Episode 17 Harts And Secrets Part 3

Jonathan stands outside Suzanne's hotel suite with a bottle of wine in his hand over nine minutes later. It's the same brand Jennifer purchased for Kulp's present. Jonathan reluctantly knocks on the door to make his presence known. The door almost immediately opens, and Suzanne stands in the doorway wearing a sexy negligee, which is black. Her hair is down all the way. Jonathan manages to hide his discomfort as Suzanne greets him with a friendly smile.

 

"Hi," Suzanne says, stepping aside so Jonathan can enter.

 

"Good evening," Jonathan greets with a smile. "Wine as promised," he announces, turning around to face his secretary as Suzanne shuts the door, which she locks.

 

Suzanne turns around to face Jonathan, who is holding the bottle out to hand to her. Suzanne, noticing the brand name, turns white. She is unnerved upon seeing the same brand she smuggled to some unseen man at Old Ebbitt. Jonathan, noticing her reaction, keeps a straight face. He pretends not to have seen her response. Suzanne, speechless, regains her composure. The smile returns to her face.

 

"You are ever so much the gentleman," Suzanne replies, appearing appreciative. Jonathan suddenly hears romantic music coming from a radio somewhere in the suite. He senses that Suzanne is attempting to seduce him.

 

"Are my ears deceiving me, or do I hear romantic music?" Jonathan asks.

 

He looks around the fancy and expensive suite, which turns out to be deluxe with one bedroom. Jonathan is facing the living area. He notices a bar before his eyes come upon a radio. The music is at a low volume, and the lights have been turned down low to set up the perfect ambiance. Jonathan also detects the aroma of perfume.

"Yes, I love music!" Suzanne exclaims seductively. "Romantic music relaxes me," she tells Jonathan as he turns back to her.

 

"I hope I brought the right wine to go with whatever it is you went to all of the trouble of cooking," Jonathan replies casually.

 

"I ordered room service. The food is waiting in the bedroom. Let me get us some glasses, and we can make ourselves comfortable."

Suzanne starts to walk over to the bar. Jonathan rolls his eyes. Her attempts to seduce him are so obvious.

 

"I'll just have some wine. Like I said on the phone, I already ate with my wife," Jonathan says, declining politely. "Could we get down to business? Jennifer is waiting up for me." Jonathan is watching as Suzanne picks up a corkscrew and starts to open the bottle.

 

"Jonathan, don't you think we could start being on a first-name basis? We are alone in my suite. I'm not working as your secretary after hours."

 

"That's fine with me as long as you can get your mind back on the reason you called. I am a happily married man," Jonathan insists.

 

"I won't tell if you won't," Suzanne replies, turning around to face him with a devious grin. She shoots him a wink.

 

"I'm very flattered, but I'm very much in love with my wife," Jonathan assures Suzanne firmly while remaining the gentleman he is.

 

"Well, you can't blame a girl for trying," Suzanne replies with a sigh. She appears to have accepted Jonathan's refusal to cheat on Jennifer. "Washington can be a lonely town," Suzanne tells him in disappointment. She returns to opening the bottle.

 

"Is that why you live in a hotel where people surround you?" Jonathan asks, walking around the room. He is looking at all the high-dollar furniture and amenities that come with the lavish suites in such a classy and extravagant hotel popular in Washington, D.C.

 

"Oh, I'm just living at The Mayflower until I can find me a decent apartment. I just moved to this city a few weeks ago," Suzanne says abruptly. She is taken aback by Jonathan's question.

 

"It seems like a few weeks would have been enough time to find a place," Jonathan comments. He stops pacing and places his hands in the pockets of his jacket. "Do you need help?"

 

"No, thanks, I can manage," Suzanne answers just as the cork comes off.

 

"I'll get us some glasses," Jonathan offers to keep up the charade.

 

"Thanks, but I'll get them. You did purchase the wine," Suzanne says graciously, turning around to face him with the bottle. She has a cheerful smile on her face as she stares at Jonathan. She is looking him over as she continues to be flirtatious.

 

"You can pour, Jonathan," Suzanne says, placing the bottle down. She starts to pick up a crystal glass from the bar.

 

"That brand of wine was the last they had," Jonathan says to see what Suzanne's reaction would be this time. "The salesman said they sell the brand a lot. It seems they can't keep it in stock for more than a few weeks. Some lady comes in and purchases just about every bottle. She always has lots of cash on hand."

 

Suzanne, unsettled by Jonathan's comments, loses her grip. Her hands are trembling with fear. The glass falls from her hand and lands on the ground, shattering into pieces. Suzanne is looking at Jonathan with a faraway look in her eye. She appears dazed as if her mind were a million miles away. Jonathan is staring at Suzanne, knowing very well his remarks about the wine had struck a nerve. He instead appears surprised at her reaction.

 

"Did I say something wrong?" Jonathan asks innocently. He looks curious to know what her

 

"No, I don't know what happened," Suzanne replies, her mind suddenly returning to the incident that followed after Jonathan shook her up. There is a bit of an icy tone to her voice as she flashes an assuring smile at Jonathan. "I'll have housekeeping clean up the mess in the morning. I assure you you said nothing wrong," Suzanne says, walking over to Jonathan with the wine bottle. "Say, why don't we drink the wine in the bedroom? It's much more comfortable in the bed," Suzanne remarks, starting to run her hand through Jonathan's hair.

 

"I'm comfortable here," Jonathan insists sharply. He is losing patience. He gives Suzanne a look of warning as he gently pushes her arm away from him. "As I said, my wife is waiting for me," Jonathan tells her adamantly, hoping Suzanne will finally accept no for an answer.

 

Before she has a chance to reply, Jonathan walks over to the bar. He looks down, carefully watching his footing as he steps over the remains of the crystal glass.

 

"As soon as we take a sip, let's get down to the reason I'm here," Jonathan says in a tone of a businessman whose only focus is business.

 

Suzanne sighs in frustration and anger, finding Jonathan remaining faithful unbearable. She looks toward the doorway of her bedroom with a look of pure evil as Jonathan picks up a matching crystal glass. "Well, you can't win them all," Suzanne says with a shrug, suddenly appearing by Jonathan's side. "I've had many married men share my bed with me," she tells Jonathan shamelessly.

 

"There's a first time for everything," Jonathan says in a matter-of-fact tone, shocked at Suzanne's willingness to mention her numerous affairs with married men as if it was nothing to be ashamed of. He takes the bottle away from Suzanne, longing to get away from her as quickly as possible. He starts to pour the wine into the glass. Just as the glass is half-full, Jonathan hands the corkscrew back to Suzanne. She takes it and places it on the bar.

 

"Shouldn't you place the corkscrew in the kitchen?" Jonathan asks as he stops pouring. "No other wine bottles are lying around," he says, looking at Suzanne.

 

Suzanne looks at him as if he just made an unusual request. She picks up the corkscrew and walks toward the kitchen with her back towards Jonathan. Jonathan, seeing Suzanne, is out of sight, silently places the bottle down on the bar. He reaches into a pocket of his jacket and takes out a tiny bottle that appears to be containing knockout drops. He takes one of the drops out and slips it into the glass. Jonathan places the bottle back into his pocket and fills up the glass.

 

Suzanne is walking back into the living area just as Jonathan places the wine bottle down. Jonathan hands Suzanne the glass as she comes up to him.

 

"Aren't you going to have a glass?" Suzanne asks, accepting the full glass of wine.

 

"Ladies first," Jonathan replies with a pleasant smile, his tension fading now that he drugged her glass.

 

"To us," Suzanne says with a cunning smile as she raises her glass as if she is going to toast. She takes a sip.

 

"How about just calling me Jonathan?" Jonathan asks smoothly, imitating James Bond whenever he introduced himself as Bond, James Bond.

 

Suzanne smiles coyly, catching on to the James Bond reference. She shoots him a wink, confident she has finally made Jonathan feel at ease with her enough to let loose.

 

"Now, what is it you found out?" Jonathan asks seriously, sounding as if his mind is on business again. He picks up the bottle.

 

Suzanne is about to open her mouth to reply when she suddenly feels lightheaded. She feels strange, and a headache is coming on. Suzanne places a hand on the side of her head where it hurts as if it would stop the pain. She looks at Jonathan and gasps as she comes to the realization she has been drugged. Suzanne seems as if she is going to pass out at any moment. She is about to drop the glass when Jonathan takes it from her. Suzanne loses consciousness and falls onto the floor on her back.

 

Jonathan stares at his motionless and drugged secretary, who only moments ago was attempting to seduce him. He places the bottle and glass down on the bar. Knowing he has to act fast since there is no way of knowing when the drug's effects will wear off, Jonathan steps over the broken glass carefully. He is confident the bedroom is most likely the only place Suzanne could be hiding what would be considered evidence proves she's working for the KGB. Jonathan dashes into the room.

 

A fancy room service trolley is by the side of the bed. A crystal plate containing oysters and wild turkey is situated on a tray on the trolley. Two lit candlesticks along with silverware and two fancy napkins also lay on the tray. He makes his way toward the walk-in closet. Jonathan, turning the doorknob, opens the closet. Just as he expected, the closet is filled with wigs in different styles and colors. They are stored in the back on a built-in shelf that came with the suite. One of the wigs catches his attention. It's the red one he and Jennifer witnessed Suzanne wearing the previous night. Without examining the rest of the wigs, Jonathan eyes the clothing. All of them are expensive and beautiful revealing dresses except for some conservative styles in the back. The typical secretary dresses are the only clothes that look like Suzanne could afford on a secretary's salary. The rest of them are too extravagant for a working girl to afford on her income.

 

There is a fur coat that Jonathan recognizes. He glances around. He is satisfied that the closet doesn't contain anything incriminating, so Jonathan quietly shuts the door. Jonathan sees a nightstand beside the door. It faces a wall directly beside the door leading to the living area. Jonathan approaches the stand and begins to search an expensive and dark wood jewelry case. His eyes instantly detect an antique diamond necklace: identical to the one Vikta gave to Jennifer. A look comes across his face upon recalling the necklace his wife wore several nights ago. It brings back that unpleasant memory of discovering teargas hidden inside the pendant. Jonathan starts to look over the rest of the table when something catches his eye. It's a packet of cigarettes. Jonathan is surprised to learn Suzanne smokes. His eyes come upon the brand. It's the specific brand Coleman was smoking when he was killed in an explosion. 

 

A vintage golden makeup powder compact case next to the jewelry case is noticed from a corner of Jonathan's eye, which he opens. Instead of powder, Jonathan discovers a small and travel size black notebook. He flips the notebook open and starts to glance through. By the handwriting style, he can sense that the words were jotted down in a hurry. Jonathan struggles to make out the words as they were written in cursive rather than ordinary print. He brings the notebook up close to his eyes, managing to make each letter legible finally.

 

The first page, which is filled up, contains information on his whereabouts at CIA headquarters, including time spent helping Frank design the lab's spyware. The notebook confirms the suspicions that Suzanne is a spy. Jonathan turns to the second page, which doesn't contain any information about the project he is working on. He finds names of important and powerful men in Washington listed along with shocking and scandalous revelations about their private and personal lives that would cost them their careers. Jonathan recognizes all of the names, including the senator he witnessed flirting with Suzanne the night of the ball. Other names listed are congressmen, judges, the speaker of the house, chief of staff, governor, lieutenant governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, vice president, state treasurer, and chief justice of the Washington Supreme Court.

 

The most shocking name Jonathan comes across is that of the Russian ambassador from the Embassy of Russia, the ball's host! All of the men are married.

 

Jonathan reads quietly to himself state and other confidential matters Suzanne uncovered while engaging in pillow talk. The senator engages the services of a prostitute on occasion while several Congress members have bought their way into their political careers. Jonathan is onto the fifth page, which is only half full when he sees a familiar name: Howard Archambeau. Next to the name, his occupation is listed: Case Officer. Jonathan learns he and Suzanne had an affair for years before calling it off after becoming engaged to the American ambassador's daughter only last year. After reading on further, Jonathan discovers Howard's skeletons in the closet that Suzanne was blackmailing him to keep their affair going even after the marriage.

 

Now Jonathan found out why Kulp has been keeping the details surrounding the late case officer's murder confidential. Suzanne mentions Howard sending her on a trip to Japan, which was only months ago. Just as he and Jennifer suspected Howard betrayed the agency by selling classified information to the KGB. Jonathan wants to read all his secretary wrote concerning Howard's betrayal, but he has read so much already his time is running out. Suzanne could regain consciousness at any moment and walk in on him. Jonathan closes the notebook and places it back just the way he found it before closing the lid.

 

He opens the bureau drawer to find lipstick. It's in the shade of red. Jonathan is curious to learn if the lipstick is a lipstick pistol called the Kiss Of Death. They are a single 4.5 single-shot weapon. Jonathan continues glancing through the drawer when his attention is drawn to a gold and old-fashioned pillbox. He picks up the box and shakes it to see if it contains anything.

 

The antique pillbox appears empty, for Jonathan's doesn't hear anything rattling from inside. Jonathan, to satisfy his curiosity, opens it. He finds what seems like what remains of burnt paper. Jonathan picks up the pieces to see if it contains a clue. The charred bits show what looks like some kind of coded message. Before Jonathan can examine the message, he hears loud banging coming from the door leading to the suite. He doesn't have time to take any evidence with him. Jonathan places the pieces of paper back into the pillbox and returns the box to the drawer.

 

He shuts the drawer just as the pounding becomes even louder. He tiptoes to the bedroom door and peers out to witness Suzanne slowly regaining consciousness.

 

"SUZANNE, LET ME IN! I FORGOT MY KEY!" a familiar male voice demands.

 

Suzanne, feeling like she developed a headache after being drugged, looks around her surroundings, realizing what happened. She starts to rise to her feet.

 

"SUZANNE, ARE YOU GOING TO LET ME IN?" the man asks impatiently, raising his voice.

 

"I'm coming!" Suzanne snaps back impatiently with a tone of anger in her voice. She turns around to open the door.

 

Jonathan looks around the room for a place to hide to avoid being caught. Suzanne unlocks the door, which she opens only halfway. She seems stunned to find the ambassador from the Embassy of Russia standing in the hallway right outside. He sighs in relief at Suzanne, finally opening the door.

 

"Did you forget our dinner date?" the ambassador asks upon noticing Suzanne's reaction to his presence. The man looks embarrassed. "Or do I have the wrong night?"

 

As Suzanne and the ambassador continue talking, Jonathan is looking for an escape route. He is opening a door at the end of the room. Jonathan opens the door only to find it leads to a separate foyer in the hallway. Two night guards stand outside, keeping watch. Jonathan doesn't want to risk Suzanne learning how he left the suite without being seen by her, so he quietly closes the door.

 

The ambassador is walking onto an elevator soon after when an elevator on the right opens. An older man, wearing a white uniform, steps off the elevator. He approaches Suzanne's suite and politely knocks.

 

"Room service," the man announces.

 

The sounds of footsteps can be heard from within the suite. The door flings open, and Suzanne stares at the man with annoyance.

 

"What do you want? I didn't call for room service!" Suzanne exclaims harshly. "I still have yet to eat my meal!"

 

"I apologize for the misunderstanding. I'll come back for our trolley later," the man from room service replies politely.

 

"No, since you are here, take your trolley," Suzanne insists with a sigh. She stands aside.

 

The man smiles at her and enters the suite, heading toward the bedroom. Suzanne watches impatiently as the man enters the room. The man notices the trolley by the bed. The employee walks over to the trolley. Only a fancy and long white table cloth that is hanging over the trolley remains. The tray containing the silverware, napkins, and plate is now lying on a table by the side of the bed.

 

The man starts to wheel the elegant room service trolley out of the suite. Suzanne is standing by the door, holding it open all the way. She is eager for the employee to exit.

 

"Good evening. Have a good night. I apologize for the intrusion," the man tells Suzanne, passing her on the way out.

 

"Just leave if you please," Suzanne orders firmly. She waits until the man wheels the trolley out into the foyer before shutting the door.

 

The employee wheels the trolley over to the elevators. He presses a button to go down.

 

A minute later, an elevator opens after reaching the lobby. The man wheels the trolley out. Before he can take another step, Jonathan peaks his head out from under the cloth. The man is startled by Jonathan's sudden presence and releases his grip from the trolley. Jonathan is holding onto the trolley firmly, his arms and feet dangling from the bottom legs.

 

"Thanks for the lift," Jonathan says with a smile, stepping off of the trolley now that he is safely away from Suzanne's suite. "That was the fastest ride I have ever taken. I felt dizzy, but the ride was quick."

 

He pats the bewildered man on the back. Jonathan, anxious to return to Jennifer, dashes out of the hotel. The staff on duty at the front desk stare after him, along with the man from room service.

 

 

The Mayflower Hotel The Following Afternoon

 

Jonathan and Jennifer stand outside Suzanne's suite the next day, along with Kulp and some of his fellow agents. The older man, who is in his seventies, is opening the door with a passkey. He is the manager.

 

"Do try your best to keep the investigation quiet. I don't want my guest knowing a lady staying at my hotel may be a spy for the Soviet Union," the manager begs quietly.

 

"We'll do our best to be discreet," Kulp replies seriously. "No one will ever suspect CIA agents have been at this hotel. Thanks for your cooperation," he tells the manager just as he opens the door.

 

The manager nods before walking away, leaving the men and Jennifer alone in the foyer.

 

"Lead the way, Hart," Kulp orders, turning to Jonathan.

 

Jonathan, taking Jennifer by the hand, leads the way into the suite.

 

"All of the evidence is in the bedroom," Jonathan tells the agents as they follow the couple into the bedroom. He opens the door to the room and heads straight toward the large walk-in closet. "We'll start with the closet. The wigs are on the top shelf in the back," he informs the men with confidence.

 

Jonathan opens the closet door. To Jonathan's shock and dismay, everything in the closet he discovered the previous night is gone! The wigs, the expensive and sexy dresses, and the fur coat are nowhere in sight. The only item that remains is the conservative and working girl clothes. Jonathan is speechless. "They are gone," Jonathan finally says aloud after a few moments of silence. He is still stunned.

 

"I can see that," Kulp replies with annoyance. "How much wine did you drink in this suite last night?" he asks, doubting Jonathan came across anything that would be considered evidence.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer turn to face Kulp. "I didn't drink any wine. I just poured a glass for Suzanne," Jonathan insists firmly, resenting Kulp for insinuating he had imagined what he thought he saw.

 

"You did have two glasses of Brandy last night before you left the house," Jennifer admits.

 

Kulp, his men, and Jonathan turn to face Jennifer. Their eyes are on her, waiting to comment further. Jonathan is staring at Jennifer with frustration.

 

"Do you mean to imply I was drunk before I even got in the car?" Jonathan asks with annoyance. He lets go of Jennifer's hand.

 

"No, darling, of course not. You wouldn't dare drive under the influence," Jennifer replies with a slight smile.

 

"Thanks so much for your vote of confidence, darling," Jonathan says with a sigh of relief. He places an arm around her shoulder.

 

"It's just that I was honest about your condition last night," Jennifer explains before turning back to face Kulp. "If Jonathan says the closet was full of wigs and attractive dresses, then the closet was cleaned out before we even set foot in the hotel," Jennifer says with great confidence. "Don't you think you should at least consider the obvious?"

 

"Which would be, Mrs. Hart?" Kulp asks, curious for Jennifer's response.

 

"That Suzanne realized Jonathan drugged her glass and went searching through her room while she was unconscious."

 

"That's a possibility, but so far, there is no proof to substantiate what your husband claims he saw."

 

"Oh, I'd be more than happy to continue with my tour of this room," Jonathan replies with firm assurance. He walks over to the nightstand. "You'll notice the diamond necklace I was telling you about," Jonathan says, turning to the jewelry case, which has also disappeared. Jonathan has so sooner said those words when he notices the case is no longer on the stand.

 

Jennifer is by her husband's side. They exchange glances. The couple has an uneasy feeling that every item that would link Suzanne to the KGB has been removed from the suite, just like the wigs, dresses, fur coat, and now the antique diamond necklace. The Harts are speechless.

 

"That is the largest diamond I have ever seen," Kulp replies sarcastically. He is standing behind the couple, along with his men.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer turn to face Kulp. There is a look of exasperation on their face. "There is no need for sarcasm," Jonathan remarks, embarrassed.

 

"Hart, my men, have been keeping Suzanne under surveillance ever since we became suspicious," Kulp says. "They had been watching her comings and goings for weeks."

 

"And?" Jennifer asks, curious to learn the outcome.

 

"Nothing. It's most likely Suzanne became aware she was being watched and used another exit without our knowledge. I was hoping your husband finally got hold of evidence linking her to her association with the KGB, but after the other night, I should not have got my hopes up," Kulp replies calmly.

 

"Kulp, Howard's death was an accident on my part," Jonathan says, remaining calm also.

 

"Jonathan had no way of knowing Howard was working as a double-agent," Jennifer insists firmly.

 

"It's just Howard makes the fifth agent to be assassinated. I know you mean well, but since you offered to work alongside us, you've been attacked, a brawl breaking out at Old Ebbitt, a case officer ending up with a poison dart in the back of his neck, and now valuable evidence missing. Please stay out of our investigation! If we need your help, I'll be sure to ask for it," Kulp insists firmly.

 

"In other words, don't call us. We'll call you," Jonathan concludes.

 

"Right." Kulp turns back to his men. "Let's go," he orders.

 

The agents shoot Jonathan and Jennifer a look of disappointment before following the CIA's director out of the suite. The Harts stay behind, still processing what happened.

 

"It would be nice if, for just once, the professionals could say the words, 'thank you,’" Jennifer says, turning to face her husband. They hear the front door shut.

 

"In this case, darling, I think their lack of appreciation is justified. As Kulp said, an officer was murdered. If only I had time to take a piece of evidence like that notebook," Jonathan replies with disappointment as he turns to face his wife.

 

"Or the burnt pieces of paper," Jennifer comments with a sigh, feeling sorry for Jonathan's predicament. She places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You tried, darling," she says with a reassuring smile.

 

"Not enough. Maybe I'm losing my touch," Jonathan contemplates, feeling discouraged.

 

"Not from where I stand," Jennifer replies with a sly smile.

 

Jonathan smiles and takes Jennifer by the hand. They start to leave the room when Jennifer stops in the doorway, pausing.

 

"Jonathan, let's give the room a thorough going over," Jennifer says.

 

"Why? Did you notice anything?"

 

"No, but I have a feeling that is what Suzanne was counting on. Maybe if we look through the room from top to bottom, we'll find something just as intriguing as you did last night," Jennifer replies with confidence.

 

"I told Kulp we'd stay out of his investigation," Jonathan reminds her.

 

"But, you did not say a word about searching the room."

 

"You can be very persuasive," Jonathan replies with a smile.

 

Jennifer returns the compliment with a smile. The couple turns around and starts searching the bedroom separately. While Jennifer gets down on her hands and knees to search under the bed for any clues Suzanne may have accidentally left behind, Jonathan's attention is drawn to something on a table on the other side of the bed. It's a book.

 

Jonathan walks over and picks up the book. He looks at the front cover for a title.

 

"From Russia With Love," Jonathan says, reading the title aloud.

 

"How appropriate," Jennifer remarks without looking up.

 

"I don't think Ian Fleming had Suzanne in mind when he wrote the book," Jonathan replies, turning to Jennifer.

 

"If nothing else, she has good taste in books," Jennifer comments with approval.

 

Jonathan opens Suzanne's copy of the beloved and popular Bond novel, expecting to find the first page when to his amazement, it turns out to be concealing spy tools. In reality, the book has a secret hiding place: an ordinary everyday object being used to hide equipment used by undercover agents. The fake book is filled up, but what instantly catches Jonathan's eye is a black dart gun!

 

"Jennifer!" Jonathan exclaims, his eyes staring at the gun. "Now we know who killed Howard," he says seriously.

 

Jennifer, wondering what her husband uncovered, lifts herself up.

 

"The poison dart gun," Jonathan explains as Jennifer notices the weapon.

 

A look of shock comes across Jennifer's face as they exchange glances, stunned they found the murder weapon. Jennifer walks over and looks over the gun up close. Her eyes notice lipstick. On the bottom of the container is the letter X, marked with what appears to be chalk. Jennifer reaches in to retrieve the lipstick.

 

"Be careful, darling. That lipstick may be poisoned," Jonathan warns as Jennifer picks up the lipstick.

 

"Oh, I think this lipstick is harmless. Look at the bottom," Jennifer says, holding the lipstick container by the top so her husband can see the X.

 

"X marked on the bottom in chalk," Jonathan replies as he stares at the X. The wheels start turning in his mind. "The letter must be a signal. It must be the same signal Howard was suspecting to find on the wine bottle."

 

"Howard must have mistaken our gift since it was the same brand of wine. I say our unexpected choice of a present along with our presence was more of a coincidence to him."

 

Jennifer turns the lipstick container around to face her. Jonathan watches with keen interest as Jennifer opens the container and takes out the lipstick. The color is dark red. Before she has the opportunity to examine the lipstick, it swivels around, revealing what looks like the blade of a key one would insert into a keyhole of a lock in a door. Jennifer is speechless. Before she can comment, there is a voice coming from the blade.

 

"Destination at the tunnel confirmed. Please state the password," the computer-generated voice commands.

 

Jennifer realizes she accidentally pressed a button on the lipstick container upon looking down where her finger is. She releases her finger. The silver and typical looking blade disappears, swiveling around again to reveal the lipstick.

 

"The tunnel under the embassy," Jennifer ponders aloud as the pieces fall into place for her.

 

"What?" Jonathan asks, confused.

 

"The night Max called to tell us he is taking spy courses, he mentioned a rumor about a tunnel under The Embassy Of Russia that the FBI and NSA built to eavesdrop on the Soviets," Jennifer explains, turning back to face Jonathan to refresh his memory.

 

"So the lipstick is being used as a way for the KGB to gain access to the tunnel," Jonathan concludes.

 

"The questions are why and what is being smuggled inside a particular wine bottle that is a part of this puzzle," Jennifer replies.

 

As Jennifer looks at the lipstick, Jonathan stops to think, wondering what destination at the tunnel could be. Jonathan picks up the telephone receiver and dials a number. Jennifer looks at her husband, wondering what he is up to.

 

"Information, what's the telephone number for The Embassy Of Russia?" Jonathan asks once his call is answered. He listens to the reply before responding. "Would you mind dialing the number for me, please?" he asks as Jennifer looks on.

 

The Embassy Of Russia That Evening

Jonathan, driving a silver Mercedes, is pulling up to the gate. He brings the vehicle up to a stop as a guard in uniform approaches the driver's side of the rented car. He and another guard are on duty at a post beside the gate.

 

"Jonathan Hart to see the ambassador," Jonathan says through the window. "He is expecting me."

 

The guard looks over his admittance list before turning back to Jonathan.

 

"You can go on in, sir. Just let me open the gate," the guard replies seriously. He returns to the post and opens the gate.

 

"Thank you," Jonathan says, starting the engine again.

 

He drives the vehicle through the steel gate leading up to the front of the embassy.

 

A few minutes later, Jonathan and the Russian ambassador are taking a stroll on the embassy's grounds.

 

"So what brings you to the embassy, Mr. Hart?" the ambassador asks with a friendly smile.

 

"A certain lady with the CIA, Suzanne," Jonathan replies. "I believe we are both acquainted with her."

 

"I don't know anyone from Central Intelligence. Why would I? The Cold War isn't over, and Russia is not best friends with America."

 

"Do you always invite strangers to a party?"

 

"She must have crashed the ball," the ambassador insists nervously.

 

"With guards outside the gate?" Jonathan asks, showing his mistrust in the ambassador. "And since when do CIA agents receive invitations to a ball held at a Russian embassy? As you just pointed out, The Cold War hasn't ended."

 

The ambassador stops walking. Jonathan does the same. The two men turn to face each other.

 

"What do you want?" the ambassador snaps, his face turning red. He is facing Jonathan with a look of contempt. The diplomat has become hostile and now acting distant towards his visitor.

 

"I want to know how I can find the secret entrance to the tunnel."

 

"It doesn't exist, and if it did, why should I come clean?"

 

"Murder and conspiring to commit espionage," Jonathan replies firmly.

 

"And not to mention having an affair with a woman working for the KGB," Jennifer adds. She is walking up to the gentlemen from behind. Jennifer takes her place beside Jonathan. "I believe that is committing adultery."

 

"I'm not a Soviet spy!" the ambassador exclaims, sounding appalled by the accusations.

 

"And I'm J. Edgar Hoover!" Jonathan exclaims as he loses his patience. He is staring at the ambassador harshly.

 

Jennifer takes her husband's hand. The ambassador, looking from Jonathan to Jennifer stunned, is speechless. The diplomat is shocked.

 

"How did your wife get on the premises?" the ambassador finally asks. He is still at a loss for words.

 

"That was easy, Mister Ambassador," Jennifer replies with an innocent grin. "Jonathan asked me to lie down in the backseat while he drove through the gate."

 

"If you are thinking of ordering us off the grounds, you should know beforehand I am working for the CIA."

 

"Trick! A dirty trick, Hart!" the ambassador exclaims, barely able to keep his temper in check. He looks like he is going to explode.

 

"So is murder and espionage, ambassador," Jonathan replies seriously. "Five agents have been murdered, and Jennifer's father may be next! I have connections in Washington. I left word with Hart Industries' Federal Services to run your name along with Suzanne's through the computer. I would have let the CIA in on my investigation, but the director doesn't take me into his confidence now."

 

"You see, Suzanne removed certain items that prove her involvement with the Russians," Jennifer explains seriously.

 

She reaches into her purse and brings out the lipstick. Jennifer hands it to the ambassador to see in the dark. The ambassador reluctantly takes the lipstick and holds it up to look at the bottom, where he notices the X marking. He hands it back to Jennifer.

 

"All right," the ambassador replies, accepting defeat. "But I had no involvement in murder!" the diplomat insists, sounding disgusted that the couple believes he would resort to killing. "All I did was agree to allow Suzanne to store the wine in a secret room in the tunnel in exchange for her silence! I defected, so I had no reason to steal classified information. I may cheat on my wife, but I believe in honoring my duties as an ambassador," the man exclaims, defending his actions.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances. They remain silent about their own beliefs regarding his morals. "The secret entrance is inside the office."

A short time later, Jonathan and Jennifer are in the tunnel searching for the secret room. It has just turned sundown as the couple makes their way through the dark and long tunnel underneath the embassy. Jonathan is holding a portable flashlight in his hand. Jennifer is holding the blade up to the walls, hoping it will somehow direct them to the room if they get close enough to its entrance. Sounds of evening traffic can be heard from above.

 

"We should have worn warmer clothes down here," Jennifer says in a whisper. "I'm freezing."

 

"Here, darling," Jonathan replies gently, taking off his jacket, which he offers to his wife.

 

"Thank you, darling," Jennifer says with a smile as Jonathan helps her wrap his jacket around her shoulders tightly. She kisses him on the lips.

 

Jonathan smiles as he kisses his wife. He takes hold of her hand as they take their time in their search.

 

Other than the traffic and the footsteps the Harts themselves are making, the tunnel is silent as a graveyard. The secret passage resembles the one you would expect to see featured in a scene from a book or movie though the tunnel is only almost eight years old. The tunnel is muggy and chilly. The night air accounts for the cold temperature. The gray walls are built from solid stone.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer descend further after a few minutes of failure. The couple has been keeping their heads down in the narrow passage that looks to be three hundred feet. As they come upon their next step, a few feet away appears to be equipment spread about on the gravel surface.

 

"What's that?" Jennifer wonders out loud as Jonathan shines the light in that direction. "Maybe it's the bugs Max told us about."

 

Jonathan and Jennifer walk on up ahead, picking up pace. Sure enough, the equipment is that of bugging devices that federal governments such as the FBI use.

 

"Max was right," Jonathan comments, impressed. "Government agents are using this tunnel as a means of learning what the Russians are up to. I wonder if Kulp knows about its existence."

 

"Jonathan, shine the light on the ground," Jennifer seriously replies as she stares at the ground.

 

Jonathan shines the light on the ground as Jennifer carefully gets down on her knees to get a close up look at what attracted her attention. Dirty tossed aside cigars, and an empty box of matches lay on the ground. The used cigars and box of matches are torn in half and damp. It appears they have been left behind for only days.

 

"The federal agents must have been smoking while they were-," Jonathan starts to say when Jennifer interrupts.

 

"Darling, shine the light back on the listening devices," Jennifer requests with a tone of desperation. There is a look of curiosity which Jonathan notices.

 

He willingly shines the flashlight back on the bugging equipment. For the first time, the condition of the devices is noticed. They are soaking wet with water and look damaged.

 

Before the couple can react, they hear a sound in the distance. It's coming from the direction they took only minutes ago to reach the spot they are now standing in. Sounds of crashing water are coming closer by the second. Jonathan and Jennifer stare in that direction in alarm! Jonathan, at once, takes action. He helps Jennifer rise to her feet, and they dash off before the water knocks them down. Jonathan is shining the light on up ahead so they can see their way through the dark.

 

By now, complete darkness has descended into the tunnel as nightfall has risen in the night sky up above. The Harts have found themselves way down deep in the tunnel. The street sounds are even more audible at this side, meaning they are no longer directly below the embassy. The tunnel looks as if there is no way out.

 

Jonathan continues leading down the path, hoping it will eventually lead to an exit. Jennifer is once again holding the lipstick up to the solidly built walls which the couple hurries past. The water is getting closer with each passing second. Time could be running out at any moment. The Harts are too occupied, finding a way to escape to worry about their fate. Seeing a corridor on their left up ahead, Jonathan races toward it with Jennifer by his side. They quicken their pace, their feet hurting from all the running they have been doing. They are breathing hard.

 

By now, it looks like the couple has reached the point of no return. The corridor leads to a dead end. Just as Jonathan looks around for a secret exit, Jennifer gasps in delight.

 

"Jonathan!" Jennifer exclaims to get her husband's attention.

 

Jonathan turns around to see Jennifer pointing the lipstick into the wall behind him. Lights, resembling a blue Barricade Amber light, flash on and off from the blade. Jennifer, on a hunch, presses the blade directly into the wall. The stone at that moment gives away, revealing a secret door. Jennifer is smiling enthusiastically while Jonathan sighs in relief.

 

"Destination at the tunnel confirmed," the familiar voice states. "Please state the password."

 

"Tunnel," Jennifer guesses.

 

"Negative. Please speak some words of Russian to confirm you are a secret agent."

 

Jonathan stares at Jennifer with desperation as the water is coming toward the corridor. Jennifer obliges without looking at Jonathan. Her mind is on the task at hand. She immediately begins speaking in Russian as Jonathan watches. He is wondering what she is saying.

 

"Please state the password," the voice requests again.

 

"Wine," Jennifer answers nonchalantly, exchanging glances with Jonathan.

 

Just as the water floods the path aside from the corridor, the stone-built door rolls back. A hidden room is revealed. Jonathan and Jennifer turn in time to see the water descend towards them. They rush into the room as the sounds of a siren can be heard from the street. The water bombards the corridor as the Harts struggle to shut the door with their hands. The entry is so heavy the couple is forced to push back the entrance with all their weight. The water is now filling up the end of the tunnel, splashing in all directions. The flood starts to head into the secret room.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer duck to avoid being swamped. The water splashes onto their feet; their shoes are now soaked. They continue in their attempt to shut the door. Their hands are aching in pain from pushing the door. Jonathan and Jennifer are standing behind each other, their bodies against the stone-built entrance. Their hands are about to give out on them as they are crouched next to each other. The rumbling water is about to overtake them and the room just as the Harts give one last shove. The door finally gives away without warning.

 

The Harts fall backward as the secret door rolls away. The brick wall replaces the door. Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances as they both breathe a sigh of relief. Jonathan rises to his feet.

 

"Talk about a narrow escape!" Jennifer exclaims as Jonathan helps her up to her feet. She picks up the lipstick from the ground.

 

"I'm in no hurry to get out of here. Suzanne must be working out daily to close that door," Jonathan comments, picking up his flashlight that fell during the struggle.

 

"I wonder if the lipstick does anything else," Jennifer replies as they take off their wet shoes.

 

"If it does, I hope it doesn't at least play, 'My Melancholy Baby'," Jonathan says good-naturedly.

 

"Cute! Very cute!" Jennifer replies, rolling her eyes. Her husband's latest quip does not amuse her.

 

The Harts place their shoes down on the ground. Jonathan shines the light around as they observe their surroundings. The secret room is well lit with two lanterns on opposite sides of the entrance. Jonathan turns off the flashlight. The room is small without being cramped. There is enough room to move about. The atmosphere is peaceful except for the water crashing around on the other side of the tunnel. A long and straight table facing the front holds radio equipment: a two-way Kenwood radio complete with a transceiver and microphone. The couple has uncovered a hidden radio room!!!

 

On the wall hangs a map of the world. There are red pins marked on individual countries. Jennifer starts to walk over to see which countries hold the pins.

 

"Jennifer!" Jonathan exclaims gently from the other side of the room to get her attention.

 

Jennifer turns to see her husband behind her at the back of the room. Jonathan is facing a wine glass rack along the wall. It's made out of stone and built into the surface itself. The entire wall holds countless bottles: all the same brand.

 

"That's certainly a lot of wine bottles to use for smuggling," Jennifer comments with amazement. She walks over, keeping her eyes on the bottles.

 

"Notice anything strange about the bottles?" Jonathan asks, turning to face Jennifer.

 

"They aren't situated on their sides," Jennifer replies, noticing their horizontal position. "Anyone who is a collector of wine knows these brands should be stored on the sides."

 

"The temperature in this secret tunnel is just right," Jonathan says as the crashing of the water comes to an end.

 

Jennifer oversees each bottom of the bottles looking for the X marking. All of the bottles have the letter marked in chalk on the bottom of the glass. "Their horizontal positions aren't the only thing that makes them stand out," Jennifer mentions, continuing to stare at the signal. "Take a look at the bottoms and tell me what you see."

 

Jonathan, who has noticed the tone in Jennifer's voice, stands back. He follows her gaze and stares at the marking. Jonathan and Jennifer, at the precise moment, exchange glances.

 

"The X marking: the same as the one on the lipstick container," Jonathan remarks, reflecting on their discovery.

 

He picks up a bottle that is dusty along with the others. He attempts to pop open the bottle with his thumbs to discover what is being smuggled inside the bottles.

 

Jennifer's eyes notice what looks like the bottom of a periscope hanging down from the ceiling beside the table.

 

"Jonathan," Jennifer says, walking over to the periscope.

 

Jonathan notices the periscope and stops attempting to open the bottle. He places it back and walks over to join Jennifer soon as he wipes off his fingerprints with his handkerchief. He lowers the periscope, bringing it down. Jonathan looks into the lens.

 

"What do you see?" Jennifer asks, her curiosity getting the better of her after a few moments of silence.

 

"See for yourself," Jonathan answers more than willing. He steps aside as Jennifer takes a look into the lens.

 

"The ambassador's office," Jennifer remarks, sounding not at all surprised.

 

"Looks like Suzanne was more than anxious to keep one of her lovers under her watchful eye," Jonathan replies, his eyes darting to the table. He notices an expensive and gold cigarette case. He walks over to examine the case, which is out of the way of the radio.

 

Jennifer is still gazing through the periscope, watching the ambassador's movements. She can see the ambassador's office in the embassy across the street looking through the lens. The lens is in a clear view of the window, which is on the first floor. The ambassador is pacing with a glass of Vodka in his hand. The glass is half empty.

 

Jonathan opens the case and sees the case is full of cigarettes except for a few that seem to had been taken out. He shuts the case and turns it over. Suzanne's initials are inscribed on the back, and some words appear to be written in Russian. The initials don't come as a surprise. Jonathan's eyes are now drawn to a used and burn out cigarette on the ground. Taking his handkerchief out of his jacket pocket again, Jonathan bends down to pick up the cigarette. There are smudges of lipstick. The color is red too, but a different shade than any of them he had come across before. He wraps up the cigarette before placing the handkerchief back.

 

"Darling, you need to see this," Jennifer calls out, turning to face her husband. She stands aside.

 

Jonathan returns to Jennifer's side and looks into the periscope lens. The ambassador is now starting to turn off the lights in his office. The empty glass is on his desk. The diplomat has his hat and comfortable overcoat on. He slips a house key from his hand into the pocket of his coat. His nerves have vanished, and his face is now firm and stern-looking.

 

The ambassador, storming over to a painting on the wall beside his desk, lifts the portrait up. A secret passageway appears from within the wall. The man storms down the corridor just as the painting returns to its position. The passage now disappears, the wall returning to normal. Jonathan lifts the periscope back into place the way Jennifer found it.

 

Jennifer is staring at the map. "Jonathan, look at all these countries that are marked," Jennifer says seriously, fearing the markings' meaning. She is pointing to one country as Jonathan walks over.

 

"France," Jonathan reads aloud, looking at the name.

 

"Dad was wounded in France during the war," Jennifer bursts out in alarm. "Howard must have been trying to warn you CIA agents' lives hang in the balance throughout the world. Even Italy is marked," she adds, pointing to that country on the map.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer continue searching the map to see all of the countries marked. Russia, Germany, India, Egypt, Japan, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Switzerland, Brazil, Africa, Greece, and Portugal are all marked with red pins.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer exchange glances, their minds suspecting agents throughout those particular countries are indeed in danger.

 

"I wish we knew what the wine bottles have to do with CIA agents being in danger," Jennifer tells her husband with determination.

 

"So do I," Jonathan replies with definite assurance. "But now is not the time to find out, darling. The ambassador left through a secret passage with a key. I heard him pounding on Suzanne's door last night just as I came across that scrap of paper. He's probably on his way now to warn her about our visit. Grab a bottle, and let's get out of here," Jonathan orders gently, placing the cigarette case back on the table. "Remind me to bribe the concierge into returning that fake lipstick to Suzanne's false copy of Ian Fleming's best-seller on the way back," he mentions, turning to face his wife.

 

Jennifer instantly hurries over to the rack and picks up a bottle. Jonathan places his feet back into his shoes as Jennifer puts her stilettos back on. They walk briskly over to the entrance. Soon after, the couple exit through the door.

 

Suzanne, who is standing out of sight beside the corridor, watches the Harts with rage. The stone rolls away, and the wall reappears, hiding the secret radio room once again. Jonathan takes Jennifer by the hand as they carefully start to hurry out of the tunnel submerged with water after the flood. Their shoes squeak as they step through the water. Suzanne continues spying on the Harts as they unknowingly pass her. Jonathan and Jennifer rush back to the entrance through the path they came from. Suzanne glares after the couple, outraged they have stumbled across the hidden room and her secrets!!!

 

Edwards House In Georgetown That Night

 

 

Jennifer walks into the guest room an hour later wearing silk pajamas and a matching robe. She has just finished getting ready for bed after showering. Jonathan is still in the bathroom, getting ready. Jennifer sighs, the strain showing on her face after the endless and intriguing circumstances she and Jonathan had endured since their arrival in Washington, D.C. She walks over to the dresser, where there is a tiny portable radio. Jennifer picks up the bottle and stares at it, curiosity sparkling as to what it contains that it was worth killing for. She finally places it back down when she decides to switch on the radio. Jennifer switches stations three times before coming to a channel playing music that appeals to her. Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade" is being played.

 

Jennifer starts to crawl into the bed after taking off the robe, which she places down. The music stops as sounds of static are being replaced on the radio. Jennifer, wondering what is causing the interference, walks back to the dresser. She looks at the radio with a feeling something in the room is responsible. A look of wonder comes over her face as Jennifer suspects something hidden in the wine bottle is behind the static. She picks up the bottle intending to try an experiment.

 

Jennifer carries the bottle out of the room with her back to the dresser. The static vanishes just as soon as she steps into the hall, and the music resumes playing. Jennifer slowly walks back into the room with her eyes on the radio. Just as she approaches the bed, the music is interrupted by the static. Jennifer comes up to the dresser and turns off the radio. She decides to carry the bottle out again. As soon as she reaches the room, an empty-handed Jennifer makes her way over to the dresser. She switches the radio on.

 

The music once again continues playing. There is no static at all. Jennifer keeps her eyes glued to the radio, to be sure.

 

"AH! HA!" Jennifer exclaims with a smile of confidence after testing her theory, which has just been proven correct. "I knew it!" she shouts with a victory just as Jonathan walks into the room dressed in his silk pajamas and robe. He has the wine bottle in his hand. The static returns and Jennifer's smile turns to a look of disappointment.

 

"WHAT??!!" Jennifer exclaims in bewilderment, unaware of Jonathan and the bottle's presence.

 

"Darling, I know you can't stand the sight of a wine bottle right now, but isn't placing it out in the hall going too far?" Jonathan asks, staring at his wife, curious to know what she is doing.

 

Jennifer swings around upon hearing her husband's voice. A look of frustration is on her face upon seeing the bottle.

 

"Oh, no! Jonathan, I put that bottle out in the hall to find out what's going on with the radio," Jennifer says, pointing to the bottle.

 

Jonathan looks at Jennifer, baffled.

 

"There's interference," Jennifer explains, noticing his reaction.

 

"Darling, just because there is interference doesn't exactly prove the bottle is behind it," Jonathan replies with doubt.

 

"Go out into the hall with the bottle, and don't come back in until I say so," Jennifer insists.

 

She turns around and switches the radio on. Jonathan looks at Jennifer like she has lost her mind. He reluctantly goes back into the foyer while Jennifer watches. Jennifer waits until her husband is in the hall before switching the radio back on. The music is playing again without any static.

 

"You can come back in, darling," Jennifer tells Jonathan.

 

Jonathan walks back in carrying the bottle. There is no interference, which baffles Jennifer.

 

"That was fun," Jonathan replies with a smirk. "Shall I pour or should we retire to bed now, madam?" he asks in good-nature, imitating a waiter.

 

"Jonathan, hand me the bottle, and let's go to bed," Jennifer says with frustration.

 

Jonathan walks over to Jennifer and hands her the bottle more than willingly. Jennifer takes the bottle and returns it to the dresser.

 

"I know you are disappointed," Jonathan starts to say gently, taking his robe off. "I'll have Kulp run a test on it tomorrow."

 

Jonathan tosses the robe aside and crawls into bed.

 

"Thanks, I just can't understand it," Jennifer replies, trying to think of another explanation for the interference. She sighs, reluctantly accepting the situation.

 

Jennifer turns around to turn off the radio. Only the music again is disturbed by interference.

 

"Jonathan!" Jennifer exclaims, turning around to face her half-asleep husband.

 

Jonathan sighs wearily and reluctantly opens his eyes. He is stunned that all of a sudden, there is static on the radio.

 

"Let's see what the KGB is really stocking," Jonathan replies seriously, his curiosity now aroused.

 

He crawls out of the bed as Jennifer turns off the radio. Jennifer picks up the bottle. Jonathan walks over to his wife, and Jennifer hands her husband the bottle. Jonathan, using both thumbs, carefully pops the bottle open as Jennifer watches. The cork pops off, and Jonathan looks into the bottle. Jennifer picks up the cork.

 

"I can't tell what the Russians put in the wine, but I do see something," Jonathan says, looking at the bottle from inside over.

 

"Can you tell me what it is?" Jennifer asks, her interest overcoming her.

 

"It looks like herbs," Jonathan answers upon further inspection. He looks up at Jennifer.

 

The couple exchange glances; their curiosity now has gotten the better of them.

 

A few minutes later, Jonathan and Jennifer are standing at the kitchen counter, taking the bottle contents out. Jennifer stands by her husband's side, holding the bottle over the sink, allowing the wine to flow out. Jonathan is reaching into the bottle. The herb comes floating out. Jonathan catches it before it falls into the sink.

 

Jennifer stares in shock as they both discover the herb, in reality, is concealing wires that are wrapped inside. The wires are weaved around inside the bottle. Jonathan and Jennifer gently start taking the wires out. After they manage to get all the wires out carefully, the Harts notice they are components.

 

"A transmitter," Jennifer says, surprised, overwhelmed at the discovery.

 

They continue staring at the wires, the piece of the mystery coming all together now. "The KGB is using it to sabotage radio signals coming through the CIA's agents' radios throughout the world," Jennifer adds in amazement.

 

A look of fear comes across her face; her worry and concern for her father's safety are now stronger than ever.

 

"The pieces of the puzzle now all come together. Howard's last words now make sense," Jonathan replies. "I'll take the components to Kulp first thing in the morning to be tested. I'll see if I can send a warning to Steven. Kulp has no choice now. Sabotage has already been set up to happen," he continues seriously.

 

Jennifer, who has become sad, is being comforted by Jonathan. He wraps his arms around her shoulders and kisses Jennifer on the cheek. Jennifer wraps her arm around Jonathan's shoulder. The couple is speechless as they still stare at the components.

 

Central Intelligence Agency The Following Day

 

Jonathan is sitting at Kulp's desk while he overlooks the wires. The bottle is on his desk on its side.

 

"And that's how we discovered the components," Jonathan says, concluding filling the director of the CIA in on the discovery. "Jennifer suspects it's a transmitter."

 

Kulp nods in agreement. "I'll send the components off to be tested at once," he replies with a grave expression. He places the wires down and turns his attention to the cigarette wrapped in Jonathan's handkerchief. "Along with the cigarette for prints."

 

Kulp looks up at Jonathan, his face pale. He looks exhausted and worried. "The FBI found no prints on the necklace Vikta gave to your wife," Kulp tells Jonathan calmly; the toughness has disappeared. "I owe you an apology, Hart. Howard had been under suspicion for quite some time. We suspected a mole among us, but we didn't have any proof until he started spending a substantial sum of money. The man had all of the information needed to sell the agency out to the Russians. He deposited cash from $5,000 to $9,000. As a case officer, he had access to the names of operatives around the world. Howard was keeping classified information without our knowledge. We found a notebook in his residence that contains names and telephone numbers of assets and operatives around the world. The FBI informed me Howard gave the KGB a list containing names of Soviet agents working for the CIA, FBI, and other nation’s intelligence services.

 

The night of celebrating my number of years with the agency, I got word that many of our men are missing in the Soviet Union. It was a heavy blow. A case officer giving away confidential information and responsible for the disappearance of so many respected operatives is disgraceful. I had arranged for Howard to be sent back to the states so we could make an arrest. His invitation was merely only a ruse, so we could make an arrest without risking losing him or facing embarrassment. Wainwright and I were to casually leave Old Ebbitt in the hopes Howard would take the bait. Once he was to leave the saloon to meet up with Vikta and Suzanne, several of my men were to take him into custody. I was confident Howard would admit his guilt, and the spy ring could be put away. After he noticed the brand of wine your wife purchased was the same used for smuggling, and Vikta's fellow agent's cover blown, Howard got frightened," Kulp concludes.

 

"And decided to tell me about the sabotage when he was murdered," Jonathan adds.

 

"Yes, and I regretfully blamed you for his demise. I felt Howard's deception should be kept between me and the other operatives. We suffered enough disgrace thanks to his greed and lack of morality."

 

"You also felt since Howard was married to the American ambassador's daughter, you didn't need any outsiders knowing about his double-crossing Central Intelligence," Jonathan guesses calmly and with a bit of sympathy.

 

Kulp nods admittedly. "Now that you and your wife discovered Howard and Suzanne were in cahoots with the KGB to commit sabotage, I owe it to inform you that I have been trying to reach Steven Edwards all morning," Kulp starts to say.

 

Jonathan springs to his feet, fearing the worst. "But there's been interference!" Jonathan exclaims before Kulp can finish.

 

"Worse, I'm afraid. We can't get through. Maybe his CB broke down. I put him up in South Dakota," Kulp explains with dread. "I'm going down by helicopter with several of my men."

 

"Where in South Dakota?" Jonathan asks calmly.

 

"Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park. He is camping up there," Kulp replies. "The FBI and NSA will be notified soon as I arrange transportation. I'll take the components up to the lab myself. Mr. Radinski asked to see me." He switches on his intercom. "I need a helicopter to take me to South Dakota as soon as possible. Ask Wainwright to come up to my office. Tell him it's an emergency concerning Steven Edwards. I'll be with him just as soon as I return from the lab. Then get me the FBI. Tell them it's an emergency. I'll want to speak to NSA after I speak to the bureau," Kulp orders without stopping to catch his breath. He switches the intercom off and rises to his feet. "I'll arrange transportation for you and Mrs. Hart."

 

"Thanks. What about Suzanne?"

 

"She's skipped town. Most likely, she left the states. Suzanne never showed up this morning. I called The Mayflower, and a desk clerk informed me she checked out late last night without leaving a forwarding address or a note. I called other hotels and apartments in D.C. No woman fitting her description took up residence. All of my men checked. There is no trace of her. We are doing all we can to find Suzanne and see to it that she is taken into custody."

 

"I'll call Jennifer," Jonathan replies with a look of concern on his face. He starts toward the door as Kulp picks up the components and cigarette. "Oh, I forgot to thank you for the Brandy," he adds, remembering the delivery. He opens the office door and is about to exit.

 

"I never sent you any Brandy," Kulp replies in alarm, suspecting the trap Vikta and Agent 005 set up for him.

 

Jonathan instantly reaches the same conclusion and dashes out without stopping to shut the door.

 

He races into the corridor, brushing past agents and other employees. Jonathan reaches the elevators. An elevator opens, and a man steps off. Jonathan scoots onto the empty elevator and presses the button to reach the floor where his office is located. He glances at his wristwatch. The time reads 11:00. Soon after, the elevator descends, and Jonathan bolts out. He charges toward his office, desperate to bring Jennifer up to date on all Kulp sprang on him, particularly the news her father may be facing danger. Jonathan throws his door open, which he shuts quickly. He runs toward his desk and picks up the telephone receiver.

 

He starts to dial when it occurs to him that the phone or desk could be tapped. Jonathan examines the receiver. He places the mouthpiece back on after finding no bug. Jonathan hangs up the receiver and starts to search under the desk. He walks over to the back of the desk and pulls his chair out of the way. Jonathan carefully gets down on his knees and hands. He crawls under the desk and looks up, careful not to hit his head. Jonathan runs his hands over the entire surface, slowly taking his time to be sure no bug was planted. There is no listening device under the desk, either. Jonathan is satisfied that his office hasn't been tapped.

 

He crawls out from under the desk and rises to his feet. Jonathan, reaching for the telephone, picks up the receiver and dials a number. There is ringing on the other line.

 

"Steven Edwards' residence," Walter says after a few moments.

 

"Walter, this is Jonathan. Let me speak to Jennifer," Jonathan replies calmly.

 

"Just a moment, Mr. Hart," Walter replies.

 

Jonathan waits for his wife to come to the phone. Jennifer's voice comes on the line after only a matter of seconds.

 

"Jonathan, what did Kulp say?" she asks anxiously.

 

"He took the components up to the lab to be tested," Jonathan replies seriously, his mind on telling Jennifer about the bug. "Listen, darling. Where are you, and where's the Brandy?"

 

"I'm downstairs in the foyer. I just got back from riding. The Brandy is still in the bedroom. What's wrong?" Jennifer asks, sensing something is troubling her husband.

 

"I just mentioned the Brandy delivery to Kulp. He never had it sent. I have a feeling the decanter or the velvet-lined box is bugged. Just as soon as I hang up, I want you to examine the decanter and the box. Then I'm going to pick you up. We are going to South Dakota with Kulp. Darling, I hate to tell you the news," Jonathan says, his voice becoming gentle. "Kulp hasn't been able to reach Steven by radio all morning, and Suzanne dropped out of sight."

 

"OH, MY GOD!!" Jennifer exclaims with fear. "You be careful driving," she tells her husband firmly.

 

"I will. Kulp is making arrangements for us to travel in our own helicopter. He is going to contact the FBI and NSA," Jonathan replies with assurance.

 

"It's about time!" Jennifer exclaims impatiently.

 

Jonathan hangs up the receiver. He heads briskly toward the door when his attention is distracted. He notices a large and wide painting in a gold frame that is crooked. Jonathan is suspicious of its angle. He takes the picture down with both hands. Turning the image around, Jonathan is horrified and alarmed to find a bug had been planted on the back. He carefully deactivates the bug, which he tosses to the floor. He hangs up the painting back up straight before rushing back towards the desk.

 

Jonathan picks up the receiver and dials the number of his father-in-law's house once more. The phone rings, but after a minute, no one is answering. As Jonathan has his back to the door waiting for Walter or Jennifer to answer, someone sneaks up to him from behind. Suddenly, Jonathan is being attacked by Agent 005, who is disguised as a security guard. The foreign agent has on a fake mustache and gray hairpiece. He quickly places an arm around Jonathan's throat tightly before he can defend himself.

 

The receiver slips from Jonathan's hand as Agent 005 continues to hold onto his throat with massive strength. Jonathan loses consciousness and falls to the ground, landing on his back. The receiver is by his motionless right hand. Jennifer's voice comes over the line after all this time.

 

"I found the bug. It was planted in the box," she says. After not receiving a response, Jennifer becomes frantic. "Jonathan, are you all right?"

 

Agent 005 picks up the telephone.

 

"JONATHAN!" Jennifer exclaims, terrified as the Russian hangs up the receiver.

 

The door opens, and Suzanne walks in wearing a red wig and a sexy red dress covered with a red silk overcoat. She is indeed the lady in red. Her high heels are red, lipstick red, and an attractive old-fashioned noir girl sculpted black felted wool hat that completely covers up her head is also a reddish color. She has a purse, which is dangling from her shoulder, matches her clothes and shoes. Suzanne, smiling deviously at the sight of an unconscious and helpless Jonathan, shuts the door behind her silently. Agent 005 is watching her.

 

"You wouldn't have been attacked if you chose to mind your own affairs, Jonathan Hart," Suzanne says in a Russian accent, revealing her true identity for the first time. She walks over to Jonathan and continues staring at him. "I used my good looks to my country's advantage. Too bad you were the only honorable married man. I wouldn't have been forced to kill you now," Suzanne continues menacingly, reaching into her purse while bending over Jonathan. She takes out a syringe, which is already filled up. Suzanne looks up at Agent 005 and gives orders in Russian.

 

Agent 005 hurries out of the room and shuts the door behind him. Suzanne looks down at Jonathan and starts to inject him with the syringe. After finally injecting his arm with a lethal dose of Vodka, she returns the syringe to her purse. She gets down on her knees and starts to lift Jonathan to his feet. Suzanne, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, struggles to carry him to the door at first. Suzanne, slowly taking her time, manages to transport an unconscious Jonathan to the door. Just as she reaches it, Agent 005 walks in. The foreigner assists Suzanne in dragging Jonathan out by wrapping his right arm around his shoulder. Agent 005 and Suzanne carry Jonathan together with Suzanne, only wrapping an arm around Jonathan's left shoulder.

 

They are dragging Jonathan through the receptionist area.

 

"I moved his car to the rear," Suzanne informs her partner, keeping her voice down.

 

They approach an empty corridor. The elevators are in the hall, along with an emergency exit. Just as the two Russians start to carry Jonathan to the door leading to the emergency exit, he slowly regains consciousness. The substance in his bloodstream is beginning to take effect. Jonathan looks like someone who was injected with alcohol would expect to look after being drugged. He definitely is a victim of involuntary intoxication. Jonathan has a headache and feels dizzy. His vision is blurred, and he can't gain control of his faculties.

 

"Where are you taking me?" Jonathan asks wearily, his voice almost hoarse. He glances up at his captors.

 

Suzanne and Agent 005 ignore the question as Suzanne opens the door with her back. Just as they are about to drag Jonathan through the door, there are footsteps. Suzanne and Agent 005 quicken their pace. They successfully pull Jonathan through the door as Kulp starts to storm past.

 

"Kulp, help me!" Jonathan struggles to say as Agent 005 cusses quietly in Russian.

 

Jonathan is forced against the wall on the side of the doorway to avoid being caught. Kulp passes by the door as Suzanne quietly shuts it with her foot. After waiting a few seconds to make sure the CIA director is no longer nearby, Suzanne and Agent 005 begin to drag Jonathan towards the stairs. Jonathan is staring at the stairs, looking dazed and as if he is going to pass out. He is forced down the stairway just as he is about to fall. Suzanne and Agent 005 manage to catch Jonathan before he slips on the first step. They start to drag him down the stairs quickly and carefully.

 

The two foreign spies are in a hurry to dispose of their victim before they are caught in the act. A woozy Jonathan watches his steps, aware of his weak condition and helplessness.

 

"You'll never get away with killing me," Jonathan warns, his words slurred. "Kulp has been informed of your disappearance, and his men are looking for you," Jonathan says, struggling to stay conscious. His eyelids are opening and closing now every few seconds. Jonathan is fighting inside himself to stay alert, but it's hopeless. He is helpless to defend himself and wishes he was in good enough health to break free. Jonathan can't even think straight. His mind is entirely blank except for his desire to fight back.

 

By now, Suzanne, Jonathan, and Agent 005 have reached the stairs halfway.

 

"By the time we dispose of you, Jonathan, I will be on my way to a private plane heading back to Russia. By then that incompetent Kulp discovers your body and informs your lovely wife of your death, I'll be miles away," Suzanne replies with absolute assurance. There is a smile of self-satisfaction on her face.

 

Soon after, Jonathan is dragged out of the CIA headquarters through the emergency back door. There is no one around at the rear of the building. The only noise is the heavy traffic of Washington, D.C. Suzanne and Agent 005 are now carrying Jonathan over to his rental vehicle parked directly at the exit. Jonathan's fear for his life increases as his eyes make out the car facing him. He has to resist the temptation to break loose. Besides his condition, Jonathan is in no position to fight back. He is growing weaker by the moment. The alcohol is potent. Suzanne and Agent 005, now that they have made it out of the building, are hurrying Jonathan over to the gray vehicle.

 

The driver’s door is open all the way. Jonathan senses now the doomed fate planned for him as he is placed into the front seat. The firm grip that he felt since he regained consciousness ceases as Suzanne and Agent 005 release their hold on him. Jonathan feels faint and stares up into the sky. The bright sun is too strong. Jonathan places a hand over his eyes, which start to tear. His attempt to block out the sun is futile. Agent 005 reaches into Jonathan's side pocket of his pants and takes out his car key, which he hands to Suzanne. She takes the key and starts to insert it into the ignition as Jonathan watches. She is about to start the engine when Jonathan faints, his head about to hit the steering wheel. Suzanne grabs Jonathan by his right arm and pulls him back into the seat all the way, preventing his head from hitting the wheel.

 

Jonathan collapses into the passenger seat, his body sideways as he fights back unconsciousness. Suzanne starts the engine, pulls one of his feet toward the gas, forcing it to step on the pedal, and slams the door shut. The sound causes Jonathan to grumble, the noise of the door disturbing his ears, which are now sensitive to high levels of sounds. Suzanne reaches over and puts the gear shift into drive. Suzanne and Agent 005 stand back quickly.

 

The vehicle starts to take off without Jonathan at the wheel. The car speeds away as Jonathan forces himself to his feet. He somehow manages to grab hold of the steering wheel. Though Jonathan knows he is too ill to control the car, he is determined to give it a try. His critical state is not too strong enough to resist the urge for survival.

 

The car is heading towards 23rd Street. Jonathan is too weak to control the vehicle's destination or to stop it. He is struggling to maintain the wheel. Jonathan drives onto East Street Expressway. He is, at this point, losing control of the car. Jonathan tries to step on the brakes to stop the speeding vehicle going way past the speed limit. The liquor is now affecting his movements. Jonathan is powerless to step on the brakes. He is attempting to move his feet toward the brakes, but the alcohol is holding them back. Without warning, Jonathan's car is struck hard by passing vehicles that had no chance to step on their brakes. The drivers hit their horns at Jonathan, who felt the impact, but is too intoxicated to react.

 

Jonathan continues trying to step on the brakes without any luck. The alcohol is getting stronger and stronger. His blurred vision is worse. He can barely see what is ahead of him. It's a miracle Jonathan can even touch the wheel. Jonathan is struggling to stay conscious again. His eyes are opening and closing. He is even having difficulty keeping his hands on the wheel. His hands are swaying all over the place. The car is veering from one lane to another. The other vehicles are forced to swerve and drive around him. Jonathan is coming upon a brownish brick wall on the expressway. The car veers out of control. It heads toward the brick wall at a rapid pace. Jonathan, whose hands are on the wheel, is losing consciousness.

 

Just as the vehicle is about to crash, Jonathan regains consciousness at the last moment. His feet somehow manage to step on the brakes this time at once. Jonathan, backing up, drives the car back onto the expressway. He eventually approaches a street where he is thrown into noon traffic. Jonathan's car is speeding past. Almost all other drivers honk their horns at Jonathan at once. The horns are blazing. The horns are too much for Jonathan, who is struggling to tolerate the sound. His ears are ringing, and his face looks as if he just woke up from a hangover. The sun is shining in Jonathan's eyes, resulting in them tearing again. His eyes blink as Jonathan struggles to keep his eyes focused on up ahead. Jonathan feels faint and finds himself about to pass out. He starts to slump down in his seat when he finds it within him to stay alert.

 

Jonathan forces himself to sit back up straight just as his fingers were starting to slip from the wheel. Jonathan grabs hold of the wheel with both hands firmly, becoming drowsy now on top of everything else. He has to control his sudden temptation to fall asleep at the wheel. Jonathan continues to struggle driving as he looks like he is only half-awake. He yawns. With both hands on the wheel and eyes focused on the road ahead of him, Jonathan is speeding down the street.

 

Just as he is about to turn, a tour bus is coming upon him. Jonathan manages to swerve out of its path just as the driver honks his horn as a warning. A man is walking to the other side of the road. Jonathan steps on the brakes just barely to avoid hitting him. The man reaches the sidewalk. Jonathan resumes driving, turning left. He finds himself merging onto the interstate where a tunnel is up ahead.

 

A bus is stranded on the side of the interstate. Jonathan, losing control of the wheel again, veers out of his lane. His hands are swaying in different directions. Just as his car is about to crash into the back of the bus, Jonathan successfully grabs hold of the steering wheel. The car swerves back into the lane, speeding towards the tunnel. The vehicle soon runs into a lane that is the exit. By now, the speeding vehicle is heading in the Potomac River Freeway's direction by the Rock Creek Parkway. Jonathan, still driving right, is turning left onto a street. He speeds through several more streets while still struggling to control the wheel.

 

At the last street, Jonathan catches the attention of two police cars who speed after him, their sirens blazing. By now, Jonathan's critical condition takes a turn for the worse. The sirens sound far away, almost like he imagines their existence. His vision is blurred completely and distorted. Jonathan leans forward and attempts to look through the windshield as if looking closer will somehow guide him. The Vodka is taking its full effect by now. Jonathan doesn't look like he has any of his faculties.

 

Despite his weak eyesight Jonathan continues to attempt to control the steering wheel. He is having more difficulty in taking charge of his car. His body is swinging around in his seat with just one hand, barely staying on the wheel. He comes upon a ramp. The authorities continue to speed after him. Jonathan merges onto Creek and Potomac Parkway. He passes a sign that reads, "Virginia Avenue. Kennedy Center." Jonathan is unknowingly approaching Theodore Roosevelt Bridge.

The police are gaining on Jonathan when he comes upon the bridge. The cars speed down the steel and concrete bridge that is seven lanes long. The three vehicles are reaching the reversible center lane. While struggling to make out what is in front of him, Jonathan almost crashes into the barrier transfer machine. He grabs hold of the wheel just as he is about to crash straight into it. He swerves, barely avoiding colliding with passing vehicles and the police cars behind him. Jonathan continues driving down the bridge with the authorities right behind him.

 

Just as he reaches the end of the bridge, a cement truck seems to come out of nowhere. The driver hits the horn to warn Jonathan of his presence. At the last moment, when it appears that Jonathan will collide with the truck, Jonathan comes to his senses and pulls out of its way. Jonathan, backing up, pulls his car over to the edge of the bridge. He is going to send his vehicle and himself right into the river. Just as the car is about to go over the edge, Jonathan somehow senses he made a wrong move, and his life hangs in the balance. The car is about to plunge backward. Jonathan's feet step abruptly on the brakes, preventing the vehicle from taking a nosedive into the cold water behind.

 

The quick decision shakes Jonathan up, although he still has no clue that he almost sent himself to a watery grave. He grabs hold of the wheel and jerks the car back onto the interstate. Jonathan pulls out in front of a gasoline truck, forced to step on their brakes. He swerves, his car turning sideways. Jonathan, about to lose consciousness, is swinging side to side with his eyes opening and closing. His foot steps on the brakes, bringing traffic to a standstill.

 

The liquor is taking over Jonathan's system entirely at last. Jonathan can no longer function. He sighs heavily, and his eyes shut. Jonathan has lost consciousness. His head collapses on the steering wheel. The police bring their vehicles to a stop. The two officers open their door and get out. They walk up to Jonathan as his head causes his car horn to blast. The officers, seeing the critical condition Jonathan is in, rush to his side. A motionless Jonathan continues to lie unconscious as the policemen yank the front seat's door open to get to him.

 

Edwards House Late That Afternoon

Jennifer is sitting in the living room on the couch with the telephone in her lap. She is attempting to get through to Jonathan at CIA headquarters, but all she is getting is a ringtone that she has heard all afternoon. She is in a state of panic and worried about what has happened to Jonathan. He never showed up to pick her up. Jennifer no sooner hangs up the receiver when the doorbell rings.

 

Jennifer, hopeful the caller has news on her husband, rises from the couch and rushes to the foyer.

 

"I'll get the door, Walter," Jennifer calls out.

 

She opens the front door to find two policemen standing outside. It's the officers who had chased after Jonathan for driving while intoxicated and going over the speed limit.

 

"Yes?" Jennifer asks with a look of fear, sensing the reason for their presence.

 

"Are you Mrs. Jonathan Hart?" the first officer asks.

 

"Yes, what has happened to my husband?" Jennifer asks with concern.

 

"He's been admitted to the emergency room. Your husband was the victim of involuntary intoxication."

 

"OH, MY GOD!" Jennifer exclaims in a panic. "What hospital?" There are tears in her eyes, but she remains calm and optimistic.

 

Washington Memorial Hospital Soon After

 

Jennifer, with her purse in hand, has just stepped off an elevator. She rushes over to the nurses' station.

 

"I'm Mrs. Jonathan Hart. What room is my husband in?" Jennifer asks, turning to an older nurse in her seventies.

 

"Jennifer!" comes a familiar voice.

 

Jennifer swings around to see Wainwright and another agent sitting in the waiting room.

 

"Wainwright, how is Jonathan?" Jennifer asks, hurrying over to the agents. There is a tone of desperation in her voice.

 

"He was in critical condition, but the doctor managed to get the alcohol out of his bloodstream. Suzanne gave him a lethal dose," Wainwright replies sympathetically.

 

"How did that woman get through security?" Jennifer asks with annoyance.

 

Wainwright sighs before responding to Jennifer's question. "Vikta's pal disguised himself as a security guard and sneaked in through the emergency exit," Wainwright replies reluctantly.

 

"Jonathan had been assaulted twice and now almost killed. He has some friends with the FBI and State Department. I'm going to see to it no one else is hurt," Jennifer insists with frustration. "What room is Jonathan in?"

 

"Jennifer, I think you should know Kulp is also in the hospital," Wainwright says with uneasiness in his voice.

 

"What happened to him?" Jennifer asks in shock that the director of the CIA had also been attacked.

 

"Vikta's man stabbed him with a knife. The doctor said he would be all right. He just received a flesh wound. I got to his office just after the attack. The FBI and the NSA were here. Kulp told us what you found out. I just talked to the lab. The results came back. You and Jonathan were right. The components were designed to help block radio signals. Kulp's men are about to fly to South Dakota."

 

"Change in plans, Wainwright," comes Jonathan's voice. "Jennifer and I are flying to South Dakota ahead of Kulp's men," Jonathan insists firmly.

 

He is sitting in a wheelchair. He has regained consciousness and his strength. He looks exhausted, but he is in good shape despite his close encounter with death. An older doctor, in his sixties, is standing beside him. Jennifer rushes over to her husband's side, startled to see him out and about.

 

"Darling, I'm all right. I'm just recovering from a bad hangover," Jonathan assures Jennifer gently. He places a comforting hand on hers.

 

Jennifer, bending down, kisses her husband on the lips. "Darling, I'm so glad you are all right," Jennifer replies with a smile. "Are you sure you shouldn't stay in the hospital and take it easy? You've been through an ordeal."

 

"Your wife is right, Mr. Hart," the doctor says with a tone of caution. "There was twenty-nine percent of alcohol detected in your system. You should stay overnight for observation.”

 

"I'm fine," Jonathan insists calmly and gently. "My place is with my wife," Jonathan replies, holding Jennifer's hand. From the way, he is looking at her and his voice tone, it's obvious he is sincere.

 

"Jonathan, the CIA is grateful for all you and Jennifer have done to assist us, but you should look after yourself," Wainwright speaks up. "If Steven's life is in danger, it's best government agents come to his aid. You know we are dealing with dangerous foreign agents who will stop at nothing."

 

"Wainwright, ever since Jennifer and I arrived in D.C., it's been anything but a picnic. Two government agents murdered in my presence, I have been assaulted more times than I care to remember, Jennifer attacked with teargas and then threatened by a sore losing and cheating Russian, running for our lives. Now I had a narrow escape from the Potomac River. I have a score to settle with the Russian characters, and Steven Edwards is not only my father-in-law. He's my wife's father," Jonathan replies firmly, rising to his feet with Jennifer and the doctor's assistance. "I would appreciate you calling us a helicopter right away and having it meet us at CIA headquarters at once. There's no time to lose," Jonathan requests, his mind on Steven's life.

 

"Very well, Jonathan," Wainwright replies with a defeated sigh. "I could get into trouble for disobeying Kulp's orders, but I'll arrange for a helicopter."

 

"Tell Kulp Hart Industries has a division in Federal Services. If he dislikes you obeying my instructions, I'll call some friends of mine in the State Department," Jonathan tells Wainwright with annoyance while remaining calm. "Let's go, darling."

 

He takes Jennifer by the hand gently. Jonathan and Jennifer dash towards the elevators, Jonathan is leading the way.

 

Sylvan Lake In Custer State Park

It’s a peaceful and quaint early morning. The snow had fallen during the previous night. Beautiful white snow covers the 71,00 acres. Snow is melting. The birds can be heard chirping, and the coyotes are howling somewhere in the distance. Dawn is approaching. The park is located at the Black Hills, a small and isolated mountain range rising from North America’s Great Plains. A tent is situated at the lake, surrounded by trees. There is no one in sight, but what sounds like radio signals is coming from inside. Suddenly a stern and frustrated man’s voice is heard speaking into the radio.

 

“Come in, Kulp! Can you read me?” a familiar voice asks. It’s Steven Edward’s voice!

 

The older man sits at a table in a chair. A CB radio is placed in front of him. Steven is speaking into the microphone, attempting to get in touch with the director of the CIA. He is dressed in warm and western clothes that are comfortable. Jennifer’s dad is wearing his usual brown wool hat with a feather sweatband. There is no response. “If you can hear me, I demand to speak to my daughter! I am not going to stay in hiding any longer! I can’t stand deceiving my own flesh and blood anymore! I’m going stir crazy, and I’m longing to see Jennifer! If I don’t hear back from you within two hours, I’m driving back to D.C.,” Steven declares with determination.

 

There is interference preventing Steven from making contact. Steven sighs in frustration. He places the mic down and switches the radio off impatiently.

 

“Darn machine!” Steven grumbles with annoyance.

 

He decides to head out of his tent to head to the general store to place a person to person call on a payphone. Steven rises from his chair.

 

Once he is out of the tent, he steps onto the grass. His mind is so preoccupied Steven almost slips on the ice. Steven, watching where his feet touch, walks over to his parked jeep by the trees. Steven, entering the vehicle,

starts the engine. He begins to drive in the direction of the general store. The fresh air feels good to him despite the cold weather.

 

Steven is driving on a trail facing the lake, which is surrounded by rocks. Trees are in the distance facing the lake. The lake is silent, for there is no one around. Steven, making his way down the path, is driving slow. He keeps an eye on the ground to make sure the vehicle won’t slide on the ice. Steven is passing a side of the lake where rocks are on his right, which is a short distance across the snowy and cold water. The mountains, which are covered up by trees, are in the distance behind him.

 

Steven is coming to a huge rock that sits in the lake. A tourist could climb up to this rock. Vikta and Agent 005, both wearing warm clothing and a Russian Soviet winter hat, leap onto the jeep’s back without warning. They hold a knife in their hands.

“Stop the car and don’t move, Edwards!” Vikta orders firmly in a cold and demanding tone. He is glaring at Steven.

 

The two Russians are clutching their sharp weapon up to his throat in a threatening gesture.

 

Steven brings his jeep to a halt at once without so much as blinking an eye. He sighs, startled and afraid for his life. Steven sits motionless as ordered, waiting to see what the foreign agents have in store for him.

 

 

Meanwhile, while Steven Edwards’ life is being threatened, a helicopter is flying around in the sky. The pilot is Jonathan! Jennifer is sitting in the passenger seat, holding a map. The couple is wearing warm and comfortable western clothes with a matching cowboy hat. The Harts are flying towards Custer State Park. Jonathan is attempting to get through to the state troopers on the radio, but he isn’t receiving a reply. He has been trying to contact the local authorities ever since they arrived in South Dakota. Jonathan and Jennifer are flying over a snow-covered forest in Silver City, a community in Pennington Country outside Rapid City.

 

 

“The power lines must be out still,” Jonathan tells Jennifer gently.

 

Jennifer is staring out the window, her mind on the fate of her father. She remains silent as she worries about her dad.

 

Back at Sylvan Lake, Steven Edwards is being held against his will. He remains calm as Vikta and Agent 005 are forcing him to walk, leaving his jeep behind. Agent 005 has a firm and tight grip on his shoulder while his fellow Russian continues to hold the knife against his throat. The three men are heading towards the other side of the lake. They are only a short distance from where Steven abandoned his car. Steven stares at the two foreign agents whose eyes are focused on the walk ahead. The men are strolling to prevent themselves from slipping on the snow.

 

There is silence as Steven carefully glances over at the lake before turning to the Black Hills. He has a plan to get away, which he decides to put into action at once. Before Steven can make a move unexpectedly, an ears-piercing gunshot can be heard out of sight. The two Russians stop and swirl around to discover where the shot came from, alarmed. There is no one about. Vikta and Agent 005 stare off into the distance, wondering where the shot came from and if CIA agents have located them. Vikta holds the knife as his partner waits anxiously to see if anyone will make their presence known.

 

Steven, noticing their distraction, breaks loose as Agent 005 loosens his grip. Steven dashes off, aware he doesn’t stand a chance of surviving as long as Vikta and Agent 005 continue to hold him prisoner. Vikta, glaring with frustration and anger for letting their guard down, races after him with Agent 005 on his heels. Steven quickens his pace, running for his life. He is hurrying towards the Black Hills, the cold air coming into his lungs. The Russians run faster, determined to catch up to him. Once reaching the other side of the lake, Steven comes to a few rocks that lead to a bridge. Steven starts to walk up the slippery and icy steps.

 

He notices the black ice and slows down, aware of how slippery the rocks are. He keeps his eyes on his feet until they reach the bridge. Steven begins running again as he crosses the bridge. Vikta and Agent 005 are not paying attention to where they are walking. They are too preoccupied. The two secret agents approach the rocky steps and start to walk onto them. Vikta and Agent 005, taken by surprise, slips on the rocks. They land on their backs, but instantly pick themselves up and carry on with their mission.

 

Once the two men reach the bridge, they hurry across. Vikta, by now, has learned to pay attention to his movements and where his feet touch. The same can’t be said for Agent 005, who is too outraged at his neglect to keep an eye on Steven. Before Vikta can warn him, Agent 005 trips on the black ice, all over the bridge. Agent 005, attempting to grab hold of the railing for support to steady himself, loses his footing. He goes flying over the bridge, landing in the lake. Agent 005 struggles to keep himself up. He can’t swim. He begins yelling in Russian, begging for Vikta to help him out of the freezing water. He shivers.

 

Vikta, shouting to Agent 005, is annoyed at his clumsiness. He holds onto the railing tight and reaches over to grab hold of his companion. Steven, on the run for his life, reaches the end of the bridge. He sighs in frustration when noticing the bridge leads to nowhere. It’s a dead-end: nowhere to run, it looks like! Steven looks over the bridge just as he hears footsteps. He swirls around to see Vikta and a soaking wet Agent 005 running towards him. Agent 005’s hands are empty. He misplaced his knife in the lake during the fall.

 

Steven, desperate to escape, turns back to the bridge, wondering how he can get away. He realizes the bridge overlooks a dam. Steven, eager and willing to lose the two Russians, will resort to any means of escape by now. He steps over the bridge using both of his hands. Steven, losing his grip on the icy railing, falls over. He lands on his back so hard that he hits his head. It’s bruised, and his arms are in intolerable pain. Steven, a tough man who served in World War II, doesn’t show any signs of distress on his face. Vikta and Agent 005 reach the end of the bridge. They notice the dam. The two men glance over the railing to look down at Steven.

 

Vikta and Agent 005 see he is lying motionless and helpless. Steven is too strong of a man even for his age to stop despite the aches and discomfort. Nevertheless, he is struggling to move, let alone lift himself up. Just as it appears hopeless and impossible, Steven rises to his feet slowly. He is mindful of his injuries, so he is careful upon lifting himself up. He has just gotten to his feet. Vikta, aiming his knife towards him, is going to stab him when Steven looks up. He sees the knife raised and quickly ducks. The sharp weapon lands on the ground, just barely missing him.

 

Steven turns around and makes a break for it. Agent 005 and Vikta start to climb over the railing carefully. Vikta is the last to climb when all of a sudden, they lose their grip. They begin to tumble below when they successfully prevent it by hanging on the edge of the dam’s wall.

 

Steven is hunched over, staying out of sight by hiding between two large rocks. He has to remain motionless. The uncomfortable position his body is in causes him to lift himself up a bit. Steven isn’t aware of how close his head is. He accidentally hits his head on a rock. Steven remains silent, ignoring the pain. The sound alerted Vikta and Agent 005 to his hiding place. They rush towards him as Steven comes out from hiding. There is a mountain of rocks behind him.

 

Vikta and Agent 005, heading in Steven’s direction, witness Steven start to make his way up the mountain. They quicken their pace, racing to catch up. Steven can hear their footsteps and becomes even more desperate to make his getaway. He has to remind himself of his age, and he is still in agony from the fall. Fortunately, the rocks are just the right size to climb and only a few feet from the ground. The soreness in his arms makes the journey a struggle. Steven looks over his shoulder to see the Russians getting close and returns his attention to the rocks up ahead.

 

He hesitates as he stares at the rocks, his mind taking in that he is risking another fall. Steven is aware he is in for the fight of his life. He has no choice, so he continues with rock climbing, a thrill for tourists, but an exhausting act for him. Steven can make the journey up the mountain, the aches now transitioning to his hands and legs. He wants to rest, but there is no time. Steven is holding onto the rocky mountain with both his hands.

 

Vikta and Agent 005, reaching the mountain, start to ascend. Vikta sticks the knife into his mouth with caution. The weapon will only get into his way, and he will not permit another knife to be lost in the wilderness. The foreigners are finding their climbing experience to be an easy task. Steven is slowly making progress. The cold air makes the adventure more uncomfortable. He is wearing gloves, but the freezing weather is insufferable. He is almost halfway up the mountain when, to his surprise, he hears what sounds like a helicopter approaching.

 

The three climbers stand still, anxiously waiting to see who the pilot is. Vikta and Agent 005 duck to avoid being caught. The copter’s presence unnerves them while Steven hopes rescue has come. He glances up into the sky, just as the plane starts to fly over. Steven, holding onto the rocks with one hand, raises his other up high to signal to the pilot. The pilot, whose eyes are only on what’s up ahead, fails to notice Steven’s plea for help.

 

Steven watches with discouragement as the helicopter flies off into the distance. He is once again left alone to defend himself. He starts to climb again, with the two Russians doing the same. They are getting closer. By now, Steven is losing his grip. The mountain is still covered with some snow and ice. The ice is now another obstacle he is forced to overcome. He grabs hold of a rock near his reach that is free of ice. Steven has no option but to hold on to steady himself. He slowly and carefully takes his time moving upward.

 

All of a sudden, Steven’s feet begin to slip on some ice. He pauses to stop a moment to balance himself. Vikta and Agent 005 are gaining in on him. They are now finding their hands and feet on some ice. The two foreign agents are finding themselves maintaining their grip and balance.

While Steven is left alone to fight for his life, Jonathan and Jennifer are approaching Custer State Park. The sign comes into view as Jennifer is still staring out the window. Jonathan is still attempting to contact the state troopers.

 

“May Day!” Jonathan exclaims in desperation. It’s no use. He can’t make contact. He turns to his wife, who is remaining silent.

 

“Darling, where are we now?” Jonathan asks gently, bringing Jennifer’s attention back to the map.

 

Back at Sylvan Lake, while Jonathan and Jennifer are racing against time to come to his rescue, Steven has just reached the top of The Black Hills. Vikta and Agent 005 have reached the mountain halfway, but are struggling to reach the top. Their hands are losing their grip, and their feet are slipping. The two men continue to attempt to keep their balance. Steven rises to his feet and looks at his surroundings.

 

Steven, who is staring over the entire lake from where he is standing, weighs his options. He can’t decide where to run to now. The climb has taken a toll on him. He is losing his breath in the cold air and shivering. Steven looks down to see how far the other men are. They are still struggling to reach the top. Vikta and Agent 005 are helpless. They can’t move at all and are holding on for dear life to steady themselves. Steven is relieved to see the men’s predicament. 

 

He wants to move on and get to a phone, but a break is necessary. The pain has worsened, and he is in no shape to continue. He looks as exhausted as he feels. Steven, sighing wearily, sits down to rest. He reaches into a pocket of his jacket and pulls out a traveling Thermos. Steven starts to take off the cap. Just as he prepares to pour himself a mug of coffee, Vikta, without warning, sneaks up from behind. Vikta, with the knife still in his mouth, is creeping his way toward Steven quietly as possible. He is holding onto the rocks with both hands, taking his time. Vikta has a menacing expression, for he looks like he is looking forward to attacking Steven. Steven is pouring the coffee as Vikta carefully steps onto a rock behind him. He lifts the mug up to his lips to take a sip when Vikta takes him off guard. Vikta grabs him around the throat with strong force as Steven struggles to breathe. The Thermos and cup go flying off of the mountain.

 

Steven gasps, struggling for air. Vikta takes the knife out of his mouth and aims it high above his own head. Just as he attempts to stab Steven with the weapon, Steven hits him with his elbow hard. Vikta winces over in pain and is forced to release his grip. Steven lifts himself to his feet, gasping for air to breathe. He looks out at the lake, attempting to jump. Vikta turns to take another stab at him just as Steven turns around to witness him lift the knife.

 

Steven, lunging forward, throws Vikta to the rock. Vikta lands on his back with the weapon still in his hand. Before he can make another move, Steven tries to overtake him. Steven and Vikta are at the cliff. The two men wrestle on the mountain in a deadly struggle. Steven’s hat falls off of his head, and the walkie-talkie he had tucked away in another pocket of his jacket falls out. The hat and walkie-talkie go flying over the cliff. Steven is on top of Vikta, who is close to the edge. They continue wrestling, rolling along the rocks. The men lose their footing as they break loose. Suddenly they find themselves stumbling and about to go over the ledge.

 

They manage to hold onto a rock tightly with both hands. Steven is sore all over his body. He is breathing heavily and finding the pain in his arms and legs so unbearable. His body is worn out, and Steven is losing strength. Vikta turns his head around and begins yelling at Agent 005 somewhere in the distance to get him down. Steven regains control of his balance and releases his hands from the rock. He leaves Vikta holding on for dear life while he slowly and carefully starts to step down the mountain, mindful of the aching in his body.

 

After his fight with Vikta, Steven is suffering from a headache. His head is freezing after losing his hat to the lake. Now that his walkie-talkie is lost, he is cut off from contact completely. The ice and snow are still making a move downward dangerous. Steven is taking his time, holding onto the rocks with one hand while stepping down. His eyes are on his feet, watching his step. He finally descends down the mountain where there are rocks, trees, and logs.

 

The grass below, green during the warm time of the year, has been covered with white snow blankets. Just as Steven is about to take the last step down, he almost slips on a patch of black ice. He quickly grabs hold of the tree beside him. The quick thinking on the spur of the moment prevents a fall. Steven holds onto the tree long enough to step down onto the ground. He is at the back of the mountain. It’s out of sight from the lake. Steven steps over the logs, his eyes still on where he is going. He makes his way down a trail. Steven quickens his pace while not running too fast. Vikta and Agent 005 could show up at any moment and attempt to harm him again. So far, he is alone, and there is not a sound except for his footsteps.

 

Steven passes the lake on his left and another mountain top on his right off in a short distance. It becomes windy, so he buttons up his jacket all the way. He hurries down the trail, passing another mountain and rocks along his way. The sun is starting to shine. After what seems like hours to him, Steven comes upon a forest. A street sign catches his attention. It reads, “Needles Highway.” Steven is running out of breath, so he stops to catch his breath. His legs are exhausted from the scurrying he has been doing. He is breathing hard as he stares out at the deserted road across from him.

 

Suddenly footsteps are coming from behind Steven. He swirls around and is horrified to see Vikta coming toward him from the trail. Steven, hearing another set of footsteps, is alarmed to find Agent 005 rushing toward him on the other side. His heart is beating fast. He glances around the forest to search for any signs of life. Steven’s luck has finally run out. He turns his attention to the road. There is no sign of any passing vehicles. Steven realizes he is at the Russians’ mercy. He turns back to them, his heart still pounding. Steven nervously waits breathlessly for Vikta and Agent 005 to make a move.

 

The two men, sensing Steven’s fear, slowly walk over to him. Vikta is flashing the ejecting blade knife around to taunt Steven. Steven’s face breaks out in a sweat while remaining calm. The two Russians, who are now running through the grassy area covered up by snow, are hurrying to him. Before he knows what is happening to him, Vikta and Agent 005 plunge themselves toward Steven, sending him toppling onto the ground on his back. Vikta has stopped waving the knife around before the attack. Vikta and Agent 005, bending down, lift Steven Edwards to his feet.

 

Vikta holds his knife against Steven’s throat so he can feel the sharp blade. Agent 005 is holding onto Steven’s left arm firmly, causing more pain and discomfort. He suddenly releases his hold on him, and Vikta grabs Steven around the neck with his other arm. Vikta places a tight grip around his neck and points the knife at his throat, but holds the blade back. Vikta and Agent 005 put a hand around Steven’s shoulders. They hold him against his will while Vikta continues to hold the sharp knife up to Steven’s throat.

 

The two men lead a frightened Steven up to the road up ahead. They force him to walk alongside them on the icy and deserted street. All three men are heading left to the Needles Highway. There is an eerie silence as Steven is helpless to break loose and escape. Steven continues to remain calm. They are walking briskly while keeping an eye on their feet.

Meanwhile, the helicopter Jonathan is piloting is flying over Custer State Park. Jennifer is still staring out the window, keeping a lookout for any signs of her father. Jonathan has given up trying to radio the troopers. He is looking out the window, searching for his father-in-law while navigating the controls and engine. The couple remains silent with their thoughts on Steven. Jennifer is worried about her father’s well-being, but is thankful they have finally reached their destination. Jonathan starts to fly over The Black Hills.

 

It’s almost thirty minutes later when Vikta and Agent 005 are reaching their destination on foot. They are passing Little Devil’s Tower Trailhead. Steven’s feet feel like they could collapse on him any moment now. He is breathing heavily and wishes he could rest his weary feet. Steven is wondering where his captors are taking him to. Vikta and Agent 005 are keeping their eyes on the street. Steven glances over at the sharp knife before turning to look over at Vikta. He turns his attention to Agent 005. Steven, confident the Russians are not paying attention to his movements, thinks of a way to signal for help. He reaches into a side pocket inside his jacket. He looks from Vikta and Agent 005, whose eyes are still on where they are going. They don’t notice as Steven quickly takes out a flare gun. He shoots it into the sky three times to pinpoint his location.

Jennifer, who is staring out the window, notices the flare in the sky. She gasps, realizing the bright illumination likely is a distress signal from her dad. Jennifer turns to face Jonathan.

 

“Darling, look!” Jennifer exclaims anxiously, pointing to the distress signal. Jonathan is flying the helicopter over Black Elk Peak, the highest national point in South Dakota.

 

“I’ll land once we get close, darling,” Jonathan replies calmly, turning the plane in the direction in which the flare went off.

 

“It looks like dad is heading toward Needles Eye Tunnel,” Jennifer informs her husband while consulting the map. “According to the map, there is Needles Highway. It’s a scenic overlook,” she explains, still looking over the map.

 

“I’ll see if I can land the helicopter there,” Jonathan says with his eyes focused up ahead. He increases the speed of the engine.

 

The helicopter speeds over the hill, passing the famed Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Steven is approaching the tunnel up ahead. He had returned the flare gun to his pocket once shooting it off into the sky. Steven is still walking, acting as if he didn’t take any action to alert anyone of his life-threatening circumstances. He wonders if anyone saw the distress signal when a helicopter is heard up above in the distance. Vikta and Agent 005 are startled. The sound of an aircraft coming in their direction unnerves them. The two men exchange glances, wondering what they should do. Before they can think the situation over, the helicopter starts to fly over them. Vikta and Agent 005, not wanting to cast suspicion among themselves, act as if its presence doesn’t matter in the least. Agent 005, annoyed, starts mumbling some Russian words when Vikta cuts him off by ordering him to shut up.

Jonathan and Jennifer are flying above. The two Russian men and Steven are in plain sight as they are flying directly over them. The couple is horrified to see Steven being held against his will with the knife up to his throat. Jennifer frowns upon seeing the weapon. She is enraged to witness her father being threatened with such a deadly weapon. Jonathan is also disturbed to see the knife held to his father-in-law’s throat in such a threatening manner. The couple remains silent. The Harts are too occupied with landing to voice their feelings.

 

Steven starts to relax after hearing the helicopter over them. He and the foreign spies are walking the road in a snow-filled and quiet forest. It’s deserted. Steven keeps his eyes on the road up ahead. He doesn’t want to risk Vikta and Agent 005, making a scene. The two men exchange glances every few moments since it’s clear to them the helicopter follows them. They remain calm as they are reaching the destination. Now the forest has disappeared as the three men have come to the Needles Eye Tunnel. Trees are behind them, along with rocks.

 

Steven looks at Vikta and Agent 005, wondering what purpose this particular location serves. It becomes clear as they walk through the rear of the tunnel. A small private plane is on standby in the middle of the street, usually where tourist parks. The tunnel is also deserted. The aircraft is a white Cessna. The door to the plane opens, and a man, in a pilot uniform, exits.

 

It’s the Russian ambassador! Steven, recognizing him, is shocked to learn he is mixed up in his kidnapping plot!!! He glances up into the sky to look for the helicopter that is no longer in sight. Steven becomes alarmed that the pilot of the aircraft is no longer around. He remains hopeful the driver has landed the plane and is coming to his rescue. Vikta and Agent 005, drawing the same conclusion, hurry Steven over to the Cessna! Vikta begins talking to the ambassador in Russian, his tone agitated.

 

Jonathan is landing the helicopter on the Needles Highway on the other side of the tunnel. No cars are around, so he chose the center of the road as his airstrip. He is reaching the ground and brings the aircraft to a stop once touching the highway. Jonathan turns the engine off before rushing out of the copter, along with an impatient Jennifer. She is relieved to have landed after a long and non-stop exhausting flight finally. They slam their door shut just as a ranger is pulling up in his jeep. In his seventies, the man is annoyed to find a helicopter situated on a highway.

 

The ranger has gray hair and a mustache. He looks rugged. Holding hands, the Harts are starting to brush past him when the ranger brings his vehicle to an abrupt halt.

 

“Hold it!” he exclaims roughly. His tone catches Jonathan and Jennifer off guard by his harsh and unfriendly manner. “You can’t park that copter here! The highway is closed down for the winter! Move that aircraft at once!!!” the ranger exclaims, walking up to the couple.

 

“This is an emergency!” Jennifer exclaims calmly, though not in the mood to explain why her husband landed the helicopter in the middle of a highway.

 

 “Call the state troopers and ask them to get here as fast as possible!” Jonathan shouts out, dashing toward the jeep with Jennifer.

 

Jonathan and Jennifer hop into the ranger’s car without any further explanation. Jonathan starts the engine with the key the ranger left in the ignition. The jeep speeds off, with Jonathan stepping down hard on the gas pedal.

 

“You are welcome to move the plane!” Jennifer yells out to the ranger seriously.

 

 The highway is twisting and turning, making Jennifer ill at ease, especially when her husband is driving. She feels as if she is going to fall off the edge. Jonathan is too distracted by catching up with the foreign agents and saving his father-in-law to notice. Jennifer glances over at the mountains and hills on her side of the vehicle. She stares back at the road ahead and tries to ignore her fear.

 

Jennifer’s mind returns to her father. She is worried that harm may have come to him. Jonathan is racing toward the tunnel while driving on the side of caution. The couple is passing a forest now. The highway seems to go on forever, the longer the time passes. Jennifer is impatient, but remains calm and poised. The jeep comes flying down a turn. A shaggy and white mountain goat followed by a deer stop across the road without warning. Jennifer gasps in alarm as Jonathan instantly steps on the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a halt. The sudden and unexpected jerk of movement almost threw Jonathan and Jennifer out of their seats.

 

Jonathan waits until the animals are out of his path before taking his foot off of the brakes. He resumes driving. The Harts remain silent as they come upon another turn. They are approaching Needles Highway Scenic Overlook. Jonathan goes swiftly past the turn. He keeps an eye out for any more wildlife along the way. Jonathan makes another turn right up ahead before they reach the overlook. He turns one last corner before they come to the other side of the tunnel.

 

Jonathan cautiously starts to speed through the very narrow tunnel. The jeep is rushing down the tunnel. Jennifer watches with fear and panic as she observes Vikta and Agent 005 walking briskly into the plane on the other side. The door is about to close at any moment as the two Russian agents disappear into the cabin. Jonathan is hurrying to catch up to the plane before it takes off. He brings the jeep to an abrupt halt upon parking only a few feet away. The Harts rush out of the car and make a run toward the Cessna. Jonathan is ahead of his wife and drawls the pistol out of his holster. Just as the door is about to be shut by Agent 005, Jonathan aims his “James Bond” gun at him.

 

“Wait, you got two more passengers who are going to come aboard!” Jonathan exclaims in his most stern and demanding tone. He is glaring at Agent 005.

 

Agent 005 returns his angry stare before attempting to slam the door. Before he can, Jonathan, standing back, forces the door open with his feet. Agent 005 is caught off guard and collapses onto his back. Jonathan storms onto the plane. Just as Jennifer is about to board, the plane starts to take off. Jonathan and Jennifer lose their balance. The pistol falls out of Jonathan’s hand. They are forced to catch hold of an arm of a chair in the tiny cabin. Jonathan, who is the closest to the door, rises to his feet and slowly steps toward the door. He slams the door just as the plane ascends into the sky. Jonathan swirls around to see Agent 005, holding his gun in his hand. The Russian is aiming the weapon at him with a smirk.

 

Jennifer, who is still recovering from the sudden takeoff, stares at him in shock. She takes a seat in the chair and turns to look around for her dad.

 

“Jennifer!” Steven exclaims, exhaustion affecting his voice. He is hoarse.

 

Jennifer swings around to find to her relief her father, whose hands and wrists are tied up tightly with rope, seated behind Agent 005.

 

“Take a seat!” Vikta orders. He is walking into the cabin from the cockpit. He is glaring at the Harts. The knife is still in his hand, but the blade is pointed to the floor.

 

Jonathan, eying Agent 005 with anger and disgust, reluctantly takes a seat next to Jennifer.

 

“I take it you missed Goldfinger,” Jonathan remarks seriously. “The villain in that Bond film didn’t realize the dangers of firing a gun in an aircraft. Unless you want to be swept through a window like a hot air balloon, I suggest you don’t pull the trigger,” he warns, his eyes still on the gun.

 

“It seems I hit you harder than I thought,” Jennifer comments, staring at Agent 005. She is surprised at this Russian agent’s ignorance.

 

“He’s right,” Vikta replies with a scowl, turning to Agent 005. “Hand me the gun before you kill us all aboard,” he says in a demanding tone.

 

Before Agent 005 can reply, Vikta snatches the firearm away from him. The Russian, pointing the gun toward the ground, holds the weapon carefully. He returns his attention to the Harts. “PUT YOUR SEAT BELT ON AND PLACE YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK!” Vikta shouts out to the couple, his thick Russian accent showing while glaring at Jonathan and Jennifer.

 

They instantly put their seat belts on before placing their hands behind their back. The Harts, eying Vikta, are waiting for his next move. Vikta, satisfied they obeyed his instructions, turns to Agent 005 to give further orders.

 

“Make contact for instructions on how we should dispose of our unexpected passengers,” Vikta tells the other Russian calmly while remaining his authority.

 

Agent 005, without saying one word, nods. He takes out his pen and starts to head in the direction of the cockpit. Jonathan is keeping a watchful eye on Vikta. He is waiting for the right moment to fight off the KGB. Vikta, confident he has the Harts right where he wants them, is looking in the windows’ direction. He places the pistol and knife down on the ground. Jonathan watches Vikta with anticipation as he reaches into the side pocket of his coat. Vikta takes out a gold and expensive looking cigarette case. He opens the case to take out a cigarette. It’s the same brand that killed Coleman. He reaches into his other pocket to take out a matching cigarette lighter as Jonathan continues staring at him.

 

Agent 005 can be heard speaking to their contact in his native Russian language. Just as Vikta is about to light the cigarette while staring into space ahead of him, Jonathan is ready to attack him. Jonathan quickly unbuckles his seat belt and jumps up to his feet. Vikta holds the lighter up to his cigarette in his mouth as Jonathan lunges toward him. Vikta falls to the floor on his chest, the lighter and cigarette slipping from his hand.

 

Vikta, incensed at his carelessness and being attacked without warning, jumps up. Before he can fight back after turning to face Jonathan, Jonathan strikes him hard across the cheek. Vikta’s face is stinging from the punch. He loses his balance and lands on a seat on his back. Vikta glances at the knife on the floor next to him. Jonathan, who is standing across from him, is staring at him. He is ready to strike Vikta the moment he attempts to make a move against him. Vikta once again springs to his feet, planning to pick up the knife. He reaches over to retrieve the weapon when Jonathan quickly grabs him firmly by the shoulder, forcing Vikta around to face him.

 

Jonathan, preparing to strike Vikta, is instead attacked. Vikta glares at Jonathan while he reaches over with outstretched hands. He attempts to strangle Jonathan with his bare hands. Jonathan, whose eyes are opened wide with terror, struggles to break loose. Jennifer is horrified upon seeing her husband being grabbed by the throat. Her heart beats fast, terrified of Vikta attacking Jonathan with such brutal force. Jonathan stares at his attacker with fear and contempt. In attempting to force Vikta off of him, Jonathan aims to strike him in the face with his right hand. Vikta, seeing the punch coming, ducks. Jonathan tries to kick his face with both of his feet, but the Russian had predicted his next move.

 

Vikta instead attempts to wring Jonathan’s neck, but his foot trips on the knife, his foot almost stepping on the blade. They lose their balance. The two men collapse onto the seats, wrestling each other. They accidentally strike a window with their elbows during their brawl, shattering the glass in the process. A gust of strong wind can be heard from outside the aircraft.

 

Vikta has the tight grip and strength of Jaws, the villain in The Spy Who Loved Me, and Moonraker. Jonathan stares at Vikta with resentment. He is now more determined and eager to render Vikta unconscious. Jonathan has had enough of being assaulted. He watches as Vikta grabs hold of his tie next. Vikta appears to take pleasure in tormenting him. He is smiling deviously. Jennifer watches, wondering what vicious inflict he will submit her husband to next.

 

Vikta, pulling the tie with all his strength in his hands, continues in his attempt to strangle Jonathan to death. Jonathan manages to grab hold of Vikta by his tie and shoves him against a wall across from him. Vikta’s face turns red with rage and frustration. He quickly lunges toward Jonathan. Vikta and Jonathan exchange powerful punches for a few moments before Vikta strikes Jonathan in the jaw. Jonathan’s jaw is stinging as a result. Before he can fight back, Jonathan’s waist is grasped by Vikta’s strong hands. The Russian, slinging him around, hurls him with all of his might toward the cockpit.

 

Jennifer and Steven quickly duck to avoid being struck. Jonathan, plunging backward toward the cockpit, loses his balance. He collapses against the door leading to the cockpit. Jonathan winces in pain from the unexpected headache he developed during the brutal attack. Vikta plunges toward him and grabs him by the neck. He lifts Jonathan high into the air with the weight of a giant before violently hurling him onto the seat. Jennifer continues to watch the fight helplessly and with uneasiness. Before Jonathan can lift himself up, Vikta lunges toward him again. The two strong men continue to struggle as Vikta attempts to cut off Jonathan’s windpipe permanently.

 

They tumble out of their seats and stumble onto the ground. Jonathan and Vikta resume wrestling. Jonathan manages to grab hold of his Russian opponent just barely. It’s payback time!!! Jonathan slinging him around, Vikta is hurled toward the cabin door. Once again, Jennifer and Steven duck. Vikta loses his footing and slumps down in front of the door. Now Vikta is wincing in pain. Jonathan lunges toward him. He grabs Vikta by the waist and hurls him violently onto the seat. Vikta lands on his back. Before he knows what hit him, Jonathan again lunges toward him. Vikta retrieves the knife. The scuffle continues.

 

Vikta points the knife in Jonathan’s direction. He is aiming the weapon at his throat. Just as Vikta raises his hand to stab Jonathan, Jonathan jumps onto him. They wrestle as Jonathan fights to hold Vikta’s arm up, keeping the deadly blade of the knife away. Vikta tries to break loose, but Jonathan is stronger than he realized. The men continue to wrestle for a few more moments. Vikta, without warning, overcomes Jonathan’s grip finally. He fights Jonathan off by kicking him in the stomach with both feet. Jonathan, wincing over in pain, resists the urge to mouth, “OUCH!”

 

Vikta once again attempts to take a stab at him. He has lost his patience with Jonathan. The feeling of hate between them is mutual. Vikta stares at Jonathan, looking as if he is going to snap at any moment. Jonathan rolls out of the way just as he plunges the knife into the cushion of the seat. Vikta mutters under his breath. The Harts can sense he is cursing in Russian. Vikta stares at the chair, torn into half with rage. Jonathan rises to his feet. Just as Vikta is about to look up at him, Jonathan delivers a harsh blow to his jaw. Vikta’s jaw is now stinging. The punch was too strong. The knife falls out of his hand and lands on the floor.

 

Jennifer stares at the weapon, wondering if she should risk getting caught picking it up with Agent 005 nearby. Vikta, cursing like a child who didn’t get his way, lifts himself up and lunges toward Jonathan. Jonathan has no chance to react when he is thrown off balance. He lands on his back.

 

Jennifer is still observing the fight nervously. Vikta, leaning over Jonathan, takes out a garrote from his inside pocket. He slings the wire around Jonathan’s neck in the last effort to strangle him.

 

“JONATHAN!!!” Jennifer exclaims with terror. She quickly unbuckles her seat belt before springing out of her chair.

 

Her heart is pounding faster, her fear for Jonathan’s life increasing. The fight by now is too intense! Jonathan struggles to break loose as Vikta is attempting to choke him. He gasps for air. Jennifer races to pick up the knife when Vikta and Jonathan swing around in their struggle. Vikta is too focused on killing Jonathan to notice Jennifer’s presence. Jennifer is about to take possession of the knife when Vikta unintentionally strikes her head with his foot. She is knocked out cold as the knife continues lying on the floor in sight.

 

Jonathan is clutching the wire wrapped firmly around his neck. He continues to gasp for air. Jonathan is trying to think of a smart way to fight off Vikta before he shuts off his windpipe. He suddenly remembers the pistol he brought aboard. Jonathan’s eyes notice the Walther on the ground. He reaches out to pick up the gun, but his hand can’t reach that far. Vikta is giving it his best shot in succeeding in strangling Jonathan Hart to his death. Jonathan continues attempting to grab hold of the pistol. Jonathan, slowly taking his time to twist his body around, is successful in moving a hand toward the floor. Just as Vikta is about to succeed in strangling him to death, Jonathan’s fingers grasp the gun. He quickly snatches hold of the firearm.

 

With all of the strength he has left in him, Jonathan turns to whack Vikta over the head. Vikta, feeling the pistol’s impact, is forced to release the garrote wire from Jonathan’s neck. He loses consciousness and collapses onto the seat facedown. Jonathan, still in pain and recovering from the strangulation attempt, is gasping for air. His neck is sore. He stares at Vikta with disdain before snatching the garrote away.

 

“That was some workout. Thank you for giving me the chance to win the upper hand. How does it feel for the shoe to be on the other foot?” Jonathan says with irritation that the fight became so physical. He tosses the wire and gun onto the floor.

 

Jonathan is getting his wind back. He is about to grab the knife when he sees his wife lying on the ground, unconscious.

 

A look of panic comes across his face upon seeing Jennifer on the carpet motionless.

 

“Jennifer!” Jonathan exclaims, worried she is injured.

 

He jumps up from the seat and rushes toward Jennifer’s side. He kneels down and is about to examine her condition when he hears footsteps coming towards him. Jonathan turns to see Agent 005 standing across from him, just a few inches away. He is smiling at Jonathan with a mischievous grin.

 

“Now, you’ll find out what it is really like when the shoe is on the other foot,” Agent 005 says with self-satisfaction and a tone of pure evil. His hands are apart as if he is going to attack Jonathan Karate style.

 

Jonathan glances down at one of his shoes with a knife sticking out from the toe.

 

“What have you done to my wife?” Jonathan demands to know heatedly, his temper boiling inside.

 

“Vitka just happened to knock her out by pure accident,” Agent 005 replies in a manner he is more than willing to answer Jonathan. His Russian accent has returned.

 

Jonathan, incensed by his callousness, rises to his feet. He is more than ready to tackle Agent 005. Agent 005 starts to approach Jonathan. Jonathan slowly backs up, never taking his eye off of the shoe knife. The Russian is moving forward toward Jonathan, a step at a time. Jonathan continues backing up until his back reaches the door. He stares at Agent 005 with fear. Now his heart is pounding. He can’t think of a plan to defeat this Russian secret agent just yet. Agent 005 stands across from him.

 

Jonathan is cornered and helpless. Agent 005, who is over-eager, starts shouting victory in Russian. Jonathan continues staring at Agent 005’s foot nervously. He steps closer to the exit as Agent 005 is ready to spring into action. Just as he takes a kick at Jonathan, Jonathan notices the emergency door release.

Jonathan backs up till the hatch is only by his left shoulder. His unexpected move has resulted in Agent 005’s shoe knife missing him just moments before he would have been stabbed.

 

The Russian scowls and mutters under his breath just as Jennifer slowly regains consciousness. She lifts herself up just in time to witness Agent 005 creep toward Jonathan. He is standing in front of the door. He is about to take another kick at Jonathan. Jonathan, without warning, pulls the emergency hatch instantly. The door swings open all the way, revealing the ground below.

The wind can be heard coming into the private plane. Agent 005 loses his footing. The Russian is swept toward the door by a gust of wind. The man is horrified. Agent 005 gasps in shock! His body is carried over to the edge. He desperately holds onto the side of the door to prevent himself from falling over thirty thousand feet to his death. Agent 005, screaming in terror, can’t hold on much longer. His fingers are about to slip. Jonathan is standing back, far away from the exit, watching the Russian foreign agent clinging to the door for support.

 

Jennifer, by now, is standing watching with anticipation. The couple is hopeful this member of the KGB will be defeated once and for all. Agent 005, still clutching the door with all of his strength, turns to Jonathan helplessly. The facial expression shows he is begging Jonathan to save him. Jonathan and Jennifer stare at him without any remorse.

 

The foreign agent, desperate to save himself and unwilling to accept defeat, turns his body around to climb back on board. Jonathan glares at him and starts toward the door. Jennifer looks at her husband with fear, sensing what he is planning. Just as Jonathan is approaching the door, Agent 005’s fingers slip from the side of the door finally. Before Jonathan can push him off the plane, the Russian is falling off of the aircraft. He screams as his body is flying through the air. Jonathan has stopped in his tracks and is watching the man descending to his death. Echoes of his terrifying scream can be heard as Agent 005 disappears out of sight permanently.

 

Jennifer sighs in relief. Jonathan, quickly and with caution, hurry to close the door. Jennifer rushes to her husband’s side. With a hefty and one-time shove, Jonathan and Jennifer push the door to a close together. They breathe a sigh of relief. Jennifer hurries over to Steven. She kneels on the floor, facing the seat where her father is sitting. She is removing the tight rope around his worn out and aching hands. Jonathan walks over and picks up the pistol lying next to Vikta, who is still unconscious.

 

Once Steven is set free, Jennifer and her father stare at each other speechless. They are feeling a mixed blend of emotions after being apart from each other for so long. A smile comes across their faces after only a few moments of awkward silence. Steven and Jennifer embrace, tears of joy and relief at finally reuniting at last. Jonathan stands by his wife’s side.

 

“Are you all right, Steven?” Jonathan asks, still holding the gun in his hand.

 

“Yes,” Steven replies, his voice breaking.

 

“We’ll get you to a hospital,” Jonathan assures his father-in-law gently and with concern.

 

“What are we going to do about the pilot?” Jennifer asks, turning to face Jonathan, suddenly remembering his presence and involvement in the kidnapping.

 

“I’ll take care of him,” Jonathan replies calmly and with assurance.

 

Jennifer lifts herself to her feet. She flings her arms around Jonathan’s neck. The couple embraces, thankful, and relieved to have made it out alive of their latest adventure. There are tears in Jennifer’s eyes.

 

“I’ll be right back, darling,” Jonathan says seriously, a firm expression on his face.

 

Jennifer pulls out of the loving embrace. She takes a seat beside her dad. Jonathan leaves Jennifer alone with Steven to converse in private. Jonathan heads toward the cockpit.

 

The Russian ambassador is sitting in the cockpit at the engine, navigating the plane. Jonathan, entering with his pistol in hand, steps up to the ambassador from behind. The ambassador is startled by Jonathan’s presence and looks at him nervously. The diplomat, with both hands still on the steering wheel, eyes the gun. He can see that the KGB were fought off.

 

“Would you mind turning this plane around?” Jonathan asks the diplomat firmly. He is aiming the pistol at the ambassador. “Your license has just been revoked,” Jonathan adds seriously, glaring at him in anger. He is disappointed and furious that the Russian ambassador turned out to be in cahoots with the KGB.

 

Washington, D.C. One Afternoon

 

 

Cruising in a Hacker craft runabout down the Potomac River, Jonathan and Jennifer enjoy a private tour of the city all to themselves. They have their arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders while riding in the backseat. A mobile phone is situated at Jonathan’s feet. The boat passes the Pentagon by their right. It’s a reasonably warm day for January. Jonathan is wearing a black suit while Jennifer is wearing a green and sparkling dress.

 

The Harts cuddle up, grateful for their first peaceful and alone time during their visit to D.C. They look out at the river and sights; the boat is heading in the Lincoln Memorial direction. Jonathan and Jennifer’s excursion is interrupted by the ringing of the telephone. They exchange glances and sigh in disappointment. Jonathan reluctantly reaches down to pick up the phone.

 

“Jonathan Hart,” Jonathan answers with a bit of annoyance as Jennifer looks on, wondering who the caller is. “Yes, Kulp,” he says, turning to look at Jennifer with frustration.

 

“Hart, I have news,” Kulp replies from the other end of the line in his usual tone of all business. “Suzanne has been found and sent back to the states to stand trial along with Vikta. Her real name is Sashura Turgeneu. She refuses to talk, but we have enough evidence to put her away for life and Vikta. He is also refusing to cooperate. However, the ambassador has been more than willing to confess. I’m not at all pleased, but the prosecutor is agreeing to grant him immunity in exchange for testifying against Vikta and Sashura. The diplomat admitted to being blackmailed into being an accessory in Steven Edwards’ kidnapping and permitting Sashura to store the components concealed in the wine bottles in the tunnel,” the director of the CIA admits with disgust. “The ambassador’s wife, for whatever absurd reason, is standing by her husband despite him committing adultery. The family was prepared to hire him a defense attorney in which he refused to obtain the services of. The ambassador is willing to pay the consequence for the betrayal of his position. He should be rotting in jail, but the prosecutor is being strong-armed. Unfortunately, that rat has powerful connections.”

 

“At least we can be grateful we stumbled onto the KGB’s plan for sabotage before any more of your operatives’ locations were compromised,” Jonathan says nonchalantly.

 

There is a sound of muttering from Kulp before he returns to speaking. “The agency is forever in your debt. I will be honored if you and Mrs. Hart join me for dinner at my club. I’ll pick up the tab,” he tells Jonathan graciously.

 

Jonathan, smiling coyly, turns to look at his wife, who has overheard Kulp’s side of the conversation. “Kulp, I appreciate your generous offer, but I currently have other plans,” Jonathan replies politely.

 

Jennifer returns her husband’s smile.

 

“I understand,” Kulp responds before turning his voice back to seriousness. “Now, I would like to discuss Project Wellman’s progress with you,” he starts to say when Jennifer places a hand on Jonathan’s arm gently.

 

“Darling, now is not the time for distractions,” Jennifer says seductively.

 

Jonathan grins his devious smile upon recognizing her familiar tone and a hint of wanting to be romantic with him.

 

“Yes, this trip has been enough business,” Jonathan replies in his seductive manner of speaking before Kulp has a chance to interrupt.

 

Jonathan, delighted and relieved to have a reason to ignore Kulp, turns around in his seat. “Now is the time for pleasure,” he continues, turning to face the rear of the boat.

 

He tosses the mobile phone into the water, putting an end to Kulp’s call and interruptions. Jennifer smiles with contentment. Jonathan takes her into his arms. Jonathan, smiling, embraces his wife, and kisses her. The boat continues down the river, passing the US Department Of State and the Lincoln Memorial. Jonathan and Jennifer still make love, ignoring the passing landmarks and sights. An elderly captain, who is in his early eighties, sits at the wheel. He is paying no attention to his passengers.