The Syncode

Chapter 14: An Enigma Part II and A Little Romance

"As long as she doesn't screw it up like Ortega. I trust you explained what would happen should she give her position away?"

"Naturally! She was quite terrified, so I gave her easy instructions to begin with. Fear will trip people up and lead them to make a mistake. Besides cleaning and keeping an ear on the conversations around her, I've instructed her to befriend Miss Hartwell. Considering the tyrant of a nurse that will follow her about, she will be most grateful for any diversion."

"Possibly, as long as Miss Tansi doesn't ask questions that would raise a flag with the Holmes brothers. Considering recent events, they will be wary of any and all persons they come in contact with, especially the cleaning crew. Reiterate to her she is only to speak with the woman, and no one else. Also, make sure that she doesn't linger too long in any one place. That will most definitely raise suspicion."

"I will. In the mean time, I will be in constant contact with De Silva in regards to any plans the Holmes make. He knows anything and everything that arrives on and leaves the islands. His brother is comptroller at the Majuro airport. They will know and monitor their every move."

"See that they do. Do you still have the photos?" she asked, referring to the heavily edited 'explicit' ones of Julian and Joanne on the beach.

"Yes, they are saved on my laptop's hard drive."

"Good. Keep them handy, but don't send them to Mycroft just yet. We need to learn more about their findings first."

"But of course. Oddly enough, Ortega sent me a text with attached photos regarding Miss Hartwell and Julian Holmes. They seemed to be quite close."

"Which will make the pictures all the more believable. Good."

"Are you sure Mycroft Holmes has feelings for this woman? She seemed quite ah... cozy with his cousin."

"I have monitored Mycroft Holmes for years. His actions regarding Miss Hartwell are out of character, suggesting a strong interest at the very least. I suspect that the longer they are together in dangerous environs, they will naturally grow close." Andrena smiled tightly. "I want a witness present to film or photograph his reaction when he sees the doctored pictures. They must not be sent until I know he has totally and completely fallen for her. Tell Runica to note his behavior when they are together. Remember, make sure they are sent where he can easily be photographed!" Her shrill laugh reverberated over the phone.

"As you wish, ma'am." Winslow frowned. It would have to be timed just right.

"And do not interfere in the Holmes's plans, whatever they will be. Assuming that they did find new information, they will have to act on it sooner or later. And wherever it leads, we will be right there when they find it." 

The line went dead. There was nothing Winslow or his contacts could do but wait until the brothers made their move.

***

There were still three hours of daylight left, which suited Andrena just fine. Changing into her running gear, she proceeded to do a circuit around the grounds of her large country estate. Running always helped her think, and at the moment she wanted nothing more.

They did find something! Something small enough to be brought out without being seen. Although Winslow suspected, he had never actually seen anything. It had been found in a desk. A letter? A small piece of equipment such as that belonging to the pocket sized Oscillator? A hidden compartment. Pocket sized. It was more than frustrating. They were so close now. 

The ground  began a gradual incline as Andrena jogged the trail with measured breaths and kept a steady pace. At 67, she had kept herself in excellent shape over the years from running and lifting light weights in her home gym. Anyone watching her from a distance would have put her in her mid forties. The only telling sign of age were the numerous grey streaks that shot through her dark hair.