Episode 16 Harts And Secrets Part 2

It's dark outside. Other than a few lights on in the building on the top floor, there are no other signs of light. Most everyone working for the agency has left for the day. The parking lot is empty except for a few vehicles. Three security guards stand outside, keeping watch on the grounds. There is silence. After a few moments of peace and no intruders trespassing, Agent 005 comes out from hiding. He is lurking under a tree on the building's left side as he waits to make his move. The man is wearing dark glasses along with a black shirt and pants. His attire resembles a burglar, except he is wearing an expensive suit and a matching tie. A black and imported wristwatch is on his wrist.

 

He is carrying a black umbrella. Agent 005, ready to take action, silently walks up to one of the guards whose back is towards him. The foreign agent presses a button from the handler soon after the umbrella is opened. Once again, the man is using an everyday object to conceal its real purpose. A stun gun is a standard spy tool from Russia. Agent 005, who has an evil grin on his face, takes the weapon out from its concealed compartment. He presses an ON Switch to activate the gun.

 

Agent 005, firing at the guard's upper shoulders, hears a loud noise and witnesses the probes' flashing arcs on the end. The guard, affected by the electrical charge, finds himself losing the energy in his body. He collapses onto the pavement, losing consciousness. The other guards, witnessing the attack, gasps in shock. They start to reach for their gun when Agent 005 aims at their upper shoulders. The remaining guards also lose their energy and consciousness.

 

Agent 005, stepping over their lifeless bodies, starts to head toward the front door. The several guards, who overheard the commotion, rush out. They notice the unconscious guards and gasp. The two security guards, turning to the foreign man, see the stun gun in his hand. Just as they reach for their weapons, Agent 005 fires the firearm at their shoulders. Once again, the unbearable sound is heard as the flashing arcs affect them before they have a chance to defend themselves. The guards, losing consciousness, fall to the ground.

 

Agent 005, satisfied at attacking the security guards on duty, presses the off button on his gun. He presses the button on the handler of the umbrella, and the weapon disappears out of sight. The Russian closes the umbrella and dashes into the building. He has to rush into the lab, for the guards will regain consciousness within ten minutes. If he needs more time, his secret weapon will come in handy again. The Russian agent, noticing the security system facing the door, is prepared to get through. The man, holding the umbrella by the handler steady, is looking over the machine. He presses another button. As if by magic, the umbrella slowly flies over and lands on the floor without touching the detector. The heavy, tall, and pale foreign agent runs through the walk through metal detector. It doesn't make a sound. Agent 005, bending down to pick up the umbrella, races toward an elevator.

 

The doors reach the floor where the lab is located soon after. They open as Agent 005 quickly steps off. He hurries down the corridor. Just as he is approaching the lab, a door leading toward a huge library opens. A young and handsome man, in his early thirties, walks out. He is tall and slim. The man is observed in a book he is reading. He is walking toward Agent 005, who ducks out of view to avoid being caught.

 

The man continues reading as he heads down the corridor. Agent 005, leaning against a wall, is standing motionless and silent as the gentleman walks by him. He doesn't want to waste precious time attacking him. The foreign man is about to continue his journey. His eyes are on the door leading to the lab. To his disappointment and frustration, an elderly guard, who is making his rounds just like Coleman warned him, is coming upon the lab. The man is in his seventies. 

 

Agent 005 ducks once again. He lies still and quiet against the wall. He watches breathlessly and with eagerness. Time is going by. He is desperate to get into the lab and complete his mission before the guards come through. The guard looks around the corridor, just checking to see if anything is amiss. There are some lights on, so there is no need to use a flashlight. The man isn't looking in Agent 005's direction. He is taking his time, for he takes his job seriously. The guard is sure nothing is out of the ordinary and continues making his rounds in the opposite direction.

 

Once he is halfway down the hall, Agent 005 comes out from hiding. The foreigner tiptoes to the door while observing the guard. The guard is reaching the end of the corridor and starts down the other one. His footsteps are heard as Agent 005 opens the door. He walks in and takes in his surroundings as he quietly shuts the door. The man is looking at all the fancy and modern equipment. He hears someone from the other side of the room. It's apparent someone is at work from the sound.

 

The foreign agent silently rushes toward that direction. Once reaching the end of the laboratory, Frank can be seen working on the spyware. Jonathan's employee is exhausted, and his eyes show some signs of strain. There are three empty cups of coffee beside him. Frank is so preoccupied he doesn't notice Agent 005.

 

Agent 005, who has a grim look, is staring at him. He appears to be ready to make a move to attack Frank. The man sneaks up to Frank from behind. He continues watching Frank, who is still unaware of his presence. All of a sudden, Agent 005, using his hand, starts to render him unconscious.

 

A Townhouse In Washington, D.C. Immediately After

 

Jonathan and Jennifer, dining at Kulp's residence, sit next to each other at the dining room table. The couple is wearing casual evening clothes. Kulp is sitting across from them. He is still dressed in a suit except for his jacket, which he flung over the back of the chair. He has a glass of wine next to him while the Harts have a glass of ice-tea by their side. They are engaging in a conversation while eating their meal. The dining room is quite grand. Just like his office, Kulp's home has antique and brownish wood furniture in the dining area. There is a crystal chandelier hanging over the table.

 

"Now that we are sitting down for dinner, do you suppose we could tell Jennifer about the secret project Hart Industries is working on for the CIA?" Jonathan asks patiently while he and Jennifer sit back in their chairs.

 

Kulp looks at Jonathan and Jennifer, who are waiting for a response. "Hart Industries was chosen to develop some kind of technology to prevent identity theft," Kulp says before continuing to explain. "The agency has proof that foreign agents are in the process of inventing their technology to get their hands on everything that will put every person in America in danger of having their identity stolen. The President asked for Hart Industries' cooperation and ordered this project to be a top priority. One of the agents discovered a bug in one of the computers days before I contacted your husband. The KGB invented electromechanical bugs to be planted in nearly every electronic device. These bugs’ purpose is to transmit information. Mr. Hart and Mr. Radinski are working with our technology experts. The need for discretion and such drastic actions to be taken, I hope, are clear to you now. You realize the amount of harm that could happen if Russian agents get a hold of everyone's identification," Kulp says seriously and with grave concern. "I trust you will keep this knowledge to yourself. I wouldn't even discuss such classified information if it weren't for the facts your husband is working for the agency, and your father is a trusted and respected former CIA agent. I did run a background check on you and Mr. Hart."

 

Jennifer, who is still processing all that Kulp told her, is speechless. Jonathan turns to her with concern.

 

"Darling, are you all right?" Jonathan asks, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder.

 

"Yes, darling," Jennifer replies, turning to look at her husband. "I just wasn't expecting to learn our identity is at risk," she says, still in shock.

 

"Think what the reactions of millions of Americans would have if word got out," Kulp replies casually.

 

"I understand your concern and conscientiousness. Discretion is the better part of valor. I wish out of all agents to become involved you didn't choose my father," Jennifer says, turning to him.

 

"Your father knew the risk and danger when he became an agent, Mrs. Hart."

 

Jennifer looks at the director of the CIA. She has to refrain from telling him her dad didn't surely expect to be ordered to come out of retirement, especially during this time of his life.

 

Before Jennifer can make any comment further, Kulp starts to tell the Harts something.

 

"I assigned Coleman to be a double-agent," he announces calmly as if this revelation was just some news he had forgotten to mention.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer turn to look at each other in complete utter shock! They are speechless.

 

"Coleman was pretending to be working for foreign agents?" Jonathan asks, still stunned.

 

"Yes, I had asked him," Kulp replies, stopping himself before going on. "I should say ordered him to take charge of shutting down the spy ring. He was to meet me in my office to discuss what he had uncovered when he was murdered."

 

"Let me take a wild guess," Jonathan says, placing his silverware down. He leans back in his chair to look at the director of the CIA. "He was the guest who knocked me out during the ball."

 

Jennifer, sensing Jonathan's assumption is correct, turns to look at Kulp to see his reaction.

 

"Unfortunately, yes. We couldn't take a chance of you ruining the plan."

 

"Well, I'm so glad to know you think highly enough of me to take me into your confidence," Jonathan replies sarcastically with a tone of anger.

 

"Jonathan could have been seriously injured!" Jennifer exclaims, incensed at Kulp's methods and lack of regret.

 

"Coleman and I would have seen to it that your husband recovered."

 

"If Coleman was put in charge of stopping the enemy, why involve my father in your twisted games?"

 

"Steven Edwards is Jonathan Hart's father-in-law. Suppose the enemy made the connection between Hart Industries' involvement and your husband's relation with your father. In that case, they might have been led to believe they were working together to learn their identity. The President felt it was necessary to take a precaution. We both agreed it was for the best that the KGB think your father died from natural causes."

 

"My father was used as a distraction," Jennifer concludes, understanding Kulp's explanation though she is still not pleased.

 

Kulp nods while taking a sip of his wine. "After Coleman became the fourth operative to be assassinated, I can't understand your willingness to join my team," Kulp confesses with discomfort and resentment, which he is attempting to hide unsuccessfully. "All four men died while smoking a cigarette. Coleman was the only one who was smoking a special brand at the time of his death. A packet was found in his office."

 

"Do you know what substance used to make the cigarette explode?" Jonathan asks, resting an arm on the back of his chair.

 

"Yes," Kulp replies. "The lab discovered Semtex, a plastic explosive. It was manufactured sometime in the sixties in Czechoslovakia," he answers reluctantly. "Considering his other colleagues died from explosive cigarettes, I'm shocked Coleman would even think to accept any brand."

 

"You said yourself Coleman was the only operative smoking a unique brand, and a packet of those cigarettes was discovered in his office. He must have thought it was safe. After all, it wasn't the first cigarette he was given."

 

"It's certainly reassuring you gave up smoking years ago," Jennifer remarks. "Coleman's death is a reminder that smoking can be deadly," she says seriously while looking at Jonathan.

 

"Did anyone ever know you had ordered Coleman to win the KGB’s good graces?" Jonathan asks.

 

"Just John N. McMahon, who works under me. He's been the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence for operations for over three years. I trust him. He's a good man."

 

"I was only curious, Kulp. I wasn't making any accusations," Jonathan replies with sincerity.

 

"I would have been disappointed if you hadn't asked. Far as we know, your secretary is the only employee not to be trusted."

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances now, knowing their suspicions of Suzanne justified.

 

"Now that you are both aware of what we are up against, are you still insisting on joining forces?" Kulp asks, sitting back in his chair, looking for a reaction.

 

There is a moment of silence. Knowing they will be putting their lives on the line, even more, the Harts struggle to respond.

 

"Jonathan always had a soft spot for espionage," Jennifer says in an attempt to break the silence.

 

Jonathan turns to face Jennifer with a look of uncertainty. Jennifer can sense that her husband's fondness for espionage most likely didn't apply in this situation from the look on his face.

 

"I can be certain Jennifer and I will be sleeping better now that we are working for the CIA," Jonathan replies, turning to Kulp. "My only concern for the moment is how we are going to put these Russian agents away. They already know of Hart Industries' involvement."

 

"Yes, as you told me, they are always one step ahead of us," Kulp replies.

 

Kulp, Jonathan, and Jennifer sit back in their seats as they contemplate how to stop the foreign agents. Kulp, whose arm is now on the table, after a few moments, looks at Jennifer. He crosses his arms while looking her over.

 

"Do you speak Russian, Mrs. Hart?" Kulp asks as Jennifer continues eating her meal.

 

"Yes, I majored in languages," Jennifer replies while not making eye-contact with the director of Central Intelligence.

 

"Kulp, I have to admit I think it's a good idea, but it's too dangerous, and Jennifer would never be willing," Jonathan says reluctantly. He caught Kulp staring at Jennifer like he thought she was bait.

 

"I would never agree to what?" Jennifer asks, looking at Jonathan, wondering what she missed in the conversation.

 

Jonathan turns his gaze to Kulp, who is still staring at Jennifer. Jennifer follows his gaze and sees the expression on Kulp's face. She instantly knows what he has in mind!

 

"Oh, no," Jennifer says firmly while placing her silverware down. "I'm not going to masquerade as a Soviet spy! As Jonathan said, it's too dangerous!"

 

"They would never suspect a woman," Kulp says reassuringly.

 

"That's reassuring news for a change. I know whichever female takes the assignment, she'll be relieved to be a woman."

 

Before Kulp has a chance to persuade Jennifer to change her mind, the telephone in the living room rings. Kulp places his napkin on the table and rises to his feet. Jennifer, returning to eating, sighs in relief that the discussion was interrupted. Jonathan picks up his silverware. Kulp picks up the telephone receiver, which is on a table just feet away behind Jennifer.

 

"Kulp," Kulp says sharply, answering the call. He listens to the caller on the other end of the line intently. "How did that happen?" Kulp asks impatiently. "The agency has tight security! Was Radinski hurt?"

 

Jonathan and Jennifer look up after hearing Jonathan's employee name mentioned. They turn to listen to Kulp's side of the conversation with concern. "Was anything stolen?" Kulp asks, his calm composure returning. "I want all security meeting with me privately first thing in the morning at eight o'clock. There will be no more break-ins as long as I am the director of the CIA!" Kulp exclaims firmly with a look of frustration.

 

He hangs up the receiver while resisting his temptation to slam the receiver down. Kulp turns back to face the couple who are looking at him for an explanation.

 

"One of the foreign agents knocked out all of the guards on duty and broke into the lab. Mr. Radinski was rendered unconscious, but he wasn't harmed. He was knocked out in the same manner as you were in your office the other day, Hart. Radinski didn't get a look at him, but the guards did. He matched the description of the same Russian posing as a phone technician."

 

Jonathan and Jennifer look alarmed.

 

"Did his description match the man who applied for a job as a mail clerk at Hart Industries?" Jennifer asks eagerly while sitting sideways to look at Kulp.

 

"Yes, Mrs. Hart. You proved to have good instincts. I'm thankful you told us about the phone call," Kulp replies, looking Jennifer in the eye.

 

"Jennifer has always had good instincts, Kulp," Jonathan says with a smile. He is thankful Kulp is finally expressing his gratitude to his wife. "What happened in the lab?" Jonathan asks seriously.

 

"Nothing was tampered with. Radinski was unconscious the whole time that foreigner was set foot in the lab. If the spyware wasn't touched, that could only mean one thing. Photographs were taken," Kulp answers in exasperation. "In all of my years as the director, I have never known any secret agents to be this clever and cunning. Project Wellman will never be completed in time before the Russians get a hold of personal information. They'll succeed in putting identity in jeopardy."

 

Kulp turns to face Jennifer. He is desperate for her cooperation. Jennifer sighs, knowing she is the only person who can stop Russian agents from endangering the project Hart Industries was forced to take on for the CIA. She looks up at Kulp before reluctantly giving him her answer.

 

"But I'm no Bond girl," Jennifer insists calmly with a look of doubt she can pull her cover off successfully.

 

"Never say never again, darling," Jonathan says, placing a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder.

 

Jennifer turns to Jonathan to shoot him a look. Now was not the time to bring up the title of Sean Connery's last and final movie playing James Bond, even if it was meant to give her confidence.

 

"I only insist Jennifer has protection!" Jonathan declares firmly. He is looking at Kulp with an expression not to dare raise an argument or try to talk him out of his next demand. "And I will be nearby out of sight when my wife makes her move!" Jonathan is staring at the director of Central Intelligence for his reaction.

 

"You will have your way," Kulp replies with a smile. He turns to Jennifer, his grin disappearing from his face. "Show up at my office please at nine o'clock sharp. All three of us will discuss what to do. We'll work out a course of action so there will be no chance of Mrs. Hart finding herself in harm's way," Kulp says, showing authority.

 

Jennifer nods and is silent for a moment. She is staring into space nervously. She turns to Kulp, who is retaking his seat.

 

"On second thought, I could use some wine," Jennifer mentions, looking at the decanter.

 

Jonathan reaches over to pick up the decanter. He turns to hand the wine to Jennifer, who takes it. Jennifer pours the wine into a glass that Jonathan gives to her. She is filling up the glass. Jennifer places the decanter back down and turns to look at Kulp and Jonathan. She shoots them a look before gulping down the wine. Jonathan crosses his legs, knowing Jennifer will require several glasses of wine to calm her nerves. He feels guilty that Jennifer had been put into such an unnerving and risky position. He watches as his wife pours herself another glass full. Jennifer gulps down the wine again. She is very anxious and is confident she will regret her decision. Jennifer picks up the decanter one last time to pour her glass. Jennifer gulps down her final taste of wine for the night as Jonathan looks on, feeling uncomfortable.

 

Edwards Home Later That Night

Jonathan and Jennifer, sound asleep in the guest room, are exhausted. It's after midnight. The telephone starts to ring, waking the couple up.

 

"Darling, you answer, will you?" Jonathan asks with his eyes shut. He is half-asleep.

 

Jennifer, sighing in exhaustion, switches on a lamp on her side of the bed. She reaches over to answer the telephone. It takes a few moments for her to pick up the receiver in her exhausted state.

 

"Hello," Jennifer finally says into the receiver, half-asleep.

 

"Hey, Mrs. H!" Max replies cheerfully from the other end of the line.

 

"Max, what's wrong?" Jennifer asks, her eyelids opening straight up. She is startled to hear from him at this hour.

 

"Nothin'. What made you think somethin' is wrong?"

 

"It's after midnight," Jennifer replies with a yawn. "Why are you calling at this hour?"

 

"I'm sorry I woke you, folks, up, but I just got in," Max replies with regret. "I've started takin' spy courses. I wanted to fill you and Mr. H in on some of what I learned."

 

"We are sleeping, Max," Jennifer says with annoyance.

 

"This will only take a minute, Mrs. H. Is Mr. H. up? I want him to hear."

 

"Just a second," Jennifer replies reluctantly.

 

"What does Max want?" Jonathan asks wearily.

 

"He wants us to hear what he learned from taking a spy course," Jennifer explains, rolling her eyes. She has her hand covering up the mouthpiece.

 

Jonathan's eyelids open up after hearing," a spy course." He turns to Jennifer and gives her a look that shows he wants an explanation of why Max is taking that course. Jennifer shrugs her shoulders as a response. She has an expression that makes it obvious that she is no more interested in learning what Max learned than Jonathan.

 

"Mrs. H, are you still there?" Max asks, wondering if they lost connection.

 

Jennifer removes her hand from the mouthpiece. "We are still here, Max," Jennifer answers. She holds the receiver close to her husband so they both can hear.

 

"Is Mr. H up?"

 

"I am now, Max," Jonathan replies with a yawn. He has a tone of annoyance. He and Jennifer sit up straight in bed, struggling to keep their eyes open.

 

Hart House Immediately After

Max, wearing a gray hat and a matching suit, is standing in the kitchen, talking to the Harts on the phone positioned on the oven’s wall. It's apparent from the attire he is taking the course too seriously. Max is also wearing dark sunglasses and a gray trench coat. He seems to have watched too many spy movies.

 

Freeway is staring at him. He appears to be looking him over while sitting at Max's feet.

 

"The weather is quite nice this time of year," Max says in a mysterious tone. "That's a code I invented."

 

"We figured it wasn't the weather report," Jennifer replies sarcastically.

 

"Yeah, Mr. and Mrs. H, you know 'em spies use a code when makin' contact. Pretty clever, huh?" Max asks, impressed.

 

"Uh-huh," Jonathan and Jennifer answer at the precise moment, not at all finding what Max just told them at all interesting.

 

Max is so thrilled at what he had learned so far he fails to take a hint. He continues. "The topic tonight was about how they make contact. You know when makin' contact, they have to be very safe, so they ain't caught by the enemy. One way the agent reveals information is through what is referred to as the dead drop. You most likely ain't heard of a dead drop. It's a secret hidin' place out in public: behind a loose brick in a wall in a park, a plant at a certain street corner. You see, the spy goes by the dead drop to leave a message while actin' casual. Then he is supposed to leave behind a signal so his handlers know there is a message to pick up. Some examples are a chalk mark on a lamppost, certain color of sheets on a clothesline, a cryptic message in the classified section of a newspaper.”

 

Edwards House 

 

Jonathan and Jennifer, who are both holding the receiver in their hand, can barely stay awake. They continue listening as they have to fight back a yawn. By this point, the Harts have lost patience and are eagerly waiting for Max to end the call. 

 

Hart House

 

Max continues, unaware of the couple's lack of enthusiasm and their state of exhaustion.

 

"'Em spies may have to make a couple of 'em dead drops, so he ain't noticed vistin' the same loose brick. Speakin' of dead drops, Chadwicks is well-known for exchangin' information. It's a restaurant right there in Georgetown. There are spies all around you there in Washington. Rumor has it that The Embassy Of Russia has a tunnel below built by the FBI and operated by the NSA. The FBI and CIA can hear every word crystal clear through listenin' devices. Fascinatin' ain't it, Mr. and Mrs. H? You goin' to D.C. on business got me thinkin' about espionage, Mr. H, so I decided to enroll in a spy course. I always did find spyin' intriguin'. I can see why your dad used to work for the CIA, Mrs. H. Next week's subject is data analysis. Want to test my memory of what I learned? I learned a lot about spies in Washington." He doesn't receive a response. Max wonders why he isn't receiving a reply. "Hello? Hello? Are you there, Mr. and Mrs. H?" he asks with worry.

 

Edwards Home

 

Jonathan and Jennifer are lying back in their bed against their pillow, sleeping soundly. The receiver is still clutched in their hand.

 

"Mr. and Mrs. H?" Max calls out from the other end of the line.

 

Hart House

 

Max is staring at the receiver in his hand.

 

"Huh, we must have got cut off," Max mumbles out loud. He hangs up the receiver. He hears a bark from down below. Max looks down to see Freeway staring up at his sunglasses. Freeway continues barking.

 

"What are you starin' at, Freeway? Ain't you seen sunglasses before?" Max asks in surprise, looking at the dog. He snaps a finger. "Hey, get a load of this!" Max exclaims with a sly smile. He reaches into a pocket of his coat and takes out a pen. He holds it up to his mouth to act like he is going to speak into it.

 

"This is agent 003. Can you read me?" Max whispers.

 

Freeway, bored, yawns and starts to exit the kitchen. Max holds the pen down and looks after Freeway in disappointment.

 

"Party pooper!" Max exclaims with a frown.

 

Central Intelligence Agency The Next Day

 

Kulp stands behind the desk in his office, giving Jennifer instructions to carry out her mission. Several strong and heavyset men in their mid-thirties stand behind the director of the CIA. They are armed and have tiny earphones in their ears. Kulp picks up a compact mirror from his desk, which he hands to Jennifer.

 

"Use this mirror to make contact with us. Keep it in your purse at all times, and never let it out of your sight. We can hear you within miles," Kulp says as Jennifer takes the compact mirror.

 

She opens it up, and it looks like any other ordinary mirror except for a tiny microphone in front of the glass. She examines the mirror. Jonathan stands beside her with an earphone in his right ear. He is observing, ready to take action should his wife find herself in harm's way. He is wearing a black suit like Kulp and his fellow operatives. Jennifer is wearing fancy antique jewelry, including a ring and a bracelet.

 

"We women can never have enough mirrors," Jennifer remarks casually with a smile.

 

Langston Golf Course And Driving Range Afternoon

Vikta is standing on the course, which is open to the public. There are rolling hills behind him. Agent 005 stands behind him, holding his golf bag. He is assigned to being Vikta's caddy. Since it's late January, only a few people are playing golf. It's mid-afternoon. Vikta is preparing to hit the ball with his club as the other agent looks on. He is holding the club firmly with both hands while staring at the ball. His knees and hips are slightly bent as his feet are about hip-width apart. The Russian leans forward at his hips, the end of the club reaching the ground. Vikta positions his club up to a 90-degree angle and turns his shoulders to set the club all the way up. He swings the club down and hits the ball after making sure his arms and club are up.

 

Vikta is wearing a warm sweater and comfortable pants with matching shoes. He also wears a cap and gloves. His caddy's attire is the same except for the hat and gloves. The ball heads straight into the hole perfectly. Vikta is a pro and hits the ball just like one. He smiles and walks over to retrieve the ball. Just as he bends down, Vikta hears a female voice from in front of him.

 

"Perfect! You swung that club like a pro!" comes Jennifer's voice. She sounds impressed by his victory.

 

Vikta, surprised and delighted, turns to see the woman speaking to him after picking up the ball. He stands and comes face to face with an attractive Jennifer. She smiles, holding a purse under an arm while a club and ball are in her hands. Her attire is a red shirt and a white jacket with a matching long skirt and hat. Her shoes are small white high-heels.

 

"Congratulations!" Jennifer exclaims in Russian.

 

Vikta, quite smitten with Jennifer, smiles warmly.

 

"Thank you. It was nothing," Vikta replies smugly. "I never expected to meet such an attractive woman here at this time of the year," he tells Jennifer in Russian.

 

"I had planned to meet a friend here, but she never showed up," Jennifer replies, opening her purse only slightly. "I thought I would watch while waiting for her."

 

"Her loss is my gain."

 

"You are very kind. I'll let you get on with your game," Jennifer says with a smile, turning her back to make it appear she is walking away.

 

"Wait," Vikta insists. He grabs Jennifer by the arm gently. "It would be a shame to waste time alone. How about we play a round of golf?" he asks as Jennifer turns back to face him.

 

"I don't want to intrude," Jennifer replies reluctantly.

 

"Nonsense!" Vikta exclaims with disbelief. "I enjoy partners, especially women," he says, flashing a charming grin. He takes Jennifer by the arm and leads her over to a few feet away from the hole. "You don't have an engagement?" he asks eagerly.

 

"No, no. I just didn't think you approve of a woman teaming up with you."

 

"In my opinion, women are just as capable of any man. Do you come here often?"

 

"No, I'm just on vacation," Jennifer answers as Vikta releases his grip.

 

"I'm on vacation too though business occasionally gets in the way." He extends his hand to Jennifer. "My name is Vikta Morozov."

 

"Irina Vasilice," Jennifer replies with a pleasant grin, shaking his hand. "My mother was Russian."

 

"Now I know why you spoke Russian so fluently," Vikta says, impressed. "And both our last names begin with a v. I take it as a sign we were meant to be."

 

"I beg your pardon," Jennifer replies, hiding her fear of what he meant.

 

"I meant it was a sign we were destined to meet." Vikta takes her club and hands Jennifer his. "Go ahead. Give it a shot."

 

Jennifer smiles and nods in agreement. Vikta stands back out of the way to allow her plenty of space. Agent 005 stands watching with a look of mistrust. He senses that Jennifer is not whom she pretends to be. Jennifer stands where Vikta stood to hit his ball. She positions herself, making the same movements with the club and her body as the Russian did while preparing to strike his ball.

 

Jennifer swings the club down and successfully hits the ball. It goes right into the hole. Vikta smiles, pleased that his partner is a pro when it comes to golf, just like he is. Jennifer carefully reaches down and picks up her ball. Vikta walks over to her as Jennifer turns to face him.

 

"Lucky swing!" Jennifer exclaims innocently.

 

"Luck had nothing to do with it, Irina. You have a talent when it comes to this sport," Vikta says with a wide smile. “How about you join me for a drink after our round?" he asks, taking back his club.

 

"After I just hit the ball into the hole on the first try, you still want me as a partner?" Jennifer asks in surprise.

 

"I'm not intimated. Besides, I enjoy your company. Let's continue," Vikta replies with reassurance and eagerness. He turns back to Agent 005 and shouts out to him in Russian that they will go on to the next round.

 

Agent 005 mumbles to himself in disgust that his fellow spy is smitten. He picks up the bag and starts to follow Vikta and Jennifer. Vikta is carrying Jennifer's club and ball like a gentleman as they head in the direction where the next hole is located at the 18-hole golf course. Jennifer is walking on ahead.

 

After Jennifer and Vikta played all 18 holes, they enjoy a glass of lemonade at a table outside the clubhouse. They are alone.

 

"I wanted to play at Royal Oaks Country Club, but I was turned away," Vikta tells Jennifer. He is taking a break from his cold drink. "Not sporting to treat a foreigner like me so disrespectfully," he adds in disgust. "I'm aware I'm from Russia, but that is no excuse to be rude."

 

"Only members are allowed to play at such exclusive clubs," Jennifer explains. "So I've been told," she adds so as not to blow her cover. She has been speaking in a Russian accent ever since meeting up with the Russian secret agent.

 

Vikta gives Jennifer a look of disappointment, offended by her response. He is tempted to argue but feels it's not worth ruining his good mood and Jennifer's charming company. "How long do you plan on staying in Washington?" Vikta asks, changing the subject abruptly.

 

Jennifer places her opened purse down on the table gently, where the compact mirror containing the bug is hidden. The mirror is opened all the way so the agents and Jonathan can hear every word they are saying clear as a bell. The few agents and Jonathan, who are listening in, are situated on the course nearby, out of sight. The trees conceal their presence. The men hear Vikta and Jennifer's discussion as if they were standing only a few feet away.

 

"Well, Vikta, that depends on you," Jennifer replies in a flirtatious manner. She is now making a move on him to win his confidence and trust. Jennifer moves her chair closer to Vikta and places a hand on his. Jennifer forces herself to flash him a sweet smile though she despises him.

 

Vikta looks at Jennifer as if he misunderstood her reply to his question. He is speechless as he looks at Jennifer, flattered that she finds him charming and irresistible. He takes her other hand in his.

 

"Soon as my business is complete, we can get to know each other better," Vikta says with a sly smile.

 

"Why can't we get to know each other better now?" Jennifer asks coyly.

 

"Jennifer, don't get carried away!" Jonathan exclaims softly. He is worried his wife is trying too hard to get the information from Vikta that is necessary.

 

Vikta stares at Jennifer as he taps his ring on the table. The sound is getting on Jennifer's nerves, but she doesn't let her annoyance show. Vikta ponders what he should tell Jennifer, considering they just met. He is all smiles.

 

"I find Russian men to be brilliant and brave. I admire the Soviet Union. It's such a shame our country doesn't agree on politics. We could learn so much from other countries," Jennifer says, continuing her performance.

 

"Yes, Americans are such fools!" Vikta exclaims with bitterness evident from the tone of his voice. He is still clicking his ring on the table.

 

Jennifer has to restrain herself. She is outraged by his comment about Americans and finds Vikta crude and arrogant. She glances down at his ring.

 

"Do you like my ring?" Vikta asks, finally removing his hand from the table.

 

"Yes, it makes you look like a king. You look like you are a born leader. Vikta, you are a fascinating man," Jennifer replies as she leans forward. She places an arm on the table as she looks at Vikta adoringly. "I want to know all there is to know about you," she says coyly, playing with his ring.

 

Vikta smiles as a response, growing fond of Jennifer by the minute. Her straightforwardness and playful nature intrigue him. Vikta removes his ring from his finger and places it in Jennifer's hand. She opens her mouth to protest, but he cuts her off before she has a chance to speak. "Now, I'm going to confide in you, but what I'm about to tell you must be kept to yourself, Irina!" Vikta exclaims in a warning and stern tone.

 

Jennifer, smiling, places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Do tell, Vikta!" Jennifer whispers into his ear, coyly.

 

Vikta, smiling, has gained his trust in her. Jennifer has stolen his heart. "I'm a Russian Soviet spy. I had been assigned to steal classified information from the CIA. They are inventing spyware," Vikta confesses while keeping his voice down despite the fact there is no one around. He has moved his chair closer to Jennifer.

 

"Oh, how intriguing!" Jennifer exclaims, acting thrilled to learn he is a foreign agent. "Sounds like you live such an exciting life!" she adds, looking at Vikta like she is impressed. She also has her voice down low, but still keeping it high enough so Jonathan and the CIA agents can even catch her every word.

 

A sly smile comes across Vikta's face. He looks at Jennifer while she sips her lemonade. Vikta appears to be contemplating while staring at his companion. "How would you like to help my government?"

 

"What do you mean?" Jennifer asks, staring at Vikta innocently.

 

"I mean, would you be willing to spy on the CIA? I'm sure we could pay you two million dollars in return," Vikta replies, taking his ring out of Jennifer's hand. He places it on the finger her wedding ring was before she removed it for the ruse. "My contact has someone working for us inside. Unfortunately, we lost one of our allies only recently. We require someone with your intelligence and bravery to help us carry out our mission."

 

"I'll have to think about it," Jennifer says with a sly smile.

 

"I understand and will respect your decision. What I'm asking you to do is illegal and possibly dangerous. If you decide to take me up on my offer, meet me inside the National Cathedral chapel. I shall be facing the cathedral's west rose window with a camera in my hand. The church offers tours, so our meeting won't look suspicious. I will give you your instructions there tomorrow afternoon. We'd need a code to make contact without catching attention. I'll say something like, 'It's quite lovely this time of year, don't you think?' If you think it's best to turn down my offer, there will be no hard feelings."

 

"I will think over your offer very carefully before making a decision," Jennifer says with a mischievous smile. She takes another sip of her drink.

 

"You have one thing going for you, my dear," Vikta replies in his most charming manner while placing an arm around her neck.

 

His touch makes Jennifer uneasy. She smiles innocently before turning back to face Vikta. "You are a woman," he tells Jennifer, pleased to say to her so from the tone of his voice.

 

Jennifer continues to smile, remembering what Kulp had said about them, never suspecting a woman. "So I've been told," Jennifer says with a wink.

 

Chadwicks The Following Night

That night after dusk, Jennifer is standing on the sidewalk right outside of Chadwicks in Georgetown. It's a restaurant and saloon located under Whitehurst Freeway. Traffic noises can be heard on the street and from the freeway above. It's a foggy night. The road is mostly deserted. A few people are exiting the pub, and a couple of bystanders are passing by. Music, which is being played on a piano, can be heard from inside. Jennifer is trying to stay out of sight. She is standing beside the front entrance. A sign says, "PARK" in white letters on a black sign placed next to her. Jennifer is wearing a blue and formal dress with a pearl necklace around her neck. She carries a matching evening bag and has replaced Vikta's ring on her finger with her wedding ring.

 

Jennifer suddenly hears the sound of high-heels touching the ground. A woman is making her way to Chadwicks from across the street. Jennifer can only see the blond hair. The fog at this late hour makes it impossible to see from a distance who the lady is. The woman finally crosses the street as Jennifer continues to stay out of view. The lady is heading to a mailbox on the sidewalk. Jennifer can see the woman now that she is coming towards her. The woman is in her thirties and attractive. She has on a black and classy evening dress. It's Suzanne!

 

Jennifer gasps in shock, realizing she is the one who is going to make the dead drop. Jonathan's secretary is wearing a blond wig that completely conceals her natural brown hair. Her hand is clutched. It appears she is hiding something in that hand. Suzanne is wearing an antique diamond pendant necklace. Jennifer continues to observe her as she approaches the blue mailbox. The box is located near the end of the sidewalk.

 

Jennifer, watching her surroundings, looks to see if anyone is spying on her. No one is. Jennifer sticks her head out just in time to notice Suzanne opening the mailbox quietly. Suzanne opens her hand, which is holding a small piece of paper. She places it inside the box and shuts the door before chalk-marking the mailbox as a signal. Suzanne, making sure the coast is clear, turns around. She walks up to the end of the sidewalk before silently hailing a taxi-cab that is approaching.

 

The cab comes to a stop. Suzanne's expensive and dark high-heels can be heard again as she enters the car. She whispers instructions to the driver that Jennifer can't hear and shuts the door. The taxi starts to drive off. Just as it passes Chadwicks, Jennifer ducks out of sight. She continues looking after Suzanne, stunned as the vehicle disappears down the street. Jennifer, sighing and coming out from hiding, keeps an eye out for any suspicious people watching her every move. She makes her way over to the mailbox, where the chalk-mark is still visible. Jennifer quietly opens the door and removes the paper.

 

Shortly after retrieving the message, Jennifer is entering Chadwicks. The piano player plays the popular theme from The Spy Who Loved Me, "Nobody Does It Better." Jennifer, opening the door, is looking around for someone. The saloon only has a dozen people ordering a drink at the bar near the entrance or tables across the way. Jennifer looks at everyone seated at the bar. She examines their faces, hoping to find the person she had arranged to meet. She sighs in frustration.

 

Jennifer looks down toward the end where a man, wearing a black suit, is sitting. His back is turned towards her. Jennifer rolls her eyes. She finally located the man she came in to meet. The man is staring into space as Jennifer walks right up to him. She taps him on the shoulder.

 

"I witnessed the dead drop, Kulp," Jennifer says in a low voice. She is pleased she handled the assignment just as she was instructed. Jennifer is taken by surprise when the man turns around and is not Kulp, but her husband!

 

"JONATHAN!" Jennifer exclaims.

 

"Lower your voice, darling," Jonathan replies, stepping down from the barstool. "I am undercover," he says in a whisper.

 

Jennifer is about to ask what he is doing at Chadwicks. He grabs her by the shoulders and pulls her into a kiss. Jennifer smiles, thrilled to find Jonathan in the saloon instead of the CIA's stern and hard-boiled director. Jonathan pulls out of the kiss after only a few moments.

 

"What are you doing here? I was supposed to meet Kulp," Jennifer says with delight as Jonathan helps her onto the empty stool next to him.

 

"I told him I was going to take his place. I don't like the plan of you being outside a saloon at night by yourself, particularly when witnessing a dead drop," Jonathan explains as he retakes his seat.

 

"How did you persuade Kulp to agree to that, darling?"

 

"I reminded him you are my wife, and I'm carrying a pistol in my holster," Jonathan replies with a smile, turning to face Jennifer.

 

Jennifer smiles at her husband's response.

 

"Did you see who made the drop?" Jonathan asks seriously, noticing the crumpled piece of paper.

 

"How much do you think an antique necklace would cost?" Jennifer asks, handing him the paper.

 

"I can't think of a price offhand," Jonathan answers as he unfolds the paper. "It would have to depend on how much of an antique we are talking about." He starts to look over the scrap of paper. "Why do you ask?"

 

"Enough to afford on a secretary's salary?" Jennifer asks with a look, hinting at Suzanne to Jonathan.

 

Jonathan, who is preoccupied with the paper, turns to look at Jennifer. Her last words took him by surprise. He looks at her for a moment before speaking. "Suzanne made the dead drop?" Jonathan asks.

 

"Yes, only tonight she was in disguise. She was wearing a blond wig," Jennifer replies with a tone of suspicion in her voice.

 

The couple exchange glances, suspecting Suzanne is being paid to spy for the KGB.

 

Langston Golf Course And Driving Range Next Day

 

Vikta has just managed to pull off another hole in one that afternoon as Jennifer and Agent 005 watch. Jennifer is standing across from the Russian secret agent while Agent 005 is standing behind them. Agent 005 is staring at Jennifer's interaction with his fellow Russian with a look of disapproval. Once again, he is acting as Vikta's caddy, holding the golf bag in hand. Jennifer is applauding his victory while Agent 005 is looking at her in disgust. Jennifer is clutching her hand. It's a warm day, which makes it a perfect opportunity to play golf. A crowd of other people is playing. Some of them are couples. Jennifer is wearing the antique jewelry that she wore the previous day and the ring Vikta gave her. Vikta, smiling, takes a bow before picking up his ball from the hole. He turns to his guest.

 

"Let's get down to business, my dear," Vikta whispers.

 

Jennifer reaches out her hand after unfolding it. Vikta, acting as if he will shake her hand, takes the scrap of paper Jennifer took out from the previous night's mailbox.

 

"Yes, it's been quite some game!" Vikta exclaims with a smile, so none of the players suspect he is a foreign agent meeting up with his lady friend. "Let's take advantage of the sunshine and walk," he says, taking Jennifer's other hand while slipping the paper into a pocket of his golf attire. Vikta turns to Agent 005. "Go to the clubhouse. Meet up with us in fifteen minutes at the 18th hole," he tells his caddy softly.

 

Agent 005, hating Jennifer, has won Vikta's trust, nods. He watches as Jennifer and Vikta start to stroll down the course hand in hand. Agent 005 mumbles to himself before heading in the direction of the clubhouse. Vikta and Jennifer pass some players who are going to the next round. After a short time, they reach a part of the course that is deserted.

 

"How did the drop go?" Vikta asks, taking out the paper to look it over now that they are alone.

 

"It went off without a hitch as the Americans would say," Jennifer replies reassuringly. She is continuing to talk in a Russian accent.

 

"Good. I think you will prove very useful to us," Vikta says casually. He is looking at the paper while they continue their stroll. Jennifer notices there is a 26 symbol cipher encoding a message.

 

"Max!" Jennifer exclaims softly. She recalls what he told her and Jonathan on the phone about how spies receive information secretly.

 

"What did you say, Irina?" Vikta asks, looking up.

 

"I was just remarking on how many symbols there are," Jennifer replies, thinking of a response to cover up what she actually said. She has her purse wrapped around her shoulder. It's slightly open.

 

Jonathan is watching the encounter with the Russian out of sight through a pair of binoculars. Several male agents, who accompanied Jonathan yesterday for Jennifer's planned meeting with Vikta, are standing behind with an earphone in their ears, eavesdropping on the conversation. One man is kneeling next to a running portable reel to reel tape recorder planted on the grass. Jonathan is also wearing an earphone. One agent comes up next to Jonathan while keeping a low profile. He has a camera in his hand. He starts snapping a couple of photographs of Jennifer and Vikta, who still has the paper with the cipher.

 

"I think we are getting close to arresting him, Mr. Hart," the agent whispers while he is now holding the camera.

 

"I just wish you could make an arrest now," Jonathan whispers back while still peering through the binoculars.

 

"If we did, there would be more assassinations. We can't prevent that until we know who all the foreign agents are and prove their involvement. We need to show their connections with Vikta."

 

Jonathan sighs in frustration but doesn't reply to the agent's persistence.

 

Meanwhile, Jennifer and Vikta are continuing their stroll on the course below.

 

"Do you know what a Soviet Chief of Counterintelligence is?" Vikta asks, placing the paper back into his pocket.

 

"No, but I can take a guess," Jennifer replies with a smile. "You are the head of counterintelligence?"

 

"As chief of counterintelligence, I'm assigned to the intelligence community in identifying, preventing, and neutralizing activities related to espionage activities by foreign intelligence services. I work for the Soviet Embassy."

 

Jennifer looks to be impressed and admires Vikta's work for the KGB. She finds the knowledge she is learning from the Russian to be intriguing despite her reluctance to be acting as a spy for the CIA.

 

"I would tell you more, but just like America's CIA, I have been sworn to secrecy," Vikta says, noticing Jennifer's reaction to what he just told her.

 

"I'm confident the KGB appreciates a man of your loyalty," Jennifer replies with a flashing smile in an attempt to flatter him.

 

"Of course," Vikta says matter-of-factly, his arrogance showing from the expression on his face and tone of voice. "I'm waiting to hear what my lady friend does for a living," he tells Jennifer as he turns to face her. "I don't know anything about you except your name, your mother was from Russia, you have sympathy for the Soviets, and we share the same views."

 

Jennifer smiles as she attempts to think of an answer. Just as she opens her mouth, her purse falls to the floor. Jennifer stands frozen and speechless. She is terrified Vikta will discover the mirror with the hidden bug. She covers up her fear by looking embarrassed.

 

"Oh, how clumsy of me!" Jennifer exclaims with annoyance.

 

She looks down on the ground to see all of her contents have fallen to the grass. Only she doesn't see the mirror anywhere. Jennifer has to conceal her fear as Vikta reaches down to pick up her makeup, wallet, car key, house key. Jennifer looks around for the mirror, but it is nowhere in sight. Her heart beats fast as she is in a panic. The CIA agents realize something has gone wrong now that they can no longer hear what Jennifer and Vikta say.

 

"Mr. Hart, we lost contact!!!" one of the men exclaims. "Your wife must have been compromised!"

 

"Not yet," Jonathan replies seriously while watching from the binoculars. He is in a panic. He is afraid for Jennifer's life but remains calm. "Jennifer lost the mirror when she dropped her purse."

 

While staring through the binoculars, Jonathan witnesses Vikta placing her belongings into her purse. He is bending down to do so while holding onto Jennifer's purse. Jennifer continues searching for the mirror. The compact mirror is lost! Jennifer glances up in Jonathan's direction. She has a look of regret on her face. "Vikta is gentleman enough to place Jennifer's belongings back into her purse," Jonathan informs the agents.

 

"Motion to your wife to keep talking," the first man replies. "One of us will look for it. Hopefully, I can find the mirror and hand it back to Mrs. Hart without arousing Vikta's suspicion," he says, taking the earphone out.

 

"Just be sure you don't endanger Jennifer's life if you value Kulp's," Jonathan warns firmly with a sharp look. He has the binoculars down from his eyes and stares at the agents.

 

He places the binoculars back up to his eyes. Jonathan is now seeing Vikta hand Jennifer's purse back to her. He motions to Jennifer to keep talking to the Russian when Vikta isn't looking. Jennifer nods.

 

"Cnacnoo," Jennifer says with a smile, taking her purse. She just said, "Thank you" in Russian.

 

Vikta tells her, "Not at all. Don't mention it," in Russian. He takes Jennifer by the arm and notices the disturbed expression on her face. "What is the matter, Irina?" Vikta asks with a look of wonder.

 

"Oh, I just noticed I lost my compact mirror," Jennifer says, turning back to Vikta.

 

"It will turn up. If not, I will buy a new mirror," Vikta offers with assurance.

 

"You don't have to go out of your way to purchase me a new mirror," Jennifer replies with a sweet smile. "I can always buy myself a new one. It's just the one I owned was a gift from an admirer," she insists. Jennifer doesn't want to appear too anxious to recover the mirror. Her true feelings about the loss would make her Russian companion question her sudden presence in his life.

 

Jennifer and Vikta continue their walk. They are heading in the direction of the 18th hole. "I'm expecting to hear back from my contact. I told him all about you and the assignment I gave you last night," Vikta whispers to Jennifer as they come upon more people participating in golf. "He'll want to know how the drop went at Chadwicks."

 

He is about to continue when a young woman, who is in her twenties, rushes up to Jennifer. She is wearing casual golf clothes and is carrying a club and golf bag. The special compact mirror that Kulp trusted Jennifer to take with her at all times is in her other hand.

 

"Excuse me," she says out of breath after she had been running to catch up with Jennifer. "I found your mirror. Somehow it appeared by my feet as my boyfriend was getting ready to tee off."

 

"Oh, thank you," Jennifer replies, breathing a sigh of relief. "I was concerned that I would never find my mirror." She is about to take the mirror when the woman gives it a looking over.

 

The woman noticed some dirt had spilled a bit on the outside. Jennifer's heart is about to beat fast with fear as the lady starts to open the mirror.

 

"Don't worry," Jennifer says, taking the mirror away with a tone of anxiety. "I'll clean it, and the mirror will be good as new," she assures the young player with a smile.

 

The young woman walks off with a stern look. She finds Jennifer's reaction to her attempting to open the compact very bizarre. Vikta is about to ask Jennifer a question when she glances at her wristwatch.

 

"The time on my wristwatch appears to be slow," Jennifer says casually while holding the mirror firmly and closely. "What time does your watch say?"

 

Vikta looks down at his wristwatch to see the time. Jennifer, watching him slowly and discreetly, places the mirror back into her purse abruptly. She opens it only slightly before leaving her purse half-opened. She heaves a huge sigh of relief at managing to return the mirror to her purse without her male companion taking notice.

 

"It's close to twelve-thirty," Vikta replies, returning his attention to Jennifer. "We better be on our way. Our fifteen minutes is about up."

 

He retakes Jennifer's arm while they return to walking to the 18th hole. "I was getting ready to tell you I'll hear back from my contact soon about you receiving the two million dollars. He is very insistent about whom we take into our confidence before they are paid. He's old-fashioned concerning women. He is still convinced a woman can not make a good agent. I have faith you'll be an exception," Vikta tells Jennifer just as they approach the 18th hole.

 

Agent 005 is already there waiting on them. Vikta takes notice of him but doesn't acknowledge his presence. His careless treatment enrages the other foreign agent. He glares at Jennifer as his dislike of her turns to contempt and hate. Jennifer and Vikta walk over to the hole, preparing for their last round.

 

"Ladies first," Vikta insists with a smile, gesturing toward the hole.

 

Jennifer smiles, showing him an appreciation for his gentlemanly gesture. Vikta stands beside Agent 005 while watching Jennifer get her body and club in position to hit the ball.

 

"Vikta, we need to talk," Agent 005 whispers.

 

"Shut up! Now is not the time or the place," Vikta snaps back in a low voice impatiently.

 

"I don't trust your lady friend," the other man mumbles. "She could be a spy working for the CIA," he says, grumbling under his breath in a warning tone just as Jennifer hits the ball into the hole. It's a hole in one again.

 

Edwards House That Night

Jonathan and Jennifer are dressed in their pajamas. They are sitting up in bed with their covers over their legs and feet. They are drinking a glass of Brandy. The decanter is on a table along with the velvet-lined box by the door. Jennifer replaced Vikta's ring with her wedding ring.

 

"Oh, I'm so relieved the dead drop was successful! Switching the cipher with the one Kulp's handwriting expert invented was very ingenious," Jennifer says, impressed.

 

"Kulp has more brains than I ever gave him credit for," Jonathan replies, shaking his glass.

 

Jennifer is suddenly smiling. "Why are you smiling, darling?" Jonathan asks, turning to face his wife with a look of surprise.

 

"I was just thinking how espionage would make an intriguing topic for an article," Jennifer replies, thinking the possibility over.

 

"Oh, you must be kidding!" Jonathan exclaims in astonishment. He is looking at Jennifer in disbelief.

 

"No, darling. Espionage has always fascinated people over the years," Jennifer replies seriously.

 

Jonathan bursts out, chuckling.

 

"Jonathan, why do you do think my idea is so amusing?" Jennifer asks with a bit of annoyance.

 

"You know something? I think the Brandy has gone to your head," Jonathan replies, not able to hold back a grin.

 

Jennifer looks at Jonathan with frustration before her expression turns to a smile. "It has been a trying day, but I've not had one Brandy too many. This is our first glass, so I've had just as much alcohol to drink as you."

 

"I just can't believe after all we already been through involving the CIA and the KGB, you are still willing to write about espionage," Jonathan says gently.

 

"You can be certain that writing about espionage anytime soon is the last thing on my mind," Jennifer replies, becoming serious. "I can't wait to stop being a Bond girl," she confesses as she takes a sip of Brandy.

 

"That makes two of us. I don't like that Kulp put you in such a position where you had no say in the decision. It makes me uncomfortable," Jonathan says with concern. He takes a sip of his Brandy.

 

"If I had said no, you could imagine his reaction. As you had witnessed, that's not a word he responds well to," Jennifer mentions while placing her glass down on the table beside her. She turns back to Jonathan, who is smiling at her with a wide grin. "What?" Jennifer asks with curiosity.

 

"I'm so proud of you, darling," Jonathan replies in an adoring tone. He is now staring at his wife, admiring her bravery.

 

Jennifer, turning her body around to face Jonathan face to face, smiles. The compliment and his sincerity move her. Jonathan positions his body now to be facing his wife. He reaches over and puts an arm around her shoulder.

 

"So, just exactly how much are you proud of me, darling?" Jennifer asks coyly.

 

"Turn off the light, and I'll show you," Jonathan says seductively. He has a mischievous grin on his face.

 

More than willing to oblige to please Jonathan, Jennifer turns to the light on her side and switches off the lamp. It is entirely dark, with the remaining light now turned off. Jennifer is giggling.

 

"Oh, Jonathan!" Jennifer exclaims with a chuckle.

 

While the couple was reminiscing about the trick they pulled on the foreign agents, Vikta and his companion were eavesdropping. They are sitting in the same room with all of the listening devices before them. Vikta, outraged at discovering Jennifer betrayed his trust and was using him to gain information, snaps off the machine. He stares at the blank wall in a blinding rage. Agent 005 shakes his head at Vikta's stupidity. Vikta jumps up from his chair and starts pacing to try to calm down.

 

"So Irina Vasilice was, in reality, Jonathan Hart's wife," he mumbles, exasperated by his own mistake. "What am I to do?" he asks himself in desperation. He retakes his seat and stares at his finger, where his precious ring once was placed. He wishes he could get the ring back that he gave to Jennifer Hart on impulse.

 

"There's only one thing to do, Vikta," Agent 005 replies calmly.

 

Vikta looks up at him, waiting to hear his scheme. He is ashamed, hurt, angry, and disgusted that he can't think straight. "I'm listening," Vikta says calmly.

 

Langston Golf Course And Driving Range Days Later

Two days after their previous meeting, Jennifer and Vitka are once again playing golf. It's a bit cloudy and chilly. This time, Vikta plays the game on the first round while Jennifer stands across with her club and ball watching. Agent 005 stands behind Vikta's caddy like always. All three are in comfortable and warm golf attire. Because of the weather, there are only a couple of people nearby playing. Vikta and his companion act as if they never overheard the Harts' private conversation the other night.

 

Jennifer is in a cheerful mood and is wearing Vikta's ring she wore on their previous afternoon. Once again, Jennifer has her purse slightly opened and wrapped around her shoulder. Vikta swings the club harder than ever before. He has lost all respect for his once lady friend and resents Jennifer for making a fool out of him. The ball lands in the hole-another hole in one and victory for the Russian agent. Despite his success, he could care less. All that is on his mind is Jennifer's deception.

 

"I never knew a man like you could always get the ball into the hole on the first stroke," Jennifer says, continuing her role of a woman who has a crush on a spy and is willing to do anything for him.

 

Vikta fakes a pleasant smile and walks over to pick up his ball.

 

"Why did you want to meet here, considering the weather?" Jennifer asks. She gazes up into the sky.

 

"Golf helps me to unwind and just contemplate," Vikta replies, turning to face her with his ball in hand. "I apologize for the short notice, my dear, but I just heard back from my contact," he says without bothering to lower his voice. They are now alone. "I have a surprise for you," he announces cheerfully. He gestures toward the golf bag. He shouts out some words in Russian to Agent 005.

 

The pale man nods before slowly reaching into the bag. He takes out a black perfume gift box and a fancy jewel case. Jennifer gasps in shock. Agent 005 walks over and hands the items to Vikta, who thanks him in Russian.

 

Vikta, smiling, walks over to Jennifer. Jennifer is staring at the case, wondering what it contains. He hands the gift box and antique case to her. Jennifer reluctantly takes the surprises presented to her.

 

"My contact was delighted when he heard how you carried out the dead drop. He has been won over. The perfume gift box contains the two million dollars, and the case contains a gift. Open it," Vikta requests anxiously.

 

Jennifer smiles, for she was not expecting a present in return. She opens the case. Her club and ball are taken by Vikta, who is waiting for Jennifer's reaction patiently. Jennifer gasps upon seeing an antique and breathtaking diamond pendant necklace she noticed Suzanne was wearing when she made the dead drop at Chadwicks. Jennifer is at a loss for words and stares up at Vikta, who is smiling with satisfaction.

 

"It's just my way of showing appreciation," Vikta says upon sensing Jennifer's thoughts.

 

"Uh, I can't accept this necklace," Jennifer replies with a smile. She doesn't want to risk an outburst or make a wrong move that could blow her cover. "A diamond necklace is too personal."

 

Vikta ignores her refusal to accept the necklace. He hands the clubs and balls to Agent 005. He walks over to Jennifer, who is still staring at him, stunned. He reaches into the case and takes out the necklace. Jennifer is about to retort when Vikta speaks up. "A beautiful necklace for a lovely and desirable lady," Vikta says in a charming tone.

 

He and Agent 005 exchange glances. It's evident from the men's expression that there is something mysterious about the expensive jewelry.

 

"I have more good news, Irina," Vikta continues, holding the necklace as he walks up to Jennifer from behind. He starts to place the necklace around her neck. "We have another assignment for you coming up very soon. It will be worth waiting for," Vikta finishes telling Jennifer in a dead-serious tone. He has just finished hanging the necklace around Jennifer's neck.

 

"I appreciate the gesture, Vikta, but the necklace is too extravagant. I didn't make the dead drop expecting a gift in return," Jennifer politely says while trying her best to talk her way out of accepting the priceless and unexpected gift.

 

"I insist!" Vikta exclaims, raising his hand to show Jennifer he will not take no for an answer. He has a tone that gives the impression he is offended by Jennifer's refusal to accept the necklace without voicing disapproval.

 

Jennifer smiles, reluctantly accepting the Russian's insistence. She knows any further attempts to persuade Vikta to take back the necklace would be futile.

 

Edwards House That Night

 

Jonathan and Jennifer are taking a stroll on the grounds. They hold hands as they head in the direction of the stables. It’s a relatively warm evening. Dusk has set in. Having removed Vikta’s ring and replaced it with her wedding ring, Jennifer is wearing the diamond necklace.

 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there while you met up with Vikta, darling,” Jonathan says with a tone of frustration. “Why didn’t you wait? I would have felt better if I was present.”

 

“I regretted not waiting for you, darling, but how could I have refused? If I had postponed our meeting, Vikta might have gotten suspicious. I had a feeling I might have discovered something we could use to land him in jail,” Jennifer replies with regret. “I’m sorry.”

 

“Oh, you were just doing what you felt was best. The meeting didn’t give us enough notice. Frank needed my help in the lab. We’re having trouble with the spyware. We need to make some changes, so I was tied up for the rest of the day. Kulp, of course, didn’t tell me about Vikta contacting you until I was getting ready to leave,” Jonathan replies with annoyance. “What happened today? Did you learn anything?”

 

The couple is reaching the stables.

 

“Other than learning Vikta’s contact was pleased by how I handled the dead drop and will have another mission for me in a few days, I didn’t learn anything,” Jennifer says with disappointment as she starts to cough. “Vikta awarded me with two million dollars, which I handed over to one of the agents,” she continues as they approach the stables.

 

Jennifer is uncontrollably coughing as tears start to form. The Harts stop walking as Jonathan turns to face his wife with grave concern.

 

“What’s wrong?” Jonathan asks, troubled by her sudden tears and cough. He grows suspicious. He had never witnessed Jennifer being in this condition before. His eyes notice the necklace.

 

“I don’t know. I feel strange,” Jennifer replies in between coughs.

 

“I don’t recall you purchased a diamond necklace when we were picking out expensive jewels to use as bait,” Jonathan mentions with a look of suspicion on his face.

 

“Vikta insisted the necklace was a gift. I couldn’t talk him into taking it back. It’s strange. The necklace resembles the necklace Suzanne wore when making the drop."

 

“I’m going to have a look at that necklace,” Jonathan says, worried. He has a strong hunch Vikta tampered with the necklace to harm his wife.

 

Jonathan, turning around so he can reach Jennifer’s neck, starts to take the necklace off. He looks at the back of the necklace to discover a small test tube containing teargas concealed in the pendant to his horror and fear.

 

A thick cloud is starting to foam from the gas. By now, Jennifer’s eyes are tearing excessively. She is struggling to breathe and feels like she is choking. Her eyes are stinging and burning. Jennifer realizes that by now, someone must have tampered with the necklace to cause her harm or worse: death. Her nose starts to run. The symptoms caused by gas have already caused damage and discomfort. She wonders what is causing her pain. Jonathan reacts at once. While covering up his eyes, Jonathan starts to hurry away from Jennifer and the stables to dispose of the dangerous and fatal fume.

 

He reaches a place on the grounds where there are trees in front of him. He holds the necklace far away from him while covering up his face and head with his handkerchief. Jonathan hurls the necklace onto the ground as tears start to come into his eyes. He begins to cough. Jonathan continues to cover up his head and face as he starts to rush back to Jennifer. Jonathan has just reached his wife’s side when the teargas explodes, spreading into the night air.

 

He grabs Jennifer by the arm, and they hurry back to the house while covering up their skin with their clothes. The couple is trying to shift away from the billowing cloud of gas without running. They need to seek shelter since the fresh air has been affected by the teargas, spreading into the sky. Jennifer’s symptoms are starting to take a turn for the worse. Jonathan hands his handkerchief to Jennifer. She covers up her eyes.

 

Jennifer is blinking as the cough, tears, stinging, burning, and struggle to breathe continues. Her vision is starting to get blurry. The Harts rush toward the backdoor while still holding onto each other. Jonathan and Jennifer begin to take off their shoes. Grease is in their hair. They let their shoes stay outside. Jonathan hurls open the backdoor and pulls his wife into the house before shutting the door with a bang.

 

“Jonathan, my vision is blurred,” Jennifer says with worry, finding it difficult to endure the pain. She can’t stop coughing.

 

“You better sit down,” Jonathan replies with worry. He gently helps Jennifer into a chair in the living room.

 

Jonathan bends down to face her at eye level. He has his coat over his arm. He and his wife’s clothes are covered with grease. Jonathan is about to call Walter, who is approaching the room.

 

“Mrs. Jennifer, I heard what sounded like a shot,” Walter says, wondering what caused the disturbing noise from outside.

 

“Jennifer and I had a narrow escape,” Jonathan explains, examining his wife’s eyes. “Someone planted teargas in Jennifer’s necklace,” he says as Walter steps into the room. A look of shock and alarm is on his face. “Her vision is blurred, and her eyes are stinging and burning. Call the paramedics,” Jonathan orders gently. “Darling, you’ll be all right. The paramedics will look you over. The effects of the gas should wear out within an hour. I’ll wash your eyes out. Try breathing in and out,” Jonathan tells Jennifer with deep concern. “Was your skin exposed?” he asks, helping her out of her clothes.

 

Jennifer shakes her head as Walter gives the address to the responder. Jonathan dashes to the kitchen. A look of anger comes across his face after someone intended to harm his wife.

 

Central Intelligence Agency The Next Morning

 

The following day, Jonathan, who barges into Kulp’s office in a bad mood, is enraged by Jennifer’s exposure to teargas last night. Jonathan is wearing a new business suit and shoes. Kulp is sitting at his desk, dictating when he notices Jonathan’s foul mood. Jonathan storms over and switches the dictating machine off. He is glaring at Kulp, who is appalled by his behavior and nerve to barge in without announcing himself.

 

“What do you want?” Why did you barge into my office like that?” Kulp demands to know calmly.

 

“Jennifer was hurt last night. Vikta must have planted the teargas himself in the necklace he handed over to her on the course that afternoon,” Jonathan explains, raising his voice. “She’s lucky she wasn’t seriously injured!” he exclaims, staring at the director of the CIA in the eye. “Her vision was blurred for an hour!”

 

“How is Mrs. Hart?” Kulp asks with genuine concern.

 

“She’s fine. I told you I wanted Jennifer to have protection!” Jonathan exclaims with frustration as he leans forward on Kulp’s desk.

 

“My men had no way of knowing what Vikta had planned for your wife,” Kulp insists calmly.

 

Jonathan glares at him, his temper boiling up inside of him. He knows Kulp would never take responsibility for any part he may have played in Jennifer being injured or show regret for Jennifer’s life being put at risk. “The necklace was a diamond. Jennifer said Suzanne, on the night she made the drop, was wearing the same necklace she wore.” Jonathan waits for Kulp’s reaction.

 

“Vikta is buying Suzanne off with expensive jewelry,” Kulp replies, sitting back in his chair. “Do you still have the necklace?”

 

Jonathan reaches into the pocket of his suit and brings out the antique jewelry. He tosses the necklace onto Kulp’s desk. “Jennifer has plenty of jewelry. Keep it.”

 

“You know no doubt that the prints on the necklace are smeared. I’ll see if the lab can come up with a print that fits our Russian friend. The FBI won’t have any information on Vikta since he came into this country using a false identity.”

 

“And no criminal record. Tell me how finding prints on a foreign agent, who sneaked into this country right under authorities’ noses, is going to lead you and your men to him?” Jonathan asks in exasperation. “Did it ever occur to you to keep Vikta under surveillance? He does show up at Langston regularly.”

 

“Don’t tell me how to do my job, Hart,” Kulp replies with annoyance while retaining his composure. “I’ll have two of my men see if they can find out where Vikta purchased the necklace.”

 

“That’ll make me and Jennifer rest more easily knowing you’ll do everything to stop Vikta,” Jonathan remarks sarcastically.

 

Kulp is offended by Jonathan’s remark and attitude but doesn’t respond.

 

“Jennifer is done working for the CIA. It’s over, Kulp,” Jonathan tells the director of the CIA adamantly. He is speaking in a stern voice.

 

Kulp rises to his feet and looks at Jonathan in frustration. “Your wife knew what she was up against when she agreed to the assignment,” Kulp replies calmly.

 

Jonathan, no longer able to control his temper, glares at him. He straightens himself up and storms over to Kulp while staring at him like someone attempting to attack any moment. He swings the chair Kulp is sitting in around, so he is directly facing him.

 

“I will not have my wife used as bait!” Jonathan exclaims, his voice heated, and his eyes are showing the rage he is feeling.

 

Kulp sighs. “You made your point,” Kulp says, tired of clashing with Jonathan.

 

“If any harm comes to Jennifer, you will have to answer to me!” Jonathan exclaims in a warning tone. He starts to head out now that he and Kulp reached an understanding. His calm behavior returns now that he stood up for Jennifer.

 

“Hart, the agency is holding me a party to celebrate my forty years of being with them. It’s being held tonight at Old Ebbitt Grill at eight o'clock. I would appreciate you and Mrs. Hart stopping by,” Kulp says in a friendly tone.

 

Jonathan is standing in front of the door with a hand on the doorknob. He stares at Kulp. He can’t believe the CIA director wants him to attend a party being held in his honor after the way he treated them.

 

“We’ll be there,” Jonathan replies, opening the door. He walks out of the office and shuts the door behind him.

 

Old Ebbitt Grill That Night

Jonathan and Jennifer walk in shortly after eight o'clock. They enter through the revolving door. Jonathan is wearing his tuxedo while Jennifer has on a black velvet cocktail dress. Jennifer is carrying a black evening bag and holding a wine bottle in her other hand. The restaurant has a mass collection of antiques and memorabilia, which is decorated in the Victorian interior. There is an antique clock behind the Harts’ head, which stands over the revolving doors.

 

There is a marble staircase, and The Main Bar is mahogany. The well-known Oyster Bar is just around the corner. The stools are filled up where customers are enjoying a variety of oysters and first-rate wines. Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances.

 

“At least Kulp will be drinking our wine for free,” Jennifer remarks, staring at the wine collection.

 

“Darling, why did you bother to go to the trouble of purchasing a present after all Kulp put you through?” Jonathan asks.

 

 “It’s not good manners to come to a party empty-handed, and Kulp was gracious enough to invite us,” Jennifer replies, turning back to face her husband. “We’ll leave the party early and have our celebration alone together,” Jennifer adds with a smile.

 

“Oh?” Jonathan asks with a smile, his mood brightening. He places an arm around Jennifer. “Is there anything, in particular, you would like me to bring to the party?” He is staring at his wife adoringly.

 

“No, just bring yourself,” Jennifer replies, looking at her husband with that same look. She shoots him a wink.

 

Jonathan chuckles. A well-dressed host walks up to the couple.

 

“Do you have a reservation?” he asks with a smile. “There’ll be a $20 corkage fee since you brought your own wine, madam,” the man informs Jennifer upon noticing the wine in her hand.

 

“This wine is a present,” Jennifer explains. “A party is being held here for Mr. Kulp. We’re two of his guests.”

 

The host smiles and gestures to the couple to follow him. Jennifer holds the bottle carefully as they let the man lead the way. Old Ebbitt is crowded. As Jonathan and Jennifer head to the stairs, they pass an old pool table out of the way by the dining room. Two young men are enjoying a friendly game. The stairs leading to the downstairs is just beside the doors in the main entrance. The Main Dining room is across from the doors.

 

The Harts step into the hall leading to a private dining room. “I would rather be playing pool than socializing with Kulp,” Jonathan whispers to Jennifer.

 

Jennifer turns to shoot her husband a look. She is about to reply to his comment when they are reaching the dining room. The private dining area is called CABINET ROOM, indicated by the words above the double doors in golden letters. Jonathan and Jennifer can see the filled up room through the glass. There is a long table with plenty of wooden chairs for each guest to sit. The host throws open the doors and stands aside so Jonathan and Jennifer can enter. He shuts the doors behind them as he heads back to his post.

 

While Kulp is seated at the end of the table, the room is filled with lively chatter. The other guests are engaged in a conversation. Wainwright, sitting by Kulp on his right, is talking to themselves. Kulp is drinking a glass of wine along with the rest of the men gathered in the private dining room. Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances upon noticing their choice of beverage for the occasion. Kulp sees the couple and rises to his feet. The Harts walk over as Kulp acknowledges their presence. For the first time, he has a smile on his face.

 

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hart,” Kulp greets pleasantly. “I appreciate you accepting my invitation. How are you feeling after your ordeal?” Kulp asks with concern, turning to face Jennifer.

 

“I’m shaken up a bit, but otherwise, I’m in good physical shape,” Jennifer replies with a smile. She and Jonathan are both taken aback by his sudden change in attitude and nature. She hands him the wine. “If I had known Old Ebbitt was a popular place for wine, I would have purchased Champagne instead.”

 

“I love wine! I could always do with another bottle at home!” Kulp insists with the wine in his hand. “The reason I invited you and your husband to the celebration was I wanted to make amends. I’ve been with Central Intelligence for many years. I regret to say I’ve grown accustomed to strict policy and the ways we operate. I never worked with civilians before during my forty years. I’m not comfortable with meeting others halfway. Hopefully, now we can work together without being at odds, and I’ve come to realize I’ve not considered your welfare the way I should have,” Kulp tells the couple with a tone of regret.

 

“I think I need to mention I had a nice chat with Kulp after your visit, Jonathan,” Wainwright says, speaking up for his part he played in breaking down the director of Central Intelligence’s cold exterior. “I know your father would never approve of the way his daughter and son-in-law were treated,” he tells the Harts.

 

Jonathan smiles and extends his hand to Kulp. “No hard feelings,” Jonathan replies warmly.

 

Kulp shakes Jonathan’s hand. Jennifer smiles, relieved that there will be no more tension between them. A young man across the table, who is in his late thirties, is staring at the wine bottle label. He appears to be disturbed for some reason while reading the brand name. He is tall and very handsome. The CIA officer is wearing a suit like everyone else seated at the table.

 

Jennifer walks over to a table in the corner behind Kulp. She is holding the wine. Kulp introduces Jonathan to the guest he is not acquainted with while the officer watches Jennifer place the bottle down on the table. It is filled up with presents that have not been opened yet. The man eyes the bottle while Jennifer walks back to the dining table. There is a look of fear and panic on his face. Kulp introduces to Jennifer, all of the other men before facing his direction.

 

“And I would like to introduce you to our case officer, who has just returned from Europe, where he was stationed in Rome,” Kulp announces with pride. “He has a promising future ahead of him. Howard Archambeau. Jonathan Hart of Hart Industries and his wife,” he tells Howard, who appears to be surprised upon hearing their names.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer walk up to greet him. Howard rises from his seat to meet them.

 

“Hello, Howard,” Jonathan says with a friendly smile. He extends his hand to the man. “Welcome back to America.”

 

“Thank you, Mr. Hart,” Howard replies with a smile, shaking Jonathan’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you finally. Kulp couldn’t have chosen a better company than Hart Industries to assist our agency.”

 

“Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. Hart Industries is always willing to do business for the good of our country,” Jonathan says, placing his hands in the pockets of his tuxedo.

 

“Being a case officer must be rewarding,” Jennifer tells Howard with a smile. She extends her hand, which Howard shakes. “Jonathan and I love Europe. I’m sure Rome was an exciting place to be stationed. We have visited Italy on occasions during our travels.”

 

Howard smiles before replying. “Traveling is much more rewarding than sitting at a desk,” Howard says with a tone of disappointment, which Jennifer noticed.

 

Kulp carries on, introducing the Harts to the rest of the guests. While the other agents and the couple engage in greetings, Howard walks over to the table, holding the presents. He turns to make sure no one has been made aware of his absence from his seat. Howard gently picks up the wine bottle after turning to face the table. He looks at the brand name. A look of shock comes upon his face as he appears to recognize the name. Howard gasps. The brand name is the same as the wine served the night of the ball.

 

Just as he carefully looks down at the bottom of the bottle underneath, Jennifer catches sight of Howard’s strange interest in the gift. Jonathan is standing by her side, talking to Kulp and an agent. Jennifer watches as Howard breathes a sigh of relief after it seems he didn’t find whatever it was he was looking for. He gently places the bottle down and starts to return to his seat as Jennifer returns her attention to the conversation.

 

Jennifer has an expression on her face that clearly shows Howard’s interest in the wine is very suspicious. “Excuse me. I need to freshen up. I’ll be right back,” Jennifer says casually, interrupting the discussion.

 

“All right, darling,” Jonathan replies, turning to his wife. He turns back to Kulp and the agent seated by his side.

 

Jennifer heads out of the private dining room. Soon after, Jennifer is walking up the stairs leading to the main dining room and bar. She looks around for the ladies’ room. Jennifer can’t find it but sees the host is preoccupied with leading new customers to a booth. She decides to head right to search for the powder room. Jennifer walks into the main dining room, which is filled up with people sitting in booths. The new arrivals are waiting for a waiter while others enjoy a delicious and fancy meal. Jennifer politely excuses herself while passing waiters and waitresses.

 

Just as she reaches the end of the main dining room, she approaches a booth in a dark corner away from the other booths. A woman has her back to Jennifer while facing an unseen person seated across from her. She has dark red hair and is wearing a black fur coat that conceals her clothing. Only her sparkling diamond necklace and other costly antique jewels can be noticed from Jennifer’s position. As Jennifer comes up to the secluded booth, she sees the woman for the first time. She pauses when she catches sight of her face. The lady looks very familiar to her. Jennifer stares at her for a moment, trying to recall who she is. She gasps quietly in shock upon finally recognizing the woman. It’s Suzanne! The red wig she is wearing for tonight’s disguise explains why Jennifer needed a moment to put a name with the face.

 

Jennifer ducks out of sight to watch Suzanne’s interaction with her companion. She wonders what Jonathan’s secretary is doing at Old Ebbitt. Suzanne is secretly passing a wine bottle under the booth to a man across from her. He is well-hidden by the darkness. The strange man reaches down under the booth and takes the bottle. Jennifer suspects espionage after witnessing the mysterious exchange. Jennifer is shocked to notice the brand of wine is the same brand she purchased for Kulp. Howard, examining the wine bottle only a short time ago, makes her suspect the incident is somehow connected to the odd switch she just witnessed. Jennifer is speechless.

 

She turns around and starts to hurry back to the private dining room quietly. Soon after, the door to the room opens, and Jennifer walks in. Jonathan is seated at the table, along with Kulp and all of the other guests. A waiter is taking Kulp’s order as the director of the CIA is looking over the menu. Keeping calm and acting as if nothing happened, Jennifer walks over to Jonathan, who has a menu in his hand. He is looking it over as Jennifer leans down and whispers into his ear. Jonathan looks up at Jennifer, puzzled. He places the menu down and rises from his chair.

 

Jennifer starts to walk out of the room, with Jonathan following closely behind. Howard glances up from his menu and is distraught when he observes the Harts’ exit. He watches from his place at the table as Jonathan and Jennifer step outside. Jennifer motions to Jonathan to close the doors. She is standing across from her husband as he stands with his back toward the room. Jonathan quietly shuts the glass doors behind them.

 

“What’s wrong?” Jonathan asks with concern.

 

Jennifer is still stunned after witnessing the peculiar actions upstairs. “I just saw a woman handing a bottle of wine to a man secretly upstairs,” Jennifer replies seriously.

 

Jonathan looks at Jennifer for a moment. He doesn’t know what to think about what she just told him. “It wouldn’t be gentlemanly of me to report them to management simply because they didn’t pay the twenty dollars corkage fee,” Jonathan says, failing to understand what his wife’s point is.

 

“Jonathan, it’s serious!” Jennifer exclaims, becoming annoyed. “Espionage is going on right here in Old Ebbitt.”

 

Jonathan stares at Jennifer for a moment in disbelief. “What are you talking about?” Jonathan asks, becoming serious.

 

“Suzanne handed the same wine brand I bought to some man under a booth. While Kulp was introducing us to his guest, I saw Howard looking over our wine. He seemed relieved when he didn’t find what he was looking for at the bottom of the bottle. I also remembered the brand is the same as the wine served the night of the ball.”

 

“Let’s find out what that brand of wine is really storing,” Jonathan says, taking Jennifer by the arm.

 

They start to hurry back to the stairs as Howard looks on at their exit with uneasiness. Jonathan and Jennifer enter the main dining room. Jennifer is leading him to Suzanne’s booth. They reach where Suzanne and her male companion are sitting across from each other discreetly. Their voices are very low in the noisy tavern. Jonathan notices the wine bottle by the man’s feet. He steps closer to get a better look at Suzanne’s face. He is standing in the same place as Jennifer when she first noticed Suzanne’s presence. Jonathan returns to Jennifer’s side.

 

“We need to act casual, so we won’t risk drawing attention to ourselves,” Jonathan says, turning to face his wife. He takes Jennifer by the hand and heads toward the Main Bar.

 

As the Harts exit the dining room, they start to pass the pool table. A man with long black hair, whose back is toward the couple, is playing alone. His eyes are on the balls while he is leaning over with a cue- stick in hand. It appears his attention is only on the game, but just as Jonathan and Jennifer walk by, he turns his attention in their direction. It’s Agent 005! He is in disguise.

 

His black hair is only a wig to conceal his real hair. He is also wearing a fake mustache and serious-looking eyeglasses. Agent 005 stares at Jonathan and Jennifer. Their presence has aroused his interest. He looks annoyed to see them at Old Ebbitt. The Harts approach the bar. Agent 005 mumbles quietly to himself under his breath before turning to watch Suzanne and her male companion. He continues playing pool while keeping an eye on them. Jonathan and Jennifer turn to face the bartender at the crowded bar.

 

“Martini shaken, but not stirred, please,” Jonathan tells the bartender in an English and debonair accent.

 

The bartender starts to attend to pouring the couple’s drinks. Jennifer turns to look at Jonathan in surprise after hearing he had requested a Martini.

 

“I thought you had no interest in being 007,” Jennifer says while staring at Suzanne.

 

“I have no interest in being an agent, but I always wanted to taste a Martini shaken, but not stirred,” Jonathan replies with a grin. “What better place to sample James Bond’s favorite drink than Washington, D.C.?” he adds, turning to Jennifer.

 

“Yes, where spies are all around us as Max would remind us,” Jennifer says as the bartender places her drink by her side.

 

She has a good view of Suzanne’s booth from where she and Jonathan are standing. The bartender places Jonathan’s Martini shaken, but not stirred by his side. Jonathan takes cash out of his wallet to pay for their cocktails. He picks up his Martini and takes a sip while turning to observe his secretary’s mysterious interaction. Jennifer picks up her glass and starts to take a sip when something takes over her attention.

 

“This Martini is quite good. I may have to have another,” Jonathan comments, impressed.

 

Jennifer is too preoccupied to be listening to what her husband just mentioned.

 

“Jonathan, look!” Jennifer exclaims, pointing to Suzanne, who is rising from her seat along with the man.

 

Jonathan turns his eyes to see what his wife is all excited about. The man picks up the wine bottle and reaches out a hand to extend to Suzanne. She shakes his hand and starts to exit the dining room. The stranger she met up with waits until she is out of the room to make his exit. He casually makes toward a backdoor as Suzanne is approaching the main entrance. Agent 005 watches as she starts to exit the saloon. He holds the cue- stick firmly as he stops playing. His eyes are on Suzanne.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer walk briskly to catch up to Suzanne, who is opening the revolving door. They come upon the pool table just as she exits. Agent 005, sensing what the Harts are up to, is staring at them. He has to stop them from following her.

 

“Care to have a shot at pool?” Agent 005 asks, holding his cue- stick out to Jonathan, who is brushing past him with Jennifer ahead of him.

 

“Maybe I’ll take a raincheck,” Jonathan replies in a tone that makes it clear he is in a hurry.

 

“No, play, please!” Agent 005 exclaims firmly. He is doing his best to hide his Russian accent.

 

The Russian agent jerks Jonathan by the arm, almost causing him to lose his balance with his tight grip. “PLAY!” Agent 005 insists in a tone that is evident he won’t take no for an answer.

 

Jennifer stops running and turns to Jonathan. She is startled by the man’s actions toward her husband.

 

“What’s the matter? Can’t you find someone to play with you?” Jonathan asks, removing the Russian’s hand from his arm. He is annoyed that this man he had never met prevents himself and Jennifer from following his secretary.

 

Jennifer sighs impatiently and rolls her eyes at losing a chance to find out what Suzanne is up to. Agent 005 tosses the cue-stick to Jonathan, who catches it.

 

“Play pool! I want a partner, and you’re it!” Agent 005 states through gritted teeth. He has lost patience with Jonathan Hart.

 

Suddenly, Jennifer, looking at the foreign agent over as if she recognizes him, stands back with a look of shock. Jonathan is getting impatient with the man's persistence.

 

"Did anyone tell you that you are loaded with charm?" Jonathan asks with sarcasm. He is about to place the stick down on the table when Jennifer nudges him.

 

"Oh, go on, darling! You wouldn't want to deprive this man of a partner!" Jennifer exclaims with a smile. She is suddenly turning on the charm. She knows Agent 005 is onto them and is creating a diversion, so they can't follow Suzanne.

 

"WHAT?!!!" Jonathan asks, taken aback by his wife's reaction. He is staring at Jennifer, stunned.

 

"Do as I say," Jennifer whispers into her husband's ear. She is speaking in a tone that he heard once before. "I'll explain later," she tells Jonathan with a friendly smile.

 

Jonathan looks from Jennifer to Agent 005, who is staring at him menacingly. Jonathan is silent for a moment. He stops to think about what decision he should make before turning to the Russian with a smile.

 

"Rack up," Jonathan replies.

 

Agent 005 smiles slyly. "Just a moment," he says as Jonathan positions himself properly to play with the cue-stick in hand.

 

The foreign spy reaches down and presses a switch on the side of the table.

 

Soon after, Jonathan and Agent 005 are still playing. It's been over a couple of minutes since they started. Jonathan is getting tired and frustrated at being continuously beaten when he is a skilled player. Jennifer is standing behind the men out of their way as she sips her drink while watching her husband not having any luck. She is stunned, for she had once witnessed him clean a pool table in one shot. Jonathan is shocked. He is beginning to wonder if the table is rigged. Agent 005 once again cleans the table. He stares at Jonathan smugly.

 

"You still want to play?" he asks in a devious manner. He is holding the cue-stick onto the ground.

 

It's apparent to Jonathan and Jennifer the man enjoys taunting his reluctant partner. This stranger couldn't be a shark with the way he had been playing for ten minutes.

 

"Do I have a choice?" Jonathan asks with a look of frustration. "With the way you play, I may be here till closing time."

 

Agent 005 chuckles as he positions his stick. He leans over the table and holds the stick's base with his left hand, resting the narrow end on his right.

 

Agent 005, making sure his feet are at a forty-five-degree angle, lines the pool tip up with the cue ball, aims, and hits away as hard as he can. All in one shot, the balls head directly toward the pocket where they sink. Jonathan sighs, ready to get his defeat over and done with once and for all. He keeps his eyes on the balls in front of him, determined more than ever to beat the Russian. Jonathan takes his time while continuing to gaze at the balls before taking any action.

 

"Hurry up!" Agent 005 exclaims impatiently.

 

Jonathan looks up at the man, giving him a look that he doesn't appreciate being rushed.

 

"If I am going to keep losing, at least give me a chance to take my time," Jonathan says with some annoyance in his voice.

 

Jennifer is watching breathlessly with anticipation. Maybe now Jonathan will have an opportunity to clean the table in one shot. Jonathan sighs and finally hits the balls with his cue-stick harder than ever. Unfortunately, the balls fail to land in the pockets. His frustration is increasing.

 

"Just face it! Tonight is just not your night!" the foreign agent exclaims with a devious smile.

 

"I'm beginning to realize that," Jonathan replies, returning to a standing up position. "I hope you won't think of me as a sore loser if I call it a night," he says with a sigh, realizing winning is hopeless. "I've suddenly lost my enthusiasm," Jonathan adds with disappointment while remaining calm and accepting defeat gracefully. He places the cue-stick down on the table.

 

"Not at all," Agent 005 replies with a sly smile. There is a tone of delight in his voice. He turns to Jennifer. "Perhaps your wife would be willing to give pool a try," he says mischievously. He is smiling at Jennifer. "Care to give it a shot?"

 

"Oh, no! I don't think I am up for pool at the moment," Jennifer replies with a friendly grin. She is hoping Agent 005 will accept her refusal.

 

The Russian shoots Jennifer a cold stare. It's apparent Jennifer declining his request has made him hostile.

 

"Perhaps I'll just give it a go," Jennifer says, walking over to the pool table. "Rack them up," she tells the man, standing next to her husband. They exchange glances.

 

Agent 005 picks up the balls and places them down on the table neatly. Jonathan offers Jennifer his cue-stick. Jennifer takes the stick. She leans over and focuses on the balls before hitting them with all of her strength. To her surprise and Jonathan's complete shock, the balls head directly toward a pocket where they land. She has managed to clean the table in one shot! Agent 005 is staring at the clear table, speechless. How did Jennifer manage to clean the table when he had rigged it? He is incensed.

 

"It was most likely just a stroke of luck," Jennifer replies with a smile, shrugging her shoulders. She is also speechless at her accomplishment.

 

Jonathan is staring at his wife, wondering how she managed to clean the table when he couldn't get a ball into a pocket. The couple is taken by surprise when Agent 005 flings his cue-stick onto the table, outraged. He is boiling with anger, and his temper is getting the best of him. The foreign agent starts yelling at Jennifer in Russian. From the tone of his voice and his body language, he is shouting obscene language. Jonathan and Jennifer exchange looks of shock and frustration that anyone would respond to losing by having an outburst.

 

"Let's get out of here," Jonathan says, taking the stick from his wife's hand as she looks at Agent 005 carrying on like a child. He tosses the cue-stick to the man. "If I were you, I'd learn to watch my language when a lady is present! You'd make more friends if you'd learn to be agreeable!" he exclaims with exasperation. He stares at Agent 005 harshly before taking Jennifer by the hand.

 

"You are not leaving! No one gets the best of me! I won't have a lady beat me!" he yells, scowling at Jennifer. "Women make me sick!" he exclaims, disgusted.

 

Jonathan has lost all of his patience. He won't tolerate anyone disrespecting his wife, especially when he is present. He lets go of Jennifer's hand and turns back to Agent 005. Jonathan picks up a cue-stick near his reach and walks up to him, face-to-face with the stick in his hand. "No one lays a hand on my wife!" he exclaims with anger while glaring at the Russian. He holds the cue-stick up, pointing it to where it is almost reaching his face. Agent 005 glares at Jonathan. Jonathan, after a moment, is sure he has made his point. He places the stick down and returns to Jennifer, who is ready to make for the door.

 

Jonathan once again takes her hand. Just as they turn their backs to the Russian and start toward the revolving doors, he screams in his native language. He is squeezing his stick as if he is going to break it at any moment. Jonathan and Jennifer turn around just in time to see Agent 005 bring out a sharp knife with ejecting blades. Jennifer gasps in shock and terror. They watch nervously as the Russian starts to break the stick in half. Once breaking the stick, he squeezes it tight in his other hand, destroying it as it falls to the floor. Jennifer looks down at the broken cue-stick speechless and in fear of what he will do next with his weapon. Agent 005 starts tiptoeing toward the Harts with the knife. Jonathan, taking Jennifer by the hand, starts walking back to the Main Bar while eying the blades. The bartender has just finished filling up Jonathan's glass with another Martini. The foreign agent is getting closer to the couple while holding the weapon firmly and tightly.

 

"Jonathan, your pistol," Jennifer whispers firmly as a reminder.

 

"I left the Walther at the house," Jonathan whispers back, feeling embarrassed he left the gun behind.

 

Jennifer is at a loss for words and stunned that Jonathan doesn't have the pistol on him.

 

"I need a drink," Jonathan says, much to Jennifer's astonishment and disbelief. He picks up the glass and takes a sip. Deciding to create a diversion, Jonathan begins coughing uncontrollably, much to Jennifer and the bartender's surprise. He looks at the glass in dismay. "UGH! THIS MARTINI IS STIRRED, NOT SHAKEN!!!" he yells in disgust. "NOT EVEN JAMES BOND WOULD DRINK IT!" Jonathan declares.

 

His reaction has attracted the attention of everyone seated at the bar. Just as Agent 005 is approaching, Jonathan, without warning tosses, the Martini onto him. The beverage spills onto his clothing, which enrages him. He stares at Jonathan in disgust and raises his hand, attempting to take a stab at him. Before he can do so, Jonathan quickly picks up a bottle and aims it at his hand. He hurls the bottle toward Agent 005's hand. The bottle knocks the knife out of the Russian's hand and falls to the ground, shattering into pieces. Agent 005 starts to retrieve the weapon when Jonathan suddenly lunges forward.

 

Jennifer watches in horror as her husband and Agent 005 engage in a brawl in a public place. The bartender is also stunned and speechless. Jonathan and the Russian agent are wrestling on the ground. Everyone in sight is observing the fight in shock at witnessing such behavior at the popular Old Ebbitt.

 

Jonathan and Agent 005 are on top of the other. The foreign man struggles to force Jonathan off to pick up the knife, which is only inches away from his right shoulder. He is outraged at Jonathan, fighting back, which results in dropping his threatening weapon. Jonathan is furious that this man had the nerve to insult his wife and then threaten them when they started to leave. The two men are attempting to knock each other off to grab hold of the knife. Agent 005, trying to move his hand towards the weapon, is held back by Jonathan with a strong force. His opponent is much stronger than he expected. Jonathan is on his waist, attempting to pin his hand to the floor. Agent 005 is wincing in pain from Jonathan's tight grip.

 

The Russian, clutching his left free hand, unexpectedly punches Jonathan with his outstretched hand. Jennifer gasps as she sees her husband fall onto his back. Agent 005, smiling deviously, lifts himself to his feet. He attempts to retrieve the knife. Jonathan, who has risen to his feet, grabs him by his shoulders. Jonathan flings him toward the wall. The secret agent goes flying to the wall across the bar and lands on his back.

 

Moving briskly to defend himself before the Russian took another step towards him, Jonathan climbs onto the bar. Jennifer watches in awe as Jonathan grabs hold of the crystal chandelier above with both hands. Jonathan, holding on tight as if the chandelier were one from a saloon featured in old western films, waits patiently before making a move. Agent 005 lifts himself up. His face is red, and he is frowning. His temper is about to burst. Just as he makes his way back to the bar, Jonathan leans forward. The chandelier shakes as he starts kicking one bottle after another with each foot. The movements send all of the bottles and glasses crashing off the bar, much to Jennifer's embarrassment and the bartender's dismay.

 

Agent 005 attempts to duck, but the bottles and glasses fall off the edge and strikes him before taking cover. He is once again thrown onto his back. The bottles and glasses fall to the hardwood floor, smashing into pieces. The liquid had spilled all over the Russian's clothing.

 

"Oh no!!!" the bartender wails out, looking at the damage done. He is aghast at seeing bottles of alcohol and glasses from the bar broken beyond repair. The employee shutters anxiously. He is speechless.

 

Jonathan carefully lets go of the chandelier and leaps down from the bar. The rest of the saloon had witnessed the attack and are taking their leave. All eyes are on Jonathan as the waiters, waitresses, host, people dining in, and Jennifer stares at him, speechless. The bartender starts to clean up. He leans down and starts to pick up the broken glass with caution. Agent 005 rises to his feet and glares at Jonathan. He stares down at the knife. He runs toward the weapon while Jonathan hastens to take possession before the Russian attempts to stab him.

 

Jennifer watches with grave concern as Agent 005 succeeds in grabbing the knife. He aims the blade toward Jonathan threateningly. Jonathan watches as the tension between them continues. He is slowly backing up, heading toward Jennifer's seat. Jonathan is keeping an eye on the sharp and deadly blade. He is fearful and senses he should wait until it's the right moment to fight back. Jennifer, holding her glass in her hand, is terrified. Jonathan reaches her stool with his back facing her. Agent 005 is creeping toward him only a few feet away.

 

The bartender starts to refill Jennifer's glass when Jonathan seizes the bottle away from him.

 

"NO, SIR!!! PLEASE!!!" the bartender begs, knowing Jonathan is going to use the bottle as a weapon.

 

Jonathan, ignoring his pleading, aims the bottle at Agent 005's head. Russian is too smart for him. After his last attack with the bottles, he has wisened up. He ducks just as the bottle was about to strike his head. The bottle falls to the floor and shatters. The bartender looks on helplessly as the brawl continues.

 

Agent 005, lifting the knife high up in the air, suddenly lunges toward Jonathan. He is about to stab him when Jonathan snatches hold of a bar stool beside him. Jonathan lifts the chair up high with the legs facing his enemy. He moves around like an animal trainer protecting himself from a fierce and dangerous lion. The Russian is about to tear the stool apart with the knife when Jonathan takes him by surprise. Jonathan, aiming the stool at his waist, hurls the seat at him. The chair knocks him off balance sending him falling to the floor again. The knife lands just inches away from his waist, barely missing the man.

 

Jonathan bolts toward the knife just as Agent 005 grasps it. He points the blade toward Jonathan while rising to his feet. Jennifer watches as sounds of a struggle between the men can be heard. She turns to the bartender with a look of embarrassment.

 

"Could I have a glass of Champagne, please?" Jennifer requests nervously.

 

Meanwhile, in the private dining room, three waiters are serving Kulp and the guest their meal. The commotion from the bar is heard all the way downstairs. The waiters and the men glance at the ceiling, wondering what the cause of the noise is. It sounds as if someone is going to bring the place down. The waiters place the plates down from their trays while remaining curious. Kulp, bothered by the uproar, sets his glass of wine down.

 

"I wonder where Jonathan Hart and his wife are," Kulp says, glancing at his wristwatch. "They have been gone for minutes now." He has just now noticed the Harts' absence.

 

The waiters place the meals the couple neglected to order before they disappeared from the room down at their empty places at the table.

 

"Their food is going to get cold. It's so out of character for the Harts to wander off without saying a word," Kulp says gruffly. There is a tone of impatience in his voice. "It's very unprofessional for the CEO of a company to behave in such a manner. I would have at least expected him to let us know when something came up. I can't imagine what is keeping them at this hour, and Hart accused me of taking my position too seriously. At least I don't keep people waiting on me when they expect my presence. I am at least considerate to let others know when my job requires my attention," he adds with annoyance. Kulp turns to face the case officer. "Howard, would you see if you can locate the couple?"

 

"Yes, sir," Howard replies with a sigh. There is a tone of eagerness in his voice as he rises to his feet.

 

"And find out what is causing that racket," Kulp requests, growing more irritable by the commotion.

 

Back upstairs, the brawl between Jonathan and Agent 005 continues. Jennifer watches as she nervously gulps down her glass of Champagne. The foreign spy is attempting to stab Jonathan, but he fails much to his rage and frustration. Jonathan is dodging as the Russian tries to take a stab at him. The secret agent is mumbling under his breath in Russian. Jonathan seizes hold of his wrists in a desperate attempt to put an end to the fight. Just as Agent 005 was about to plunge the knife into him, Jonathan holds his wrists up with all of his strength to prevent him from making any kind of movement.

 

Agent 005, yelling what sounds like curses to Jennifer, her husband continues to grasp onto both of his wrists. The knife falls out of his hand and lands on the ground with a thud. Jonathan releases his grip to pick up the knife. He turns back to Agent 005 and delivers a heavy blow with his other hand to his enemy's face. The man falls onto the ground as a result of the powerful punch.

 

Without warning, a Champagne bottle comes hurling through the air. It's steering toward the Russian. It lands on his head, rendering him unconscious. He lies motionless as the bottle shatters, spilling Champagne all over his clothing. The agent is soaking wet with Champagne, and the bottle has knocked off his wig. His real hair is revealed.

 

Jonathan gasps upon realizing the unconscious man is a Russian agent in disguise. There are audible gasps from the bartender and others nearby. He turns around and stares at Jennifer with a look of astonishment. Jonathan is shocked that his wife had rendered the Russian unconscious. Jonathan is exhausted from the ordeal.

 

"I had enough! I want to leave!" Jennifer declares with frustration. Her glass is on the bar next to her empty.

 

Jonathan grins, impressed Jennifer took it upon herself to put an end to the brawl. He returns to her and sets the knife down while placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

 

The bartender, afraid of any more bottles being thrown about, turns behind him. He starts seizing as many bottles as his hands can hold to put out of sight.

 

Jonathan is about to take Jennifer by the hand when there is a loud gasp behind them. The couple turns to see Howard staring down at Agent 005, lying motionless. His face becomes pale, and from his reaction, it's obvious he is terrified. The young case officer turns to face the Harts, speechless.

 

"Kulp is waiting. Dinner has just been served. He wonders where you went off to, Mr. and Mrs. Hart," Howard tells them finally, recovering from shock though he remains shaken up.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances, suspecting Howard is acquainted with the Russian. They start to exit the bar, with Howard following them on the way to the stairs. The bartender breathes a massive sigh of relief at the couple, finally leaving the bar. Just as they disappear from his sight, all of the bottles slip from his grip. They fall to the ground and smash into pieces. The bartender stares down at the damaged bottles that once were in his hands.

 

"OH, NO!!!" the bartender exclaims. He is on the verge of tears.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer are reaching the front entrance with Howard behind them. Howard glances around as if he is scared of being spotted. He walks briskly up to Jonathan. At the dining room, Jonathan is surprised when Howard grabs him by the arm and leads him to a dark corner.

 

Before he can ask for an explanation for taking him aside, Howard comes up next to Jonathan. Howard begins to whisper into his left ear. Jonathan listens attentively to what the petrified man has to tell him. There is a look of puzzlement on his face. Jennifer reaches the stairs and is about to start down when she realizes Jonathan and Howard are not with her. She looks around.

 

Jennifer turns just in time to see Howard standing next to Jonathan with a strange and frightening expression. Jonathan senses something is wrong. Howard is motionless. He suddenly stumbles to the ground and lands on his stomach. Jennifer gasps in shock upon noticing a poison dart in the back of his neck.

 

Jonathan is stunned that the man collapsed at his feet. He is worried. Jonathan is too preoccupied with checking his pulse to see the dart. Jennifer dashes to Jonathan's side. She anxiously watches as Jonathan bends down and feels for a pulse.

 

Jennifer hesitates before asking nervously, "Is he dead?" She is staring at Howard's lifeless body.

 

"Very much so," Jonathan replies as he notices the poison dart. He is too speechless and in shock at this latest turn of events. He glances up at his wife. Jennifer looks at Jonathan with a look of, "Here we go again!"

 

The couple hears footsteps and looks up to see Kulp standing in front of them. The director of the CIA is looking at them for an explanation.

 

 

Edwards House The Following Evening