asked.
“If I can’t then there is probably no issue. I’m of no use to them if my ability is gone. Wouldn’t that be an ironic solution to the whole problem? But, making the attempt has several risks. Not only to me. I feel that I’m fully recovered, but I might learn differently. Also, if I had to back-track more than to yesterday, it would interfere with the assaults we just concluded on the terrorists. We don’t want to risk that, and I don’t wish to go through it again.”
“What is your plan?” Carlson asked. “You can’t let him spread what he suspects. That will put you in the very situation you came back to resolve.”
“First, I’m going home. I’ve been away from Karin and Janna longer than I like. Then I’m going to experiment very carefully under controlled conditions to see if I have my ability back. That will affect a lot of things. As I said, if it’s gone, I’m at no risk from them because it’s gone. On the other hand, if I’m able to function again, then I have more options. One of the first things will be to find out who Graper has told and when.”
“How can we help?” Carlson asked.
“I don’t know yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as I have a plan.”
“You’re leaving in the morning then?” Laney asked.
Jake nodded. “I already have reservations.”
“And I get to keep my memories of this whole thing,” Laney said happily.
Jake smiled. “I’m glad you are finally aware of what is going on. It works out well, I can tell you. We should have brought you in a long time ago.”
Jake meant what he said, but he retained a slight discomfort with the events of the past two weeks. Both Carlson and Laney would have slightly different memories of events going forward as compared to the last time they’d done this. It wasn’t a big thing, but it was a difference. Jake had learned to be uncomfortable of differences. He couldn’t see how the changes would affect them working together going forward, but he wished it could be the same as before.
Chapter 42
It was early afternoon when Jake stepped out of the plane, following the other first class passengers through the narrow tunnel that connected the plane to the airport terminal. When he stepped into the boarding area for his gate he couldn’t help looking for Karin and Janna, but of course they weren’t waiting there. Non passengers were no longer allowed in this area for security reasons. Jake had his own thoughts about how effective this approach was, but no one asked him. He took his lead from others, and pulling his carry on luggage, he headed toward the baggage carousel where his larger bag would arrive. As he came down the escalator into the waiting area he spotted his wife and daughter. Karin was trying to get Janna to look his way, but the youngster had her attention focused on something else. It didn’t matter. Seeing the two of them raised Jake’s spirits immensely. He walked over, put his arms around them both, and won a kiss for his effort.
“Long flight?” Karin asked. He nodded slightly as he pulled away, his eyes intent on her face.
“Long couple of weeks,” Jake replied. “Unfortunately, matters are not yet completely resolved. Hopefully the bags will be quick and we can get out of here.” He looked at her and added. “No back-tracking was required. I think, however, that I can do so safely now.”
“We’ll talk about it later,” she said, knowing it wasn’t a topic for the airport. “Let’s see if your bags are here. Flying first class they should be first off the plane.”
Although they could easily afford it, Jake seldom flew first class. Business class was more than adequate in his mind, but this time he’d wanted the space. As Karin had suggested, his bag was one of the first down the ramp, which he retrieved and they headed to the garage where the BMW was parked. Janna had finally realized who he was and now wanted his attention. He realized he hadn’t picked up the presents for either Karin or his daughter, that shopping trip having been aborted prematurely and never initiated again. Well, it worked out well enough this way the last time, but he’d have to make up for the oversight.
He drove, the comforting smoothness of the large vehicle reassuring. Once they had worked their way out of the airport and were