Never Is Close

By George W. Bortnick II

The Island- One of the little islands off Brooklyn, New York City. It is controlled by the Mattingly Corporation and the contents of the research is unknown to most of the inhabitants.

Old Navy- A worldwide once highly regarded genius at developing and maintaining security systems. He has experience in breaking down codes and limiting the possibility of corporate espionage. He has been given a chance to prove himself, to not only those who hired him despite his alcoholism, but to himself.

Mike Wagner- A high school graduate football hero away from home for the first time and struggling with his own family issues as well as loneliness that comes from constantly being put on a pedestal from strangers.

Webber Shattuck- An annoying young college student who does not make friends easily. He is an experienced summer help has an interesting dislike of Mike.

Kimberly Day- CEO of the Island project who fears that her career is in the hands of Old Navy. She did not want to hire him but realizes that will not be remembered by the Mattingly Corporation if he fails. She is also struggling as a single mom with two teenagers.

Isabella Gerrano- a reporter caught in the middle of the Islands politics, cover up and potential demise.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514452578

George W. Bortnick II

He has been teaching psychology at several schools in New Hampshire for the past ten years, including New England College, New Hampshire Art Institute, Manchester Community College and Southern New Hampshire University. He currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife Celia, their four teenagers, and a yellow lab.

Book preview

NEVER IS CLOSE

George W. Bortnick II

Copyright © 2016 by George W. Bortnick II.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2016901089

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5144-5253-0

                Softcover       978-1-5144-5258-5

                eBook            978-1-5144-5257-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 01/22/2016

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CONTENTS

Dedication

PART 1—THE ISLAND

Chapter 1—The New Arrivals

Chapter 2—Monday on the Island

Chapter 3—The Reporter Arrives

Chapter 4—Uneasy Feelings

PART 2—THE MALL

Chapter 5—Early Activity on the Island

Chapter 6—Calm Before the Dawn

Chapter 7—The Guard on the Perimeter

Chapter 8—CEO Goes to Work

Chapter 9—The Congressman

Chapter 10—The Three Doors

Chapter 11—A Quick View of the Department Heads

Chapter 12—The Quarterback Sits on the Bench

Chapter 13—CEO Ponders

Chapter 14—The Quarterback Intercepted

Chapter 15—Gibb Looks for Webber

Chapter 16—The Meeting

Chapter 17—Mall Rats

Chapter 18—Quarterback Sacked

Chapter 19—CEO Meets with the Department Head

Chapter 20—Game Plan

Chapter 21—CEO Gets a Visitor

Chapter 22—The Second Meeting

Chapter 23—The Map

Chapter 24—The Door

Chapter 25—The Dark

Chapter 26—The Ride on the Train

PART 3—DAMAGE CONTROL

Chapter 27—On the Mainland

Chapter 28—The Submarine Arrives

Chapter 29—Tino Leaves the Building

Chapter 30—The Train

Chapter 31—The Tracks

Chapter 32—The Light

Chapter 33—Unlawful Entry

Chapter 34—Interrogation

Chapter 35—The Three Ladies

Chapter 36—On the Run Again

Chapter 37—Scalia Brothers

Chapter 38—At the Gate

Chapter 39—Back to the Mall

Chapter 40—Scientific Waiting Area

Chapter 41—Comrade Captain First Class Kosovitch

Chapter 42—Intentions

Chapter 43—Simms

Chapter 44—Choice

Chapter 45—Preliminary Action

Chapter 46—CEO Meets with Department Heads, Again

Chapter 47—Showtime

Chapter 48—Mia

Chapter 49—Underwater Dock

Chapter 50—Herman White

Chapter 51—Brain Storming

Chapter 52—Russian Roulette

Chapter 53—Evacuation Plan

Chapter 54—Marty

Chapter 55—Frogmen

Chapter 56—Running Away

Chapter 57—Out to Sea

Chapter 58—The Final Shot

Chapter 59—Six Months Later

The Island—One of the little islands off Brooklyn, New York City. It is controlled by the Mattingly Corporation and the contents of the research is unknown to most of the inhabitants.

Old Navy—A worldwide once highly regarded genius at developing and maintaining security systems. He has experience in breaking down codes and limiting the possibility of corporate espionage. He has been given a chance to prove himself, to not only those who hired him despite his alcoholism, but to himself.

Mike Wagner—A high school graduate football hero away from home for the first time and struggling with his own family issues as well as loneliness that comes from constantly being put on a pedestal from strangers.

Webber Shattuck—An annoying young college student who does not make friends easily. He is an experienced summer help has an interesting dislike of Mike.

Kimberly Day—CEO of the Island project who fears that her career is in the hands of Old Navy. She did not want to hire him but realizes that will not be remembered by the Mattingly Corporation if he fails. She is also struggling as a single mom with two teenagers.

Isabella Gerrano—a reporter caught in the middle of the Island’s politics, cover up and potential demise.

Also by George W. Bortnick II

Nonfiction

A younger brothers’ lived experience of having an older brother (Scholar Press)

Cover art, and photographs by Celia A. Calkins

DEDICATION

For Celia, my kindred spirit.

PART I

THE ISLAND

Cut out copy of Brooklyn Map that Mike Wagner carried with him.

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CHAPTER 1

The New Arrivals

Day One

SUNDAY May 18, 2008

7:30 p.m.

THE FOUR STRANGERS were within sight of each other in the cold dusk of evening. They were in the parking lot. The sun was hanging lower in the sky and the few final rays of light were reflecting off the water. It made identifying each other more difficult with the darkening sky. The silhouettes made them look somewhat eerie to each other in the sullen night. Besides that, it was just like any other typical May night; it got colder when the sun went down.

Two of the strangers were locking up their cars while the other two had just gotten past the first guard tower in the remote private parking lot in Brooklyn, NY that overlooked Jamaica Bay and in the distance a small island, which was their destination. The guarded parking lot did not seem that special from the outside, just the typical gate with a tower guard but once one got inside it looked even more secure and took on a very different dimension.

For anyone who drove by, it did not looked that different from what the Naval Station looked like prior to September 11th. It looked like many other local businesses that were intent on keeping those unwanted out.

The four strangers, comprised of two young men, one a teenager who had a crinkled up map of Brooklyn he was looking at, the other recently turned twenty-one, a woman who looked to be in her twenties, and an older man who looked to be in his fifties. Each of them had driven themselves, or had been dropped off through the gate at about the same time. For the two young men, they were coming to this island for a summer job while the other two worked for the island on a more permanent basis.

Two of the men, the older and the one who just turned twenty-one, who were locking their cars, even though they knew that was not necessary, recognized each other and nodded even though they had never met. They started to walk toward the next gate and were steps behind the man and woman who were already at the gate.

The four now waited inside the twelve-foot high electric fence waiting for the guard to open the door. No one spoke and they did not look at each other. Webber Shattuck, never one to tolerate silence, decided he had to break up the monotony and began speaking. The other three were immediately annoyed by his chatter, which only seemed to prolong their wait, but he did not seem to notice. He usually did not. His motivation was obvious; he was trying hard to impress the attractive woman with his intelligence and confidence. So far it was not working.

This is the most secure work place in all of New York City. They did not mess around with anything half ass when they built this place. This is my third summer here and it gets tougher to pass security every year. Webber said putting on what he thought was his most winning smile.

Wendy Grady rolled her eyes at the incessant young man. He was probably legal but acting like a child as most young men in her experience did. Wendy guessed he was twenty-one, and she thought she might have seen him around. All summer help looked the same to her though so he could be new.

She had been working on the island since it was nothing but a few half-built buildings. She was dressed in civilian clothes because it was her weekend off and she was just returning. It was the week before Memorial Day and all the summer help would be in full swing come the following weekend. She had a thought that made her angry. She realized this idiot probably assumed that she was summer help. She just wished the guard would open the door so she could get away from him and off to her room.

As if on cue, the very large and well-built guard holding a stun gun in his hand opened the door. Well it must be summer time again if Webber is here.

Good to see you again, Butch. Webber said to the guard.

Butch smiled and his stun gun fell slightly. He looked at the other three in the party and smiled at them. Sure good to see you again, Webber. Welcome back to Brooklyn. The greatest borough of them all. Butch then looked at the older man in midst. Well, well, well, if it isn’t Old Navy to give a surprise inspection. Showing up on Sunday. Always good for the theatrical stuff, huh sir? The guard had a clear edge to his voice.

Old Navy heard the contempt in the man’s voice knowing that he was both feared and laughed at by the guards. He was thought of as a genius in certain areas, and a complete joke due to some indiscretions because of his all too well known issues with alcohol. He knew that he was thought of as the best if he could keep his drinking under control, but a complete disaster if he could not. This particular job was his chance at redemption and possibly a legacy. Something that was becoming more important as he got older and he felt his own mortality.

Old Navy nodded at Butch hoping his face was displaying disgust and not surprise with the guard. Sharp as usual. He replied sarcastically. He knew how he was perceived and it bothered him. At one time, he had many dreams that were not realized. He was semi-famous, appearing in numerous magazines and publications and had become very rich, but not happy. He was realizing lately that he would never achieve what was once a foregone conclusion. His life took some unexpected turns and was not what he wanted and even though this job afforded him a last chance, it was not quite what he should have been doing at this stage of his life.

The guard turned to the third man in the circle. And we have the hot shot quarterback Mike Wagner, making a brief stop before Maryland and greatness. The man who never stops. The guard then leered at Wendy and turned away but not before his leer was noticed.

Now be careful Butch, let’s not forget about sexual harassment. Old Navy said trying to make the warning sound like a joke. They did not need a sexual harassment suit. There was enough to worry about with the government and the Mattingly Corporation keeping them on a tight leash. Congress was becoming increasingly concerned with the project and in an open election year and the recent changes in congress; the island was under significant internal scrutiny. Old Navy had been meeting with the congressional representative and others in the political realm over the past couple of months, especially after each state presidential primary.

No problem Old Navy. Butch said. Let me get the door for you. Butch said as he closed the gate and doubled locked the door. He walked over to the tram and unlocked it. The rest of you keep your bags close, they will be checked and you don’t want to accidentally end up with anyone else’s bag, who knows what they might have in them.

Very funny Butch. Wendy said.

Old Navy looked at his three traveling companions. He knew that Wendy was a full timer because he had seen her in restricted areas. He did not get much of a sense from her because their interactions were limited. John Clayton, the floor supervisor, had exemplary things to say about her. Old Navy had also put very strict guidelines on employee access to certain areas and the Mattingly Corporation had put on even stricter guidelines.

He did not know the two young men but did recognize Mike Wagner. He had seen him play football before and was looking forward to seeing him play in college. Maryland sometimes played in the area so he could catch a game or if this kid turned out like the local papers made him sound like he would, Maryland would be on television a lot in a couple of years and Old Navy thought they might be.

Old Navy entered the tram first. He knew that was the expected protocol so he entered the tram reluctantly. He hated it. He hated the confines of it. He hated the feeling of helplessness the tram gave him. It was the intention of the tram and the reason it was created. Still he wished he could find another way to get to the island.

Unlike the tram that went to Roosevelt Island, this one lacked comfort. It was not intended to be enjoyed like a scenic tour. It was meant to intimidate and have a sobering effect. That was exactly what it accomplished. When the government inspectors came to visit, they both complimented and complained about it. Sometimes they even got sick on it and were afraid to return to the mainland on it.

There was a knock at the guard door. Butch looked at the monitor. Christ, it is the little princess. He muttered louder than he should have.

Old Navy stifled a smile. It was hard not to laugh at Butch’s slip. He looked at the monitor and saw it was the island CEO’s daughter, Gwendolyn Day. Old Navy stepped out of the tram. I guess you better lock it up.

Butch, as was the policy, relocked the tram with no one in it. The guard door and the tram door could not be opened at the same time. Butch turned around to go open the guard door.

Usually he would not have opened the door. He would have started the tram first but since it was Gwen, he wanted to avoid pissing her off any more than he had too.

Gwen was first knocking incessantly and then began pounding on the door. She glared through the window with a face that showed her irritation contempt, really for the island and everything having to do with it. To Old Navy it was worth the last minute call to the island to see her face like that.

I’m coming. Butch said angrily. He knew the boss was tough and had fired plenty of guards over the last few years, but he knew that the CEO’s obnoxious daughter would not be the reason he was fired.

Butch opened the door and Gwen walked in carrying three department store bags under her arms as well as her camera she took everywhere. Her camera was never checked upon her return to the island but every time she left, security looked at her camera and all pictures had to be deleted before she left the island.

Shopping I see. Old Navy said to Gwen.

She rolled her eyes. She did not like Old Navy. There was something very strange about him and she felt uncomfortable around him, which was more thought than she gave to most people. Yeah.

Okay, guys, let’s get this show on the road. Webber said. I haven’t seen the island in a year and I want to see what changes have taken place.

The bar is still there. Butch said with a laugh. Webber was only twenty-one. Last year he had a fake ID along with the real ID he needed to get on the island. Butch knew about it but let it slide. This year Webber could actually use the real thing.

Butch closed the gate door and returned to the tram. Let’s try this again. He then walked over to the tram and opened it up. You first, Old Navy.

Old Navy smiled. He was a bald man with a white mustache. He was only five six but he walked with authority over to the tram. Thank you Butch.

Wendy, your turn.

Wendy got on the tram knowing that three guys were checking her out. It was rather funny how stupid guys were.

I’ll go next. Webber said. He looked at Mike to see if Mike would challenge him. Mike just looked down. Webber entered the tram.

Mike Wagner followed with his shoulders slouched, rather nervous. Although he was a huge celebrity in his small town, this was his first time away from home alone. In school and in town he could walk around comfortably, but he was always nervous about new places. He was not sure of leaving for college so upon encouragement from his best friend he decided he needed to get away before college. The island flyer advertising for summer help seemed to be a good idea. His guidance counselor, probably with his football coaches prodding, helped a great deal.

Mike also found Wendy very attractive. He was used to being followed by girls but sensed that Wendy was older and would think of him as a child. Of course, that made her more interesting to him. He was also nervous about this huge contraption. It did not look safe. It would be traveling the six of them high above the water with no control of the machine.

The tram started to move. Mike thought about taking a seat but decided against it. He preferred to stand. He watched the land slowly disappear and the bay, or ocean, or sound, whatever it was, Mike was unsure, it was suddenly beneath them. Regardless, it was scary. He began having images of the tram falling into the water. He wondered what would happen; was there a way to open it? Were there sharks in the water? Would he survive a crash into the water?

He knew these were stupid thoughts but even in early evening the water looked intimidating, especially by moonlight. He hoped his nervousness did not show. He heard that Webber guy talking but he was not listening.

The tram, going over the water swayed a little, but was mostly protected from too much swaying due to multiple strong cables. The tram ride took fifteen minutes. The tram had the Mattingly Corporation logo on it as well as the logo for Cullivan Enterprises. The cushions were thick but plain.

Will someone besides this loud mouth say something? This contraption always gives me the willies. Gwen said.

Sean Old Navy Hewson smiled. He felt the same way she did about the contraption. Even though he designed it, he was still very nervous and was not surprised that others were when they rode in it. It is hard to think of a conversation with Webber’s constant chatter. He makes it impossible for anyone else to talk. I was also trying to come up with a polite way to start a conversation with this football star.

Who me? Mike said startled. He did not understand why he was being included in the conversation. It seemed that people always wanted to talk to him about football. He knew he was an exceptional high school quarterback and he thought he might have some success in college but he did not like people finding him interesting just because of his ability. He also was trying to follow Derek Jeter’s example and not talk about sports let what he did on the field speak for him. He had decided he wanted to be more like Derek Jeter than Alex Rodriguez.

Yeah you. I caught one of your games against Trumbell. You were extraordinary. Unfortunately, my son plays for Trumbell. I was amazed at your ability.

The tram started to move up. Mike was glad for the diversion. Thanks.

I sense you feel uncomfortable with this conversation?

Somewhat. Mike replied truthfully. He knew there were people who were better than he was and that he needed help from other players to be successful anyway. He also hated how cocky certain athletes were. Confidence was one thing, but an obnoxious attitude was another. He knew that if he talked too much people would be coming after him.

Old Navy smiled. Man, I was never that good at sports. How does it feel to do something like that?

Come on Old Navy, you built this full proof security island. Your picture has been in Time Magazine. How can you feel inferior to a small town jock? Webber interjected. He was starting to have a strong dislike this football kid and the fact the conversation drifted away from him and into an area; he did not particularly care about.

Yeah, I’m interested in this machine. Mike said. There are no controls on this machine.

Exactly as planned. Old Navy replied.

Why?

Old Navy thought to himself well, there are emergency controls but only three people know where they are. What he said to Mike was This contraption is the easiest way onto and off of the island. Security ships patrol the water. There are underwater cameras and security posts for air prevention. There are no docks, no landing strips for planes; all access is by the tram and supplies come in by helicopter since all of this was known.

Why? Mike asked.

Because that is what our boss wants. Old Navy said. He looked at Gwen and saw she was looking at her feet. She was scared. She was not that bad of a kid, just a teenager with a chip on her shoulder. He looked at Wendy but her she had her back to all of them. She was not even paying attention.

What are they making? Mike asked.

Old Navy smiled. That is unknown.

But Old Navy knows. Webber said with a laugh.

Old Navy gave him a cold stare. I actually don’t. I do not need to know and neither do you. This is a state-of-the-art work area. Government inspectors access this place once a week. Therefore, it is legal and that is all I need to know. Business espionage is a scary thing. People are always ripping off new inventions. That is what has made me a fortune. Now this place is a small city. It has bowling alleys, movies, malls, gym facilities, access to the mainland all the time. The only rules are all incoming and outgoing bags are inspected, no pictures of the island, stay out of restricted areas, and no guests allowed, so it isn’t for everyone, but the pay is good. Old Navy suddenly looked out the window Oh, I see we have reached the Island and I still haven’t had a chance to talk football, so please, Mr. Wagner, by my guest for dinner.

Okay. Mike said.

The tram went dark for a second as it went inside a cave. There was a weird sensation and a jerky movement within the tram. No one spoke and it became so quiet the passengers breathing seemed audible within the tram. After a short period that seemed longer than it was, an internal light went on, but there was no light outside and the cave appeared dark. After a moment, the tram stopped and then a door seemed to close behind it and the area outside the tram was suddenly very light. A door opened and two even bigger armed guards than Butch were standing at the door once it opened. Unlike Butch who had a stun gun, these men had machine guns.

Mike could not believe how plain this room inside the cave was. The outside gate looked state of the art. The tram was amazing and as they approached the Island, it looked like a resort. Then the tram entered the enclosed area and all he was able to see were stonewalls. The tram door opened.

Everybody follow me through this detector. Sorry about this Old Navy, but these are the rules.

Quite all right. Old Navy said with a smile.

Mike noticed how the guards treated Old Navy. They were fearful of him but they also did not like him and could not hold back their contempt.

The five riders of the tram followed the guards through the detector and walked through to a separate room. During the walk, they went through two double-locked doors. There were video cameras that could be seen and many that could not. Additional guards were staring at them through glass windows. The windows were bulletproof and could only be opened from the inside.

Finally, they entered a room with the guards they had been met by and in the room, they saw three men waiting to greet the five guests. One of the three men was John Clayton, the floor supervisor; he had been called by Butch to inform him that Old Navy was coming. John was not on duty but he dressed quickly in his uniform and went to the waiting area. He had just arrived.

Brandon Leblanc and Joey Farce were the two other guards greeting the five arrivals. This was standard procedure. Everyone went into the other room and meet with two guards.

Old Navy, you can go to you quarters. John Clayton said. He did not want Old Navy seeing any of the financial paperwork that was on his desk. Same with you Ms. Day. I hope you enjoyed your shopping?

Yeah, it was a blast. I am so glad to be back on the island. She replied sarcastically. She followed Old Navy out.

Wendy, did you have a nice weekend?

She smiled at John Clayton. It wasn’t bad.

Good.

She left only a moments behind Gwen.

Webber you follow Joey to your room, your roommate is Mr. Wagner. Mr. Wagner you can follow me to be debriefed. John Clayton left followed by Mike.

Webber could not believe what he just heard. This was his third year on the island and now he was being told that the idiot jock who was not even drinking age was going to be his roommate. He was horrified. He turned to Brendan. Can you believe this shit? I’m stuck with that kid.

That’s what happens when you talk too much. You piss off the wrong people. He smiled at him. Now let’s go.

Webber went through the quick security check. He was given his room assignment. His bags were checked and he also had an eye scan taken. The first time he was here they had taken a picture of his eyes. He was frisked even though he had gone through a search already. Ultimate security he supposed. He was given a piece of paper with his work schedule and rolled his eyes in disgust. He did not like his assignment.

He proceeded to leave the plain room and looked up at the cameras that were watching him. He did not need to be guided and headed towards the door. After going through the door and exiting the security area there were three buildings in sight about 100 yards away. One was the Mattingly Building rising 23 floors that had numerous offices, including the CEO’s. At the bottom it housed three restaurants and some apartments for full time staff who were single. To the left of the Mattingly Building was a seven-story dorm building. Behind both of these was the mall, which consisted of a food court and several stores. The mall also included a 4-pack movie theater. The mall had basic stores, a convenience store, American eagle shop, a jewelry store, Macy’s, Hot Topic, Spencer’s, Lids, GNC, and a Hobby and Toy store. Since it was tough due to the waiting period to use the tram on weekdays the mall was put in and had become well frequented. Webber knew all of this and even though he was peeved about his job, he was glad to be back. He felt at home on this island.

9:04 p.m.

Mike Wagner walked into what was called the dormitories. He had been told it was where all of the summer help stayed. It certainly looked like his stays at the dorm during summer football camp at UCONN. He had spent a week at the camps for the past four years and it had been crazy at night but it has also been cool seeing a college campus and getting to throw a football on a real college field. It didn’t really feel like being away though since he was there with friends. He had shared a room all four years with a high school teammate. So even though he was feeling scared to be away from home, he now realized he had done it before although not like this.

He looked at the crumpled piece of paper, which stated what room he was in. He had a feeling that this was what college was going to like in the fall. He walked straight into the elevator. The door closed with no one else in it. Mike was definitely a little scared. He had never spent a night anywhere without his parents or people he knew.

Mike was six feet and four inches tall. He weighed two hundred and fifteen pounds. He was a very strong, well-built quarterback. He knew he could make the national football league with a little luck, no career ending injuries in college, and the continued improvement he had shown in high school.

Mike had light brown hair that he kept with the current style. He had heard rumors that he would be forced to shave his head by the older football players at Maryland. He hoped that was not true. He hated the idea of being bald. Mike was dressed like most 17 year olds jocks. He was wore jeans with holes, a blue t-shirt, and an UConn baseball cap. He figured he would have to switch caps when he got to Maryland.

The door to the elevator opened and he walked towards his room. He punched in the code and entered his room and saw Webber. How is it going? He asked.

Oh just great. Webber replied sarcastically.

Mike sensed the sarcasm and did not say anything. He felt a little intimidated of Webber. Not physically, but emotionally. Mike was lucky enough to graduate early this past December and decided to earn some extra money when he saw an advertisement for a summer job. He had a full scholarship to Maryland but still wanted to get away from home for the summer and go straight to Maryland in August. It would not hurt to have a little money in his pocket.

Mike was hoping to make friends with Webber since it appeared that he knew what was going on at the island and could show him around but he realized this guy was not going to be a friend of his. He was making it clear.

He was realizing that he was no longer at home and no longer in high school. Everything he had wished for had come true. Now he was going to have to face the reality. He was just going to have to suck it up and get through everything with this guy.

Which bed is mine? Mike asked.

The one that doesn’t have my stuff on it.

So what job did you get?

Grinding. Webber said in disbelief.

I’m assisting the engineers. I work for Dominic Soulterss. Mike said.

Oh isn’t this great. Webber said and stormed out of the room.

Mike shrugged his shoulders. He knew that he said the wrong think but figured no matter what he said it would be wrong. He started to unpack and prepare for the summer in this room. He decided he would spend as little time in this room as possible. He would just train and read elsewhere until it was time to go to sleep. Mike opened up his bag and started to put his clothes away. He had to meet Old Navy in about fifteen minutes for a late dinner. He was not hungry hut he was curious about this island. What he had read about and what he learned at his interview made it sound like a little country. So far, it seemed to be more like a military complex surrounded by a mall and dormitory and from signs, a little middle class community in the other direction. He was hoping to get some information from Old Navy.

9:40 p.m.

John Clayton had not meant to leave the paperwork out on his desk. He had not even remembered it until Butch had called him to tell him that Old Navy was there. That was why he was down at the gate to the street. To make sure Old Navy did not make it to his office. Fortunately, Old Navy seemed distracted and he had simply left the security area.

John was sitting back having a beer while watching the Met West Coast game on his television. He shared his room with Butch. Part of the problem with overcrowding; Only the most senior personnel who did not have a family had their own accommodations.

He was a very bitter man. He was closing in on fifty and had been passed over for a few promotions. He had access to a lot of files, personnel and financial files and had been copying them. He was gathering up information, just in case. There had been people fired and some rumored to have disappeared, so he wanted to be safe. Not that he believed all of the disappearance stuff, just rumors that went along with some of the type of people who were on the island and the guarded secret that the government wanted kept secret until it was operational.

John also had been taking some of the supplies that were coming in and had been bringing them to the mainland to sell. He had some connections that would pay well for cigarettes and alcohol. It was a free perk of the island.

Butch knew of his involvement. He would take the