Participants:
Scene Title | An Onerous Task |
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Synopsis | Ryans meets with Agent Sawyer to discuss Mortimer Jack, a topic neither of them finds pleasant. |
Date | January 29, 2010 |
Central Park - Belvedere Castle
Constructed from the same stone as the Vista Point which supports it, Belvedere Castle seems to rise out of the earth itself. The miniature Gothic castle is easily visible from a distance, courtesy of both its height and the American flag fluttering from the turret's pinnacle. Its windows overlook views of Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theater, and the Great Lawn. The interior, however, is anything but Gothic; the halls on both floors are filled with telescopes, microscopes, paper-mache birds, skeletons, and feathers, all laid out as parts of an interactive exhibit. In the Henry Luce Nature Observatory, visitors can borrow binoculars, notepads, maps, and guidebooks with which to study the wildlife of the park.
In the twilight hours of the day, the park is slowly emptying out. The sky darkens from the streaks of reds and oranges to the deepening purple that would soon be swallowed up by darkness. A lone figure stands up along one of the walls over looking the frozen over duck pond. This wouldn't be anyone, Veronica knows.
This man could easily be close to the same age as Sabra, his hear showing gray and thinning, his face lined form the years. He's bundled up in his canvas duster, a dark red and cream striped scarf wrapped around his neck. His hands are tucked in the pockets of his coat against the cold. The man waits thoughtfully.
After looking over a…. well… rather sad list of agents, Ryans had settled on one promising candidate. A call was made, to the number provided. "Agent Saywer, I was given your name and number by a colleague of mine, Sabra Dalton. I'm sure you know her. We have much to discuss, you and I." It was followed up by directions to Belvedere Castle in Central Park. "A strange meeting spot, I know, but there is a reason for it."
Veronica checked out the caller of course, to be sure that Sabra did indeed give her number and file to this Ryans character. Satisfied that it is no set up, she slowly approaches the castle. She's dressed all in black: slim black trousers, black boots, a black wool coat to keep her warm. There is a tiny bit of green poking out the top of the collar. Sunglasses shield her eyes so it is hard to judge her expression as she approaches the older man, hands in her pockets. She still walks with a very slight limp, though that will be gone in another few days as the muscle makes its full recovery.
"Agent Ryans?" she says by way of greeting, perhaps the agent unnecessary but there to show her respect for his years of service.
Turning, the older gentleman, studies her with blue eyes for a moment. "No need for the Agent, as I am retired. Have been for three years. I am doing this as a favor to an old friend." The crows feet at the corners of his eyes stand out as he offers her a friendly smile. His voice is pleasant in its rumbling baritone. "It is, however, a pleasure to meet you, Agent Sawyer." A leather clad hand is extracted from his coat and offered to her.
"I do hope that whatever it is Sabra has told you about me, was at least positive." There is a touch of humor in Ryans' voice, having expected her to check in on him.
"Like I'd believe her if it was," Veronica says, her husky voice teasing in tone. "No offense to her or anything by it. But she tends to spin things in a positive way when she wants them to happen. What is supposed to happen here, I'm in the dark about." She takes the hand, her own likewise in a leather glove — this time, rather than black — however this time a muted hunter green in hue. "Pleased to meet you. I didn't know the Company brought people in as … what, a consultation basis?" She arches a brow at that.
"Seem in this matter, they do." Ryans says softly, backing up to sit on the edge of the brick wall, with a sigh. "Though I am a bit disturbed that it has not been taken care of yet." The old ex-agent eyes the young woman thoughtfully. "What we are doing, will not be in the capacity of agents anyhow…. Call it undercover work, if you will." A hand rubs along one of his knees, sore form the cold, hazards of years in the field.
"Sabra has asked me to lead an investigation into Mortimer Jack, you Agent Sawyer will assist me in this." Ryans gives her a small yet sad smile. "We are to observe him, engage him socially and assess his threat level." The smile drops away some, not exactly what he wants to do to the man.
The good natured and curious smile drops from Veronica's face, and she shoves her glasses up on her head to reveal angry dark eyes. "Mortimer Jack? The one who blew up Primatech? Why are we engaging him at all, rather than stringing him up and quartering him?" Ryans may well second guess his choice in Veronica Sawyer given her angry reaction. "I had friends that died that day. I could have died that day. I'm supposed to 'engage him socially?' I don't care if he's in a wheelchair and blind. He's a threat."
A hand is lifted in a plea for patience. "I lost friends in the explosion too, so I am less then thrilled. But… orders are orders, Miss Sawyer." His voice is firm on this fact. "I would rather drag him out to a secluded spot and put a bullet in his brain, but this is not what the Company wants." The hand lowers and folds with the other in his lap.
"Narcotics officers have to deal with the same feelings, if they can push past them and keep up the charade…" He motions at her, "Then I think you and I can do the same."
The retired agent gives her a level look, "Out of a list of many, Agent Sawyer, you were the one I felt could do the job and do it well. I've seen your write up. And believe it or not, you were the most qualified."
That she has been chosen for the onerous task doesn't surprise Veronica. It seems her name comes up a lot when dealing with the more difficult of targets, especially since she arrived in New York: Tyler Case, Eric Doyle, Goodman, Adam Monroe, Hana Gitelman — not that the last was one she was chosen for but rather one that fell in her lap. Vanguard, most recently, and now Mortimer Jack. She sighs. "It's not usually a personal issue." Monroe was, but that was one she was only too happy to take on — if in vain. "So we're supposed to become his friends or what?"
There is a heavy sigh, sending up a plume of white into the air. "I doubt so much make friends with him, as keep an eye on him. See where he goes, what he does." He gives her a bit of a rueful look, "Sadly, I think you might be in a much better place to do that then I am." Obviously, he's not happy with the idea. "First, I need whatever files the Company holds on Mortimer Jack." His head tilts slowly in Veronica's direction. "You have access to that, since I am… not officially working." A hint of a smile tugs at the corner of his lips.
He stands from the wall and pulls out his wallet, fishing out a business card. No company or anything else, just Ryans name and contact information. "Call me at either number when you have the files, then we can sit down and see what or next move is, hmm?"
The plan reminds her of her early days as an agent — she'd often go undercover with an older agent whispering directions in her ear from the safety of a surveillance van. "I'll see what I can do," Veronica says with a shrug, taking the business card, glancing at the name, and sliding it into her pocket. "I'm surprised Sabra didn't give you the files if you are supposed to be investigating the case, however," she points out. She's being careful. It's possible it's a test of her loyalty or her ability to keep classified information classified. "I'll be in touch either way."
"I will await your call, Agent Sawyer." Ryans offers with that pleasant smile, that doesn't exactly reach his eyes. With a slow bow of his head, the retired agent takes his leave then. Tucking his hands in the pocket of his coat and simply starts walking away.