Chapter 2

75 feet above their underground gym, the Buthinghams congregated around the large oak dining table. Stacked upon the dark wood were four piles of papers. Each bore the name “MacLeanard”.

Cornelius distributed the stacks, moving his teacup and saucer out of the way. “We’ve got a new mission, people,” he said informatively.

Nana and Sasha leaned forward and examined their papers while the twins exchanged grins.

The stacks of paper were files on a high-ranking military official, Stephen MacLeanard. According to his file, he had once been part of the RAF of England. In 1998, he had switched his citizenship suddenly and left for the United States, where he had enlisted in the US Army 1 year later.

“What’s it this time, dad?” Alistair asked. In the past, most of their missions had been attacks or infiltrations on the Russian government. Often they got a mission in Scotland, Ireland, or Canada. Rarely in the USA. England just didn’t have any issues with the States. At least, not many.

“Naturally, we spy on MacLeanard,” Cornelius said.

The twins visibly deflated. “Only spying? That’s it? No kidnapping? No--” Alex pouted. Alistair finished for him. “No action?”

“No, boys,” Cornelius said unsympathetically. “There might be time for that later. But for now, your target is actually not MacLeanard himself. That’s for your mum and I to worry about. It’s his daughter that you’ll be after.”