Connor was sitting at home watching television, Bastion noted, as he allowed his primary gaze to move away from Tammy for a moment. That was all that man seemed to do, just sit and watch television. If it were not for the trouble in identifying Connor then Bastion would have barely given him a second thought. As it was he was an ever-growing shadow that had so far defied all attempts to illuminate it.
Nonetheless Bastion knew that his daily digest needed to be completed quickly for it was approaching the time when many more Guild members would watch. He completed his final commentary for them
"As you have seen gentlemen our Mr Green has adapted his brief quickly and efficiently, turning it from one of mere sexual harassment to one of inciting Miss Squires to assist in the humiliation of others. Some amongst you may be shocked that he was so brazen, given her background of conservatism regarding all matters sexual, but I think he quickly assessed that Tammy Squires was easily intimidated. I also think he has proved that she will do anything in order to safeguard her new position, one far higher than she could ever hope to reach again, and has proved through results that Miss Squires can be groomed into someone of additional interest to us.
She is now heading home to Connor and, given their intimate relationship, I think it unlikely that she will share much about the true nature of her day. This will lock her further under Green, as it will isolate her from her confidante. The only thing still to be verified is the identity of Connor but that, of course, is only a matter of a short time now"
Bastion closed the channel and then opened another one. His voice changed from the cool-reassurance of the commentator to the ice-cold and demanding voice of the commander.
"Agent 7, you are late with your report"
"I am sorry sir but I wanted it to be complete rather than punctual. We had a few last lines of enquiry to pursue but they are now done"
"Good, well done. So tell me, who is this man I see in the house eating a hotdog?"
The long pause told Bastion all he needed to know.
"You are telling me you still have no idea? I thought you said you had finished your enquiries?"
"We have. He has no record, civil or military, from the time of his birth to the present day. No doctor, policeman, government official, secret service agent or private company has ever recorded encountering him. We had done checks in Europe and both North and South America. He has no credit line, no bank account, and no visible source of income at all yet he clearly is doing well for himself judging by his clothes. He speaks with an educated British accent but, of course, there is no record of him having attended any school or university"
Bastion slumped forward in his chair. He knew he should be angry at the failure of his agent but he also knew that this agent never failed. His brain was too busy trying to take in what this meant to formulate a diatribe
"How is that possible agent?"
"You have to remember, sir, we are only working within the limits of our own network. Vast as it is, it is no replacement for the power of the entire Guild. My recommendation at this point would be to declare a breach to C and get him to open up his own enquiry. In straight answer to your question even a man with no traces gives us some idea of who he is"
"How so?"
"Such a trailess individual has to be carefully crafted. He's clearly a covert-operative of some kind, though not belonging to any of the major intelligence agencies. Having said that he's acting in a very overt way, something no covert agent ever should, and we have no evidence of a team behind him. We have scoured 5 blocks around the house, in the air and on the ground, without finding a trace of anyone being his backup"
"If he's covert, agent 7, then so would they be"
"Sir, we may not have been able to give you his identity but I assure you we know how to spot covert operatives. You have my categorical assurance that Connor is a lone gun"
"Thank you agent. Stay available, I may need you again tonight"
"Of course sir"
Bastion watched Connor again as he thought. Connor was watching television, drinking cola and doing nothing. Suddenly Connor doing nothing worried Bastion because this man had clearly not been crafted to do nothing. Bastion called Aegis.
"Aegis, it's about Connor..."
Aegis interrupted him
"Don't worry, I know. I have made it my business to be kept briefed on the enquiries. What do you intend to do about the situation Bastion?" Bastion needed time to think
"I am going to give it tonight and see what happens. If Connor is in there then he cannot harm the Guild and maybe he'll slip up when he's talking to Tammy. If not, I'll call C and declare a breach tomorrow morning"
Aegis sighed
"It's good to hear you are at least thinking of following protocol but I have to warn you that C will ask why you did not do so tonight"
"I'll handle C when, and if, that time comes. Thanks for the advice. Take care"
"You too. Keep in touch. Aegis out"
Tammy pulled up outside the house and got out of her car. The drive had helped clear her head a little but she almost ran to the front door anyway, such was her need to see Connor.
Connor turned and smiled at her from the sofa when she entered and, suddenly remembering not to appear too eager, Tammy sat slowly down beside him. She embraced him and felt safe for the first time in hours. When they had finished holding Connor began to stroke her arms. His voice had real affection in it
"I've missed you today sweetheart. How was your first day at the office?"
The question, though part of the charade, was too close to what she needed to talk freely about. Tammy looked away as she answered
"Fine, nothing to it"
Connor squeezed her hand. To the audience it was just a lover's gesture but Tammy knew that Connor must have seen it all. His genuine sympathy made her melt once more into his arms. After a few minutes Connor turned his head towards her
"Let's eat out tonight love to celebrate your new job. What do you say?"
