they could shut down human life in that area for decades and that says nothing about the debilitating side effects it would have on the people who are exposed. Let’s hope that the cans that your sister saw were sealed lead containers. The cesium is usually in a talc or powdered form, so it would be very easy to disperse, absolutely perfect for a dirty bomb or a crop duster fun ride. Needless to say gentlemen, we have to find those canisters now.”
“I notified our team in Europe,” Hoskins said, “They’re currently in route to the Georgian port city of Batumi where they’ll be watching the docks up and down the coast. I asked for Henry Carr.”
“That good, there’s none better,” Frank said as he turned his attention back to David.
“You said that your sister saw this happen yesterday, 2:00 P.M. Georgia time, is that correct?”
“Yes sir.”
“If we’re lucky, they haven’t transported the cesium far from the farm yet. Will your sister be interested in joining us when we get to Georgia?”
“I was thinking about that, sir, and if you don’t mind, I would much rather she didn’t. Unlike myself, Tamara wishes to remain in Georgia, and I’d hate to have her implicated in any local criminal activities. I know the Shengelia family, and the location of their farm, so, if you don’t mind, I would like to leave her out of this.”
“I could appreciate that,” Frank said.
“I agree, son,” Hoskins said, “We shouldn’t need to involve your sister.”
“Thanks.”
“On that note, gentlemen, the clock is ticking, let’s get this five hour flight behind us.”
As they boarded the plane, Hoskins asked Frank, “How are things going?”
“I’m hanging in there, still trying to keep busy, and by the way, I appreciate your asking for me.”
“Why wouldn’t I? I can’t think of anyone better.”
As they get closer to their seats, Frank whispered quietly to Hoskins, “I could understand your bringing the Georgian, but why’d you need to take the other kid along?”
“They’ve known each other for five years and David appears to be more relaxed with people that he knows. I think we could get more out of him if he’s with someone that he’s more comfortable with.”
“I’ll buy that, but let’s hope that you and I could keep them out of trouble.
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