Mystic Children, The Beginning

chapter 1

THE CHILDREN

Michael stood up from his chair, stretching out his skinny six-foot-two-inch frame. He looked down at the other children sitting in front of him and took a deep breath. At almost seventeen, he was one of the oldest of the group. He knew the rest of the Children looked to him as one of their leaders. He looked around the Community Room, which was fully equipped with a pool table, a foosball table, an air hockey table, two big-screen TVs, video game systems, computer stations, a piano, and several sofas and tables. The Facility had all the comforts of home and more. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a home. Instead it was an institution without a heart or a soul, run by a unfeeling bureaucrats. It wasn’t ugly or uncomfortable, but it was still their prison, operated by people who watched and listened to them constantly.

Michael glanced around the room again for a minute and then closed his eyes to concentrate. After almost a minute, he re-opened his eyes and looked around the room again. He knew they had eyes and ears everywhere. Once he was sure nobody could hear or see them, he said, We don’t have a lot of time before they get here, we need to talk quickly. I will start. I don’t like saying it, but we all know we have to get rid of him one way or another.

Carol, as the oldest and the second unofficial leader of the group, interrupted, We have refused to work with him or any of the staff. We have made half of the staff quit. They just keep bringing new people in and he is still here. He won’t leave.

Michael looked around the room, If he stays, they will close the Facility and separate us. We might never see each other again.

Carol looked at him and nodded, He threatened me with that yesterday. He was clearly upset that none of us are cooperating with him. What else can we do to make him leave?

Michael hesitated for a minute and looked at the group and then responded. I don’t see any other alternative. We have to push him.

Autumn, a tiny wisp of a girl at fifteen, shook her head hard. We might hurt him.

Michael looked at Autumn. Autumn, can you see another way? If we don’t get him out of here, we have no chance for a future.

Autumn looked around the room and then reluctantly replied, I know, I just don’t want to hurt anybody.

Even if we get him out of here, they may close this place. Even if they don’t close the place, how can we be sure the next person will be any better? Nick asked.

We have to try, Michael said.

Christine chimed in, Michael, what if they just close the Facility? Then what are we going to do?

Michael looked at Christine and Autumn, then he looked at the other six children. Let’s not think about that. We all need each other. Right now, it is just the nine of us. We are all in this together. This is a group decision, but I think we all know this is our only chance. If everyone has to think about it, that is fine, but we are running out of time. I don’t want to hurt anyone either, but we have to do something.

Looking around at everyone, Carol asked. Do we all agree, we will do what we have to do to get him to leave?

The Children, as a group, reluctantly nodded in agreement.

Then Autumn said, They are coming, as the Children quickly dispersed around the Community Room. The doors to the room burst open and four security guards came rushing in. The Children watched the guards as they checked the equipment in the room. After a few minutes, the guards were notified by the front desk, that everything was back working. The four guards looked at the Children, looked at each other, shook their heads, and then walked out of the room.

At 10:00 a.m., on June 4th, Michael, Carol, Autumn, and Cindy showed up at Agent Miller’s office to talk to her about something that they said was very important. Agent Miller let them into her office and then she stepped out to get a couple more agents to be with her as she never wanted to be alone with a group of the Children. As soon as she left her office, Michael quickly went to the other side of her desk and got on her computer and quickly typed some information into the computer. He then downloaded some information from a jump drive he had brought with him. He quickly removed the jump drive and got back to the other side of the desk and got seated just before Agent Miller and two other agents entered her office.

Agent Miller looked at the four children and said, I think you know everyone here, what can we do for the four of you?

Michael looked at her and said, We are afraid there is something very wrong with Doctor Todd. He seems like he is having a nervous breakdown. Most of us are afraid to be around him. We don’t know what he is going to do or say next. He told me Lucky attacked him and that Tyler’s snake was in his office and then he said it was in his bedroom. We all know that Lucky would never attack him, and Tyler’s snake hasn’t left Tyler’s room. He keeps accusing us of doing things we haven’t done. Maybe if you find a psychiatrist we are not afraid of and that we can relate to, like a nice young woman, we would all be more comfortable.

The four of them left Agent Miller’s office and were escorted back to their rooms. Three hours later Doctor Todd was taken away from the Facility, strapped to a gurney in an ambulance.

chapter 2

CHANGE IN THE WIND

Agent Miller went to her boss’s office and before she even sat down, he said, You have to find us a psychiatrist that the Children will work with. We have to find some way to get them to agree to cooperate with us.

Agent Miller left her boss’s office, went back to her office and she started typing a search and an article came up on her computer about a young psychiatrist that caught her attention. Agent Miller quickly did research on her and found other articles that she had written. She did a quick background check and ordered a security clearance check and found she was single, unattached and was a new doctor and she was just finishing her last internship in Albany, N.Y. Agent Miller looked at her driver’s license picture. She certainly was young and attractive, maybe she would be able to relate to the Children.

A call to her last job resulted in a discussion with her last supervisor, who described her as real life, walking pied piper. The patients, especially the children loved her, as did her co-workers. She was tireless and she had done incredible work. He was very sorry she hadn’t agreed to stay for the full-time job they had offered her. Her last day was later that week and they were giving her a going-away party Sunday evening.

Agent Miller brought the information to her boss, who said, Order her tickets and fly her down here for next week. You can make them first-class tickets as she will be contractual labor for the week. Give her a thousand dollars a day to come and be here for five days to see if she will fit into the program. Don’t call her until the day we want her here, so she doesn’t have any time to think about it. In the interim, have her followed and checked out for the next week, I don’t want any more surprises. We also don’t need another psychiatrist leaving here in a straight jacket.

For the next week, they had Doctor Amanda Stanley followed, charting her every move. She was very much a creature of habit. Even though she was finishing her job, she still worked long, hard hours. She got up early and exercised every morning by taking a long jog in the park near her house. She didn’t seem to have any boyfriends or family attachments. Everything suggested that she would be perfect for the job.

chapter 3

THE PHONE CALL

Amanda was startled out of a sound sleep by her cell phone. It was Monday morning June 12th. She wondered who was calling her so early in the morning. She looked at the number on her cell phone and didn’t recognize it. For a moment she thought maybe she should just let it go to voicemail. Instinctively she glanced at the time on her phone and realized it wasn’t early, it was 10 a.m., so she decided to answer and groggily said Hello.

Is this Doctor Amanda Stanley? A questioning energetic female voice asked on the other end of the line.

Yes, this is Dr. Stanley, Amanda answered while still trying to scrape the cobwebs from her brain.

Dr. Stanley, my name is Tracy Miller, my boss Mr. Daniels asked me to contact you to see if you would be interested in a job as a psychiatrist for our Facility.

Amanda found herself caught completely off guard, but asked, What type of Facility and what type of job are you talking about?

Well Doctor, the job is a little unusual, you see we work for the FBI, and we need a psychiatrist to work with children with special needs and abilities at a Facility that the FBI opened up about six months ago. The voice on the other end of the phone hesitated for a moment and then continued. Doctor, I believe it is a job that you would find very interesting and perfect for your experience and education. I would prefer not to give too much information over the phone as there are confidentiality and security issues. We have checked your background and completed a security clearance check on you, which cleared you for this job. It is my understanding that you are not presently employed, as you have recently finished your internship at Albany Medical Center. We contacted the hospital, they told us you were outstanding and gave you a glowing recommendation. They were sorry you didn’t take their job offer. They told me that they were hoping you would stay.

Amanda was shocked by the level of knowledge displayed by the woman on the other end of the line. Questions came pouring into her mind. The FBI had completed a security check on her? They knew that she had finished her internship just last week. They knew she had been offered a job by the hospital and had decided to reject the offer just two weeks ago? Well Ms. Miller, all this sounds bizarre and also maybe somewhat scary and intriguing all at the same time. I am not sure I like the government running security checks on me without my knowledge or permission. I am also not sure that I’m interested in a job at this point in time. You see I was thinking of taking a little time off before I looked for a permanent position somewhere.

Tracy Miller hesitated on the phone, her boss had made it clear to her that she needed to convince Doctor Stanley to come to work at the Facility. Something had to change drastically, or they might have to close. She was not about to disappoint her boss. Time to close the deal and make sure she would come. Doctor Stanley, please call me Tracy. I believe this job will ultimately be the job of your dreams. We have a plane ticket ready for you to fly to Washington DC this afternoon. We will have someone pick you up at your apartment and drive you to the airport in Albany. I will pick you up at the airport when you arrive in Washington and drive you to our facility this evening. We have full accommodations set up for you for the rest of the week, so you can carefully evaluate and consider the job. We are prepared to pay you $1,000 per day for your time today through Friday of this week, whether you take the position or not. You will be paid $5,000 for the week, just for coming down, evaluating our Facility and talking to us. During that time, all of your expenses will be covered.

Amanda thought about it for a second. Having been a medical intern, a thousand dollars a day sounded like a lot of money. While she had been able to save a little money during her internship, $5,000 would certainly help to fund a little time off before she got a full-time position. Well Tracy, I have to admit I am a little intrigued by your offer and perhaps also by the cloak of secrecy.

Doctor Stanley I will take that as a yes, your plane ticket will be at the United Airlines ticket booth at the Albany Airport waiting for you. You are booked on the 5:05 flight this afternoon. Two of our Agents will pick you up at 3:30 to bring you to the airport. The Facility here is fully equipped with a pool, hot tub, and exercise equipment. We also have extensive grounds and trails for running or bike riding. You will be staying in a fully equipped and furnished apartment with all meals provided. I would suggest that you dress casually for your trip down to Washington and bring two business suits, as well as business casual attire and recreational attire for the rest of your time here. I almost forgot laundry services are also available if you need them. If you have any special needs for your diet or you need anything else, just tell us and we will provide it.

I am sure the meals that are served there will be fine, I don’t have any special dietary needs and I like a variety of foods. If I am getting picked up at 3:30, that doesn’t give me much time to get ready, it is after 10 a.m. Amanda responded.

Ignoring Amanda’s comment, Tracy continued, Doctor Stanley, your plane should arrive at Dulles Airport at about 6:30 P.M. I will meet you at the airport and drive you back to the Facility. The drive from Dulles Airport to our facility will take about an hour depending on traffic. We will stop on the way so we can grab dinner, which means you should arrive at the Facility between 9 and 9:30 this evening. After you get you settled, I will be able to provide you with additional information about the Facility and the position. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you.

Amanda’s mind was running a hundred miles an hour. She had so many questions that she wanted to ask, but it was clear she wasn’t getting any additional information during this phone call. Tracy, Amanda hesitated for what seemed like an eternity to Tracy Miller, I am guessing you won’t be giving me more information during this call, but you have piqued my interest. I will see you when I get to Washington this evening. I have a lot of packing to do. You should expect that I will have many questions for you, when I get there.

Excellent Doctor, I will see you this evening. One more thing, given there is some secrecy to this program we would appreciate it if you limit what you tell anybody about your trip here. You certainly can tell people where you’re going and the fact that you’re interviewing for a position with the FBI, but at this point, we would request you keep everything else confidential.

Tracy hung up the phone while checking off the last box on the piece of paper in front of her. She looked down at her checklist confirming that she had checked all the boxes and then spun her chair around towards the door of her office to see her boss standing in the doorway. He had obviously been listening during at least part of the call.

Eric Daniels nodded at Tracy, Nice, but that is just the first step. Now you are going to have to convince her to stay, as she isn’t going to like me. With that, Eric Daniels walked back to his office closing the door behind him.

Tracy turned back to her desk to get back to work, That is for sure! she said quietly under her breath. Tracy then sent two text messages and waited for the confirmation responses. Tracy frowned inwardly at the thought of her boss’s bureaucratic methodologies clashing with Doctor Stanley’s pied piper persona.

Amanda hung up the phone. She was trying to piece together the phone call, while still clearing the cobwebs out of her head. She now wished she had not attended her going away party the previous evening which had extended until the early hours of the morning. Tossing aside the blankets, she stretched her long lean body on the bed. Slowly she climbed out of bed realizing that she had a little too much to drink the previous evening. Prior to her going away party, she had been a creature of habit, rising early in the morning, usually at five. After a run in the park, she would have a light breakfast, a quick shower and then off to work. Her medical internship usually required ten to twelve hours of work per day, six days a week. Partying, playing or any social life had been purposefully avoided. Most of her co-workers enjoyed her company at work, but before her going away party, few had ever seen her outside the hospital. While more than a few young men, as well as a couple of young women, had expressed an interest and asked her out for dates, Amanda had carefully explained that she wasn’t interested in any relationship during her internship.

While she never considered herself to be beautiful, Amanda was a striking figure at 5’9" tall and a very slim, but muscular 120 pounds, she had long muscular legs, reddish strawberry blonde hair cut short, bright green eyes and a very light complexion with plenty of freckles. She had a distinctly Irish look, with bright green eyes likely from her Swedish roots. Her athletic build, which had come from miles and miles of swimming and running, at times made her stand out in the crowd. Neither business suits nor hospital scrubs were effective in hiding her beauty and athleticism.

Since Amanda was going to be picked up at 3:30, she had a little less than five hours to get ready. Hopefully, that would give her enough time for a run to flush any remaining alcohol out of her system. Thankfully, Sunday had been laundry day, so her clothes were all clean and folded, making packing easy. She decided she would pack first and then go for a run.

After she finished packing, Amanda went to the park, right around the corner from her apartment, for her run. She ran with earbuds in and music playing. Had she been paying attention, Amanda might have noticed a young couple who were jogging not far behind her and who had started right after she did and were following her. Instead, she struggled to keep her pace, as her stride was not quite as strong or long as usual. She quickly convinced herself that her struggles were a consequence of her prior evening’s over-indulgences. While she ran, her mind started to race with thoughts and questions. The FBI had her cell phone number and knew she didn’t have a job? Why her, there were plenty of psychiatrists out there? She was a new doctor, basically untested in the field. Why had they chosen her? What did she mean by children with special needs and special abilities? She tried to run the phone conversation back through her head, but nothing seemed to answer those questions. The more she thought about it, the surer she became that the conversation had been measured and limited on purpose.

After her second mile, Amanda started to slow down but then decided to add one more mile circuit around the park. Absent the earbuds and the music playing, she might have heard the audible groan from one of the two joggers following her as they continued their third-mile circuit as well. After the third turn around the park, Amanda walked over to a grassy area overlooking the small lake and sat down and gradually stretched herself out. It was a beautiful June day in Albany, New York. It was sunny, about 65° and just a hint of spring was still in the air. After she finished stretching, Amanda watched the ducks and the geese swimming effortlessly on the lake, while she cooled down.

After 20 minutes, Amanda got up and walked slowly back to her apartment. She spent the rest of the early afternoon having a bite for lunch and sending emails and text messages to a few of her friends. She told her friends that she was going to Washington, D.C. for a job interview and that would be there for the week, but she did not mention that she was interviewing with the FBI.

Unbeknownst to Amanda, Agent Tracy Miller was in her office in Washington, D.C. monitoring Amanda’s email and text communications.

chapter 4

THE FLIGHT

At 3:30, two FBI Agents came to Amanda’s apartment. After they showed Amanda their badges, she let them in. The older of the two agents, put his hand out to shake Amanda’s hand, Doctor Stanley, my name is Agent Paul Johnson and this is Agent Andy Center. We were told to pick you up and bring you to the Albany Airport and get you on your flight to Washington, D.C. If you show us where your luggage is, we can carry it out to the vehicle for you.

Amanda looked at them and said, Thank you gentlemen, but I can get my bags. As she walked over to pick up her two bags and her computer case.

Agent Center followed her and said, Doctor, how about I at least take your large suitcase and your computer case?

She looked up at the extremely well-built younger agent, who towered over her, at almost 6 feet 4 inches tall and said. I guess I shouldn’t argue with someone your size.

He smiled and grabbed her large suitcase and her computer case, as she grabbed her carry-on and her pocketbook. The two agents escorted her out of her apartment to their black SUV that was double-parked in front of her building. After they loaded her bags into the back of the vehicle, Agent Johnson offered Doctor Stanley the front seat, as he got into the back seat. Agent Center waited until everyone was buckled in and then drove to the airport. When they got to the airport, they parked in the no-parking zone in front of the entrance, with Agent Johnson waiting with the vehicle as Agent Center grabbed the luggage from the vehicle and escorted Amanda into the airport to the United Airlines ticket counter.

Amanda gave the young lady at the ticket counter her ID and said, I was told my plane ticket to Washington, D.C. would be available to be picked up at the counter.

The young lady typed in her name and replied, Yes, Doctor Stanley your round-trip tickets to and from Dulles Airport in Washington DC are in our system. We have you departing Albany on the 5:05 flight today and returning Saturday, leaving Dulles at 4 PM. Your tickets are for first-class seats, and you are set for early boarding of the plane. Early boarding of the plane should start around 4:35. I will print your tickets out for you along with your boarding pass for today’s flight, and I can check your bags if you like. The young lady handed the tickets to Amanda and then checked her large suitcase, and then asked, Is there anything else I can do for you today?

Amanda look at the tickets, Are you sure these tickets are right, I mean I didn’t expect they would be first-class tickets?

The woman checked her computer again, and then replied, Yes, round-trip first-class from Albany to Dulles for Doctor Amanda Stanley, the tickets were purchased 7 days ago.

Amanda took the tickets and started to walk away from the counter with her carry-on bag and her computer. She looked up and realized that Agent Center was still with her and was trying to get her attention.

She stopped and looked at him, Agent Center, I think I am all set.

He looked at her, I was told to escort you to the gate and wait with you until you get on the plane. I will be happy to carry your bags for you.

Amanda looked at him and realized that he was following orders and just shrugged, as she handed him her carry-on. She was still trying to process everything. The tickets had been purchased a week ago, a week before they even contacted her? Why did they buy tickets before they even contacted her? How did they know she would even come down to Washington, D.C.? More questions that needed to be answered. Amanda and Agent Center went through security, with the Agent showing his badge and gun to circumvent the metal detector.

When they arrived at the gate, they sat in relative silence waiting for the boarding call for the plane. Amanda knew that it was unlikely that this young agent knew anything, he was just following orders. She noticed a young couple who were sitting nearby, waiting to board the plane as well. She was sure she had seen them somewhere. Maybe it had been at the hospital. When it was time to board the plane Amanda said good-bye to Agent Center and pre-boarded with the other five people that were in first class. An older gentleman sat in the seat next to her as she occupied the window seat. Shortly after they were seated, the rest of the passengers boarded the plane.

Once the commotion of all the boarding was over the older gentleman sitting next to Amanda turned to her and said, I guess we are neighbors for the flight, let me introduce myself, my name is Paul Thomas and I am a vice president with GE Wind Turbines.

Amanda turned to Mr. Thomas and put her hand out to shake his hand, and responded, My name is Amanda Stanley, nice to meet you. Mr. Thomas, I guess I have never thought of GE as a wind turbine company.

Please call me Paul, and yes, that is what most people say when I tell them what I do and who I work for. GE has a very large turbine business and has grown a large wind turbine division. You are either traveling for business, extremely wealthy or have traded up points for first-class seating. Let me guess, a business trip.

Yes, something like that. I am going on a job interview. Amanda quickly responded.

Wow, it must be quite a job for them to fly you, first class.

I guess I will find out, Amanda said, making it clear that she didn’t aim to share more information.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry, just trying to be a little social. No matter how often I fly, I still get a little nervous before take-off and when we land. Mr. Thomas continued nervously.

No problem, Amanda said apologetically, I tend to be a somewhat private person. Sorry I didn’t mean to be rude. Amanda turned to look out the window to hide a bit of her embarrassment, she had learned in medical school not to tell people you are a doctor unless you wanted to spend the next hour giving out free medical advice. As the plane headed out onto the runway Amanda turned back to Mr. Thomas and asked, So, what brings you to Washington?

Business, I have to meet with several members of Congress to discuss some of the existing laws and propose changes to help wind power expand. I will be in Washington all week, not exactly an exciting life, glad-handing with a bunch of politicians. He gladly responded.

That sounds both exciting and interesting. I guess I believe that even little steps to change the world are steps in the right direction. The plane was just starting to accelerate down the runway, Amanda could tell that Mr. Thomas was nervous and tightening up. She instinctively grabbed his hand with hers and squeezed his hand to reassure him.

After the plane leveled off, he started to release her hand and said, Sometimes young lady, actions speak louder than words, thank you. He patted her hand a couple of times before completely releasing it and moving his hand back on his lap. He then added, Thank you for holding an old man’s hand.

Amanda smiled softly at him and then turned quietly back to the window. They flew the rest of the way in relative silence, which was briefly interrupted several times by the flight attendants offering drinks and snacks. Amanda stuck to water and some peanuts, while Mr. Thomas downed several alcoholic beverages.

As the plane began its descent, Amanda again instinctively reached for Mr. Thomas’ hand to comfort him during the landing. After they got to the gate, Mr. Thomas escorted Amanda off the plane, where Amanda was immediately greeted by Tracy Miller. It was clear that she knew what Amanda looked like, as she approached her as soon as she came through the gate. Amanda guessed that the FBI, in their background check, had gotten her picture and description from her driver’s license.

Tracy was nothing like Amanda had expected. She appeared to be in her late 20s, about 5’2, very petite, with beautiful long dark hair. Amanda’s first guess was Tracy was at least part Hispanic. She was dressed impeccably in a dark business pants suit. Amanda instinctively looked down at her left hand and didn’t notice a wedding ring. Tracy smiled as she noted Amanda’s quick evaluation of her, I am guessing I am not exactly what you expected, am I?"

Amanda was a little embarrassed, but it was part of her nature to evaluate situations and people. I’m sorry, probably something to do with my training. We form opinions based on what we see and hear, then we continually re-evaluate those opinions.

Tracy laughed, Not the first time somebody has spoken to me on the phone and then when we first meet, it is clear I was not what they were expecting to see. Let me guess, based on our call you were expecting to see someone who is white, the mid-40s, maybe a secretary type, perhaps with glasses.

I don’t know about all that, but no, you aren’t exactly what I was expecting. Anyway, it is very nice to meet you. If someone had told me yesterday I would be sitting here in Washington today, I would’ve told them that they were crazy. I tend not to be an impulsive person, so perhaps I have surprised myself in coming here today. When do I get to hear about the position? Amanda asked.

Tracy smiled, Hopefully, by the end of this week, you will be happy to have been a bit impetuous. We should get out of the airport first before we talk about the Facility or the position. I promise, there will be plenty of time to talk. The vehicle is out this way. Tracy pointed out the general direction for them to go.

I have to pick up my luggage first, Amanda responded

Your luggage is being taken care of, so you don’t have to worry. I believe you checked one large bag in Albany. Tracy noted Amanda’s puzzlement with the knowledge and smiled, No cloak and dagger stuff, it is simple, we’re paying the bill, so we got notified when you checked-in and we are told the number of bags that you checked. I have two agents that are picking up your bag and they will bring it to the vehicle, we can wait for them there. May I carry your computer or carry-on for you?

No, I can handle it, the computer case snaps right onto my carry-on, and the carry-on is on wheels. One of those small indulgences I bought for myself when I thought I might do some traveling. I am not used to all the special treatment. I have spent most of my adult life taking care of myself. Amanda responded.

Amanda and Tracy walked from the airport gate to the vehicle, which was also a large black SUV with federal plates on it. It was parked right in front of the door in a no parking zone. Tracy opened the rear door and reached down to pick up Amanda’s carry-on and her computer case. As she did, Amanda noticed for the first time that Tracy was carrying a gun under her jacket. Tracy immediately noted Amanda’s surprised look as she placed the computer and the carry-on in the back of the SUV, closed the hatch and then carefully covered her gun with her jacket.

Amanda looked at Tracy before she got in the vehicle, I guess I didn’t realize that you were a gun-carrying FBI agent.

As Amanda got in the vehicle and scooted over for Tracy to climb in, Tracy laughed and said, Not the first time I have heard that either. Tracy climbed in the vehicle next to Amanda and closed the door. How about we get Chinese food for dinner?

Chinese would be just fine. You seem pretty young, how long have you been an FBI agent? Amanda asked.

Tracy smiled, I am 32 years old and I signed on with the FBI when I was 23. I spent eight years in the field, moving to a new location every two years. About a year ago this assignment came up, and I jumped at the opportunity. But enough about me already, let’s talk a little bit about you.

As Amanda turned towards Tracy as the smile on her face quickly evaporated, I am guessing that there isn’t a lot about me that the FBI doesn’t already know. For example, the plane tickets for me to come here were purchased a week before you ever called me. You have run security clearance checks on me without my knowledge or approval. You have contacted my former employer. Now, I am thinking that maybe I was followed around by a certain couple that was also on the plane. Also, it was clear when I got off the plane that you knew exactly what I looked like, as you didn’t hesitate in coming directly up to me and introducing yourself. Should I continue?

I understand your concerns. The tickets were bought as soon as you were identified as a potential candidate. If you didn’t decide to come, we knew we could cancel them at any time until the plane departed. We did run our security checks on you to make sure you could be hired. You are also correct, I did have your driver’s license picture pulled, so I could know your face when you got off the plane. It is one of the benefits of being in law enforcement. As for the rest, I promise we will answer your questions after we get to the Facility and you get settled in. I have a confidentiality agreement for you to sign first. Hopefully, that will not be a problem for you. It certainly isn’t a guarantee for us, but we are willing to take the risk as we need your help. So, until then either we proceed in silence or we can try to be social and get to know each other. Tracy said, trying to remove some of the tension.

Amanda took a deep breath, she wasn’t sure what she was getting herself into, but given she had come this far and she wasn’t leaving without finding out more. Just then she heard the back door of the vehicle open and she turned to see two young men loading her large bag into the back of the vehicle.

One of the men said, Sorry it took us so long Agent Miller, but it took a while to get the luggage unloaded off the plane. Where are we going?

Gentlemen it sounds like we are having Chinese food for dinner, how about the China Garden, okay with both of you? Tracy asked and then added, Doctor Stanley let me introduce you to two other agents that are involved in our project. This is Agent Paul Moore and Agent Stefan Andretti.

Very nice to meet you, Doctor Stanley, they responded in unison. I understand that you might be joining our team Stefan added.

Very nice to meet both of you, please call me Amanda, I am not one for formalities and titles.

The two young men turned to Tracy to get her concurrence and then Stefan responded, That works for us Doc… I mean Amanda.

Tracy laughed, trying to change the mood in the vehicle, as she looked over at Amanda and said, Law enforcement, formalities and chains of authority are hard habits to break.

chapter 5

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Amanda, Tracy, and Agents Andretti and Moore had a nice, but somewhat tense dinner at an upscale Chinese restaurant. After dinner, they drove in relative silence to the Facility, which was gated off with security at the entrance. Amanda was somewhat surprised by the security that was in place. Why did a Facility for Children need security?

After going through the security gate, the Facility opened into an expansive area of buildings and other areas that were hard to view given the darkness. Feeling a little tired, Amanda looked at her watch as they came to a stop in front of the largest building in the complex. Travel had a way of exhausting her and all this suspense was making her brain work overtime. Paul and Stefan grabbed Amanda’s luggage out