Sean stepped off the plane, followed closely by Julie and Mrs. Gutierrez, who tapped Sean on the shoulder. "Sean, I want you to see the company doctor today. You suffered severe blood loss and I want you checked out. That's an order!"
When they reached the baggage area, a man approached Mrs. Gutierrez. "This is Agent Drago. He's here to drive you two home and take me to the New York office. I want to see both of you at 4 p.m. Drago will update us on the case and then we'll decide how to proceed."
Since Drago had arranged for their expedited departure from customs, it didn't take them long to reach the airport exit, where a dark town car was waiting. Gutierrez was in the front and Drago was driving.
Sitting back and relaxing, Sean said, "It's good to be back in New York."
"I don't know. I liked Buenos Aires. It's a prettier and cleaner city than New York, and quite safe," countered Julie.
"If you call getting shot at and swimming in the sewer safe. And what about men hitting on you constantly!"
Before Julie could answer, Mrs. Gutierrez interrupted. "It's nice as a woman to get such attention. But in the long run it can be a nuisance and a barrier to us, Julie."
Sean looked over at Mrs. Gutierrez and smiled.
Drago parked in the reserved lot of the FBI office, got out, and opened the door for Mrs. Gutierrez. "Assistant Director, I'll hold your luggage. You have a 9 p.m. flight to Washington." Mrs. Gutierrez looked up to the tall agent. "Thank you, Drago." Before leaving, she looked back into the car. "I'll see you at four sharp," she reminded Sean and Julie.
That afternoon, Sean entered the FBI office, where Drago and Mrs. Gutierrez were already at work. Walking toward Drago, he asked, "Agent Drago, do you have the latest report from Wilburn?"
Drago handed a pile of papers to Sean, who remained standing and quietly began studying the report.
Sean looked up as he heard quick footsteps approaching and saw Julie enter. She was well-dressed, but in very conservative business attire. She wore her gold chain and matching earnings, but was bare of any rings or other jewelry. Julie stood at one end of the table and greeted the group. "Good afternoon Assistant Director Gutierrez, Agent Drago, Sean." Sean's eyes followed Julie around the table as she walked over and sat across from Mrs. Gutierrez and next to Drago.
Sean stepped to the side so he was directly behind Julie. He bent over slightly and said softly, "Good afternoon, Julie," before taking a seat next to Mrs. Gutierrez.
"Agent Drago, please give us an update on the case," requested Mrs. Gutierrez.
"On Saturday, while the FBI team was in Buenos Aires, there was another chemical release at the OC Chemicals Plant."
