Chapter 1

Manuel walked out of the university class room into the heat of a typical South Florida afternoon. Spring break had begun, and it was a long deserved break from the full schedule of classes he had. Being one semester away from graduation, the constant stress to do well was taking its toll on him. Walking across the large student parking lot, Manuel made his way over to his car. A small import his brother had fixed up for him was awaiting him, and as he got in, he quickly opened the windows to cool it down. He pulled out of his shirt pocket a folded up piece of paper his friend gave him in class. There was going to be a celebratory bar b que at Tom’s place that evening.

Winding through the heavy afternoon traffic, Manuel’s thoughts turned to the term paper he had due after break. Being a journalism student, he tried to brainstorm, to get the grade he wanted; he knew he would have to write some amazing story. But what to write about eluded him, and time was winding down, with no concrete plan for his paper.

Finally arriving at his apartment complex, he was able to relax for a short nap. After about an hour or so, Manuel woke up with a jolt, he glanced at the time on his cell phone, and began to shower and dress for the bar b que.

While at his friend Tom’s place for a family bar b que, he learned of a place in Ft Lauderdale that was hiring. Work he wouldn’t mind doing, sort of mindless- janitorial work. It would give him plenty of time to be alone in his thoughts, no one after him to think or answer to. Looking at the address Manuel thought it looked familiar. It was a complex of warehouses, some sort of machinery business, he thought. He was familiar with the area, he decided to drop over there, and see what he could find. Being a journalism student, he was always on the alert to investigation, intrigue. He showered and dressed, khakis and a clean polo, he figured would be presentable. After all, how polished did you have to be to sweep and mop?

Manuel looked in the mirror one last time, before leaving. He had just gotten a haircut a week ago; he shaved, and caught a spot he missed. The thought quickly passed through his mind, was his Ecuadorian looks going to once again give him problems? He had experienced mild, subtle hints of racism throughout his life, despite being born in the US to Ecuadorian parents. He had a very distinct Indian look about him, a friend once described him as having that Mayan look.

He drove over to the warehouse area, going up and down the various lanes of the complex, looking for some sort of office. He noticed the area ahead had chain link fence all around, with a security guard. It was a dead end, so he drove forward, intending to turn around. The guard came over to his window, so he stopped.

Taking off his sunglasses, the guard stared at him, then suddenly said- you’re a little early, but I’ll let you in.

The guard stepped back and hit a button in the booth, and the big chain link gate started to slide open. Manuel figured, well, I’ll drive in and then just tell the guy I am lost and just need to turn around. As he pulled the car in, the guard showed him where to park, and stood there, hands on his hips, waiting for him to park and get out. Manuel noticed the guard had a holster with a gun, and thought perhaps he should do some fast talking and get out of there. He parked and headed towards the guard to explain himself. The guard walked into the complex, saying , come on, buddy. Manuel ran up behind the guard , whenout of the door of the office came a guy- tall, muscular, in a white shirt, navy pants, boat shoes, and a deep tan.

Hey, you must be Manny. Speaka the English?

Manuel just stared at the guy and nodded his head. How did this guy know my name, is this some sort of joke? he thought to himself.

Sure you do said the guy- and puts his arm around Manuel’s shoulder, leading him into the office. I can see you were well taught said the man. Getting here early was a good way to make sure you get the position. he chuckled, and suddenly another guy, this one a blonde in the same sort of get- up comes into the office.

Hey buddy, be here at this time and he points to his watch- cada dia Manuel now realized this is a serious case of mistaken identity, but things look kind of fishy, the office is well furnished with cubicles, a big wooden desk, but mostly barren. Out the back window he spotted a large 26ft boat on a trailer in the back fenced- in area. The intrigue was more than he could stand, so he played dumb. Si, senor he mutters. Then he smiled a big toothy smile, and the guy in front of him grunted, Yeah, ok then.

The blonde guy put his arm around Manuel’s shoulder and took him out of the office and down the hall. Manuel saw that despite the warehouse exterior, the complex very professional. He noticed an older well- dressed woman stepped out of an executive- looking office. She gave him a blank stare and walked past him in the opposite direction. The blonde guy paid her no mind as he directed Manuel down another smaller corridor.

There he led him to what looked like a janitorial closet. He opened it with a key, and waved his hand at the contents- as if to say- there you go Manuel surveyed the contents, and the blonde then said, come on. He took him on a tour of the place, opening doors to various offices, pointing to trash cans, some full, some empty. Then he reached over to a desk and wiped his finger over it, picking up dust.

Showing it to Manuel, he nodded his head. They finally headed to what Manuel dreaded, the bathroom. This was no ordinary bathroom, it was almost like a men’s locker room. An open, tiled shower area, several bathroom stalls, a long sink counter, with a large mirror over it. On the opposite side were lockers with benches.

What the heck is this place? thought Manuel.

The blonde guy walked him around the bathroom, opening the stall doors next to the urinals, Manuel correctly guessing that he should not forget the toilets. The blonde forces a smile- as Manuel nods his head. Then the blonde briskly takes Manuel to another bathroom down the hall, furnished with just a toilet and sink. Maybe this is where the woman goes, he thought.

The blonde guy shut the bathroom door, and directed Manuel back to the cleaning supply closet. He gives him a set of keys - and pointed out the red mark on the closet key. Manuel took the keys, and nodded his head. Then the blonde led him to the office, motioning with his hand, and directed him to a nail on the wall in the office where, Manuel guesses, the key belongs when he is done. Manuel nods his head again, and smiles.

Preguntas? says the blonde. Manuel almost spoke, but thought better of it. If they realize I am not who they think I am, they might get pissed. So he smiled again and said No, señor.

Chapter 2

Manuel walked back to the janitorial closet, wondering what he got himself into. There were no posters, signs, or identifying things in this place, inside or out. He had no idea who these people were, and why he didn’t have to fill out any papers, give his driver’s license, or anything. If this were a serious outfit, he thought, they would be more cautious, do a background check or something. Especially with an armed guard and fenced in facility like this. He knew if he wanted to know any more, he had to get back into that office. He could hear another car pull in as the gate opened up, and he heard more voices coming from down the hall. Several other men came in, one in jeans and a tool belt.

Maybe to work on that boat, thought Manuel. What if the real Manny shows up, he thought. I’m a dead duck. He figured he would just get through the day, and not come back. They’ll think I didn’t like it- or what ever. He said to himself.

Grabbing a broom from the closet, he began to sweep the corridor, whistling softly, and observing as much as he could of his surroundings. Doors were marked with numbers, the office he was in said 9. Dare I go in? he thought. A man walked out with the blonde guy, at that moment. The other man, who was in a suit, holding a briefcase, pulled out keys and was trying to open an office on the opposite side of the hall.

The blonde guy said, Look Conrad, you can’t just leave the project like this. The man in the suit was struggling to unlock the door. The blonde grabbed the keys away from him, and began going through them for the correct one.

Conrad said, Don’t tell me what I can or can’t do, Gary.

At that moment, the two of them turned to Manuel, who was looking down, pretending to not notice, sweeping, and stepping a little ways away from them. The men were silent as Gary opened the door, and the two of them rushed in, shutting it behind them. Manuel could hear their voices, sometimes shouting. Gary bursts out, his face red, and went into office 9 and slammed the door. Wow, thought Manuel. Not a good time to bother these guys. He had started to sweep further down the hall, when Conrad flung open his door, having taken off his jacket and loosened his tie. He pointed to Manuel. YOU he shouted.

Manuel stopped and turned around, pointing to himself- Me? he asked. Come in here! was the reply. Manuel walked towards the office, peeked in. Conrad pointed at the mess in his office. The trash can was over flowing and there were dirty cups on the desk and candy wrappers on the floor next to the desk. A half eaten sandwich on his filing cabinet, and an empty soda can on the copier. Manuel began to clean up the mess. Conrad sat down, pushed a button on his phone and barked Gary! What’s this new guy’s name?

Manny a voice on the intercom said.

Gracias, Manny Conrad sputtered. Manuel smiled, nodded his head, and went to get cleaning rags for the desk. When he got back, Conrad was on the phone. The tone of his voice was calmer, but still annoyed. He spoke in a low tone of voice.

Bill, Bill he said, I can’t work under these conditions! These guys are juveniles! I…he stopped mid-sentence and looked at Manuel, who had lingered a bit too long in Conrad’s opinion. Manuel decided to play dumb and not notice Conrad’s irritation. He slowly made his way around the desk picking up the candy wrappers.

I’ll call you back in a minute Conrad said, and hung up the phone. Once again he hit the intercom and called Gary. Get in here!

Gary opened the door and said What now?

Conrad barked. "Do we know who this guy is?" gesturing to Manuel.

Sure we do, said Gary. Hamilton sent him, he always uses these illegals."

Does he have an ID? asked Conrad in a sarcastic tone. God only knows who you two idiots let in here.

Gary sighed, turned to Manny and smiled. Licencia? Manuel nodded, and quickly pulled out his wallet, careful to take out his driver’s license and not let them see the other contents of his wallet. He handed it to Gary, who glanced at it and handed it to Conrad. See? Manuel Mendoza. What else should he do for you? Sing the Mexican National Anthem?

Conrad handed Manuel back his license. What part of Mexico are you from? Que parte de Mexico? without hesitation, Manuel says Tijuana. Hmm said Conrad. Haven’t been there in years..

Ok Manuel, gracias said Gary, and he showed Manuel out of the office.

Did you see his address? said Conrad. Boca Raton. What illegal lives there?

Look, said Gary, Maybe he stole someone’s ID. There’s a few farms out west of Boca, he’s probably a migrant worker. I don’t ask Hamilton how he finds people.

Yes, you might be right. said Conrad. Manuel was standing outside the door, straining to hear. It wasn’t shut, so he hung around to listen. He was glad Gary had a good excuse for him. He didn’t think about his address and how it could attract attention. Boca Raton was a pretty upscale city. Conrad began arguing with Gary again.

You and Dan have endangered the life of one of our best men with your impulsive behavior. You are so lucky that Hamilton was too busy to come here and investigate this himself.

Come on, Conrad said Gary, "you know very well Jackson agreed to go. None of us held a gun to his head." Manuel could hear the chair move back as Conrad stood up.

Then he heard Conrad slam his hand down on the desk, and he jumped. Damn you Gary, never send ANYONE out on a mission you yourself wouldn’t go on!

Don’t start on this again, Conrad said Gary. Hamilton said any agent that wants to volunteer understands the dangers. Maybe it’s YOU that wouldn’t go on a mission like this.

ENOUGH! Conrad screamed. Manuel thought he’d best make his way into office 9, maybe pick up more on what this place was all about. Maybe see a sign, or something. He walked to office 9 and out came Dan, who whisked past him, and into Conrad’s office and shut the door. Once inside office 9, Manuel looked around to make sure he was alone, and he was. Maybe this is some sort of government office, he thought. But he didn’t think the government would knowingly use illegal aliens for janitorial care. Holding the cleaning rag, he began dusting a desk, trying to get a glimpse of the papers on it. He could hear the men across the hallway, still shouting. He finally saw a letterhead, and sure enough, it looked like a governmental one. It read Office of… SLAM! The door flung open and Gary stormed in, and went to his desk, and picked up the phone. He saw Manuel in the office and waved him away. Manuel walked out of the office, and decided to investigate other areas, as to not irritate the guys any longer.

Chapter 3

Manuel got a mop and pail out of the closet, and looked around for a sink to fill it in. Maybe if I look like I’m busy, he thought, I can get a look at the rest of this place. He headed towards the bathroom, thinking he could use that to fill the bucket.

The woman he saw earlier caught him in the hallway. She looked into the bucket and noticed it was empty. Tsk she sighed. She motioned him to follow her- back to the closet. She opened it, and moved away some of the brooms and such, and lo and behold there on the ground was a sink of sorts, with a faucet and drain, designed to clean mops and equipment. Manuel smiled, and began to fill up the bucket. The woman began to ramble. Poor guy, you’ve probably never done this type of work. Hamilton always does this, takes you guys out of the fields - for his dirty work. And these two idiots probably didn’t bother to ask if you even knew how to clean an office. Brother.

She walked away, back to the executive office, shaking her head. Manuel wheeled the bucket to another part of the complex, all the way to the opposite side. From there he got a better look at the back of the building, and could see there was a door to a work shop. He thought he could hear machinery. The man he saw earlier in the jeans and tool belt came through the door and saw Manuel with the mop. Hey, just what I need! He opened the door for Manuel, directing him into the shop.

The man was working on a boat motor, from what Manuel could see, and he had set himself up a table to eat lunch. Manuel could see he had spilled his soda on the floor. The man took the mop from Manuel and began talking. Say, I can do that myself. I spilled it.- My name is Hal and he held out his hand for Manuel to shake. They shook hands and Manuel looked around.

There were other boats in the shop and he could also see navigational equipment on another table. He recognized them from the many pleasure crafts he had been on. I hope you stay longer than the last guy. This place is alright, once you get to know the people. said Hal.

Manuel just smiled. He never hires guys who speak English. He handed the mop back to Manuel. My Spanish is not so good. No habla la Espanol. said Hal. Manuel just smiled and nodded his head. Looking around, Manuel saw a map on the wall, a nautical map, with several spots marked off with a red marker. Looked like the east coast of Florida, the map was blown up large, to show just that specific portion of the coast, from what looked like Fort Lauderdale to North Miami, a few miles south. What was of such interest there? Manuel thought. Gracias! Hal said. You name? Nombre?

Manuel was the quick reply.

Okay Manuel see you later. Manuel smiled, and left the service shop.

Behind him was the woman he met earlier, and she said to Manuel There you are. She motioned him into her office. This was the executive office he noticed earlier. Unlike the others, this office had a fancy wood grain door and brass door knob and hardware. Inside was an ante room where a desk and computer were set up, various papers and files and a few womanly touches, such as pictures of family, and a vase of flowers. Manuel took it to be her desk. Behind her was a door leading to another office, this door had an opaque glass panel in it, and the same polished brass hardware. The woman opened the door to that office and gestured for Manuel to come in. On the massive wooden desk, Manuel noticed an engraved wooden sign that read William G. Hamilton, Cmdr. So, thought Manuel, this is that Hamilton guy’s office. It was obvious he was in charge, and he was military based, since he was a commander. The woman turned to Manuel, and showed him the dust on everything. Manuel smiled with recognition.

She turned and left the office, once again motioning him to follow. They went back to the closet, where she pointed out to Manuel the furniture polish, window cleaner, rags, and vacuum cleaner. Si, si said Manuel. Good.You understand said the woman. Just then the door to office 9 opened and out stepped Dan. He was almost identical in build and size as Gary, muscular and tanned. Manuel was on the short side, and slight of build. These two guys obviously work out, thought Manuel.

Dan had dark brown hair, and both he and Gary appeared to be in their 30’s. Conrad, Manuel felt, must have been closer to 50. Hey Brenda said Dan. What’s up?

Conrad’s called Hamilton she said with a tone of authority. We need to get his office ready. He might be here later today, tomorrow morning, the latest. All the blood ran out of Dan’s face. Manuel pretended to not understand their conversation, and began to twirl the rag in his hand. You can’t be serious he whispered.

I certainly am said Brenda. It’s about time, if you ask me. You two have screwed things up, and Hamilton needs to know.

Dan’s face twisted into an awful, intimidating look, and he pushed his face up to Brenda’s. Look he said, clenching his teeth, We did nothing without Hamilton’s full approval. Conrad is just wasting Hamilton’s time. The Commander will probably flip when he finds out he had to come out here for nothing. Brenda didn’t back down. She snapped back, We’ll see about that. Manuel took his cue, and turned to the closet, picking up a cleaning basket, placing it on a cart he noticed parked inside, and loaded up the cleaning supplies he needed.

Chapter 4

Manuel wheeled the cart past Brenda, and into Hamilton’s office. Here’s my chance, he thought. Looking around the office, Manuel noticed a picture on the wall, an older gentleman, maybe in his 60’s, in full army dress uniform, who was shaking hands with President Bush, in what looked to be the White House. Whoa, thought Manuel, this is some big wig, this Hamilton. There were no documents out on the desk. There was just an American flag on a pole in the corner, a big leather chair, trash can, and phone. From the dusty state of the furniture, it appeared that no one had been in the office for a while.

Dust first, then vacuum, Manuel’s mother always told him. He got out the rag, and the furniture polish and began working on the desk. Manuel heard a tap on Brenda’s door, and then her voice say come in. He heard Conrad’s voice, and she told him to sit down. Hamilton will be fit to be tied when he hears about Jackson. And these two clowns, God willing, will be sent back to Maryland, where they belong. he said to Brenda.

Brenda walked over to the window in her office, she could see past the chain link fence to the area where the boat on the trailer sat. Yes said Brenda, Jackson was close to the Commander, and for sure he will be upset. I don’t think Hamilton chose those two for this project, they just had the naval qualifications, you know?

Yeah, yeah said Conrad. Needless to say, I didn’t think they were so stupid as to send him out there, without clearing it with me first. I was only gone a week for Christ’s sake.

Are you still planning on leaving the project, Edward? asked Brenda. Conrad let out a big sigh. He didn’t answer for a while.

I don’t know for sure, Brenda. I would like to be done with this. There was a knock on the door. It was Hal who said, Motor’s ready to go, sir.

Thanks, Hal said Conrad. The door shut, and Brenda and Conrad were alone again. Are you going out today? said Brenda.

I might. I have to have Gary check the boating forecast. Depends on the weather. He stood up, looked out the window, then turned to Brenda. I have to go out for myself, you know.

I understand said Brenda. Manuel could hear the door shut. He immediately turned on the vacuum cleaner, not wanting Brenda to come in and catch him listening in. After he vacuumed, he began cleaning the window with the glass cleaner, then touching up areas still a little dusty. Satisfied, he put the items in the cart, and headed out into Brenda’s office. Seeing Manuel leave, she motioned for him to wait- and she went into the office to inspect.

There will be hell to pay if Hamilton finds a dirty office she mumbled to herself as she walked around the office. Manuel waited patiently as Brenda inspected his work. She came out of the office with a smile. Manuel smiled back, nodded his head and left the office. Pushing the cart towards the custodial closet, Manuel saw Conrad come out of the men’s room. He was now dressed in jeans, a tee shirt, boat shoes with sun glasses around his neck on a cord. He stopped outside the closet pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and pulled out a $100 bill.

Seeing the shock on Manuel’s face, he laughed. Hasta manana he said, slapping Manuel on the back, then turned and headed for the service area. Manuel put the cart away, locked the janitorial cabinet, and walked over to office 9. He hadn’t even gotten to clean the bathroom. He worried if Gary would say something to him about it- but it looked like Conrad wanted him to leave, so he put the key on the hook in office 9. Gary, who was sitting at his desk, looked up and saw Manuel put up the key. Manny, Manny he said as he stood up. Manuel said Senior Conrad… Gary put his hand up to indicate wait- and he picked up the phone, Hal- is Conrad with you?

Yes sir came the answer. Tell him to pick up said Gary. Did you tell Manny he could leave? Christ, he hasn’t cleaned the bathroom yet! And the Commander is coming! There was silence from Gary as he listened then hung up. He smiled at Manuel, shrugged his shoulders, and said hasta manana- then pointed at his watch. Ocho. he said. Ok, senior he said.

Jim opened the gate for him, waving as Manuel drove out of the complex. As he drove out of the area, Manuel pulled over to the side of the parking lot, out of sight of the warehouse, put the car in park, and collapsed behind the wheel. "What the HELL was all that about?"

Chapter 5

It took Manuel a good five minutes to compose himself enough to drive home. He got in his apartment, and plopped down on the sofa. He pulled out his wallet, and stared at the $100 bill. Pulling out his cell phone, he just HAD to tell someone what he just went through. Scrolling through the contact list, he realized he couldn’t tell just anyone. What if this was the CIA? he thought. Some friends he had would be the last people he would tell, in that case. Who could he confide in? Scrolling up and down the list, he saw no one he wanted to call. He got up, went to the refrigerator, took out a can of beer, and walked over to his computer. He turned it on, thinking he might be able to Google this Hamilton guy.

Looking at his email, he noticed a few Facebook entries, and logged in. There, he saw an entry from Jill, a girl he met who was also in the Journalism program with him. Although he would have liked to date her, she had a boyfriend. But according to her last Facebook, post, they broke up. Picking up his cell phone, he called Eric, his best friend. Eric knew Jill from high school. Maybe he’d have her number, he thought. Sure enough, Eric had it.

Jill was a hard core journalist, having worked on her high school newspaper, and even contributed a few pieces to the newspaper in a teen- related column.

She was pleasantly surprised to hear from him. Her voice, Manuel felt, fit her body perfectly, soft, yet firm, feminine but intelligent. Talking to her was almost as pleasant as being with her, physically.

Jill, I have to tell you about the most amazing experience I had today! said Manuel. Can I meet you at Friday’s?

Okay said Jill, I’ll be there in a hour. Manuel put the phone down. If anyone would be interested in this mystery, it would be Jill. At Fridays,Manuel saw Jill pull in the parking lot in her car. Her parents had money, and bought her a BMW when she graduated high School, it fit her perfectly. Jill walked up to Manuel, and he thought who ever broke up with her must have been crazy to let her go. She was about his height, blue- eyed, and had dyed blonde hair, with telltale brown roots, but the blonde hair flattered her. Big white, smiley teeth, she was a natural beauty, he thought to himself.

She laughed. Manny, I’m so glad you called me, you kept me from another boring night of DVD’s and popcorn. She gave him a peck on the cheek, and they went inside to get a table.

After the first awkward moments at the table, waiting for the waitress to leave, Manuel began. So what happened between you and Keith, may I ask? You two were together for a while, right?

Jill rolled her eyes. Yes, almost two years. But it was me who broke up. I don’t think I’m ready for a serious relationship. Graduation is coming up, and I want to be able to do what I want to do, not what Keith had in mind.

Oh. said Manuel, hoping Jill wouldn’t be able to detect the disappointment in his voice.

Come on now said Jill, What was it you were going to tell me about- what you mentioned on the phone? Switching gears, Manuel realized maybe the real reason he wanted to see Jill was to date her. Since he already spilled the beans, he figured he might as well tell Jill the whole story.

Manuel leaned over the table, and said to Jill, Remember the job Mark told me about, at the bar be que?

Oh sure, said Jill excitedly. Barry got that job, but the pay is lousy.

Manuel stammered. Barry? What do you mean?

Yeah, at the warehouse over on Broward Boulevard.

Broward Boulevard? said Manuel, incredulous. I got hired at a warehouse on Atlantic

That’s freaky, said Jill- You got lucky. I thought you knew the place Mark was talking about.

I thought I did too said Manuel.

During the meal, Manuel told Jill the whole story, from how he arrived there, up until the moment he left. The waitress left the bill, and Jill opened her purse to pay.

No, I got this one said Manuel, and he pulled out the $100 bill.

Is that the money they paid you? Jill said. You were serious, weren’t you?

Manuel frowned. Of course I was serious. Did you think I made that all up? After getting his change, the two got up from the table. When they got outside, they stood in the parking lot, talking. I didn’t doubt you, Manny, I just saw the money and it clicked- you know- that it was a real story. Jill confessed.

Let’s go for a walk suggested Manuel. They headed for the strip mall across from the restaurant in silence.

Jill began, So, what are you going to do tomorrow, Manny? Manuel thought for a while. I really don’t know yet. I keep thinking they will discover who I really am, and I’ll get in big trouble. If they are secret government agents, who knows what they will do to me. They all talk freely in front of me.

Well, said Jill, why don’t you stay long enough to find out what they are really about? Maybe you can write an expose.

An expose on what? I don’t think anything criminal is going on, but they do mention this missing guy, Jackson. They don’t talk like he’s dead, more like he’s in danger. He might be a spy. Manuel stopped talking, and the two of them stood there.

Jill smiled. A spy? Ohh, that’s so cool.

Hey it’s my neck on the line here- and I wouldn’t say it was cool"

You know what I mean .None of our lives are exciting as that- spy work, government agents. Are you afraid to go back, Manuel?

Manuel had to think about that a while. They walked a bit more, across the mall and around back to where they parked their cars. Manuel leaned against the BMW. I am kinda worried, you know, about getting caught. The last thing I need is to be thrown in jail or something. They seem kind of rogue, so I don’t think they want attention, you know?

Then go for it, Manny. At least one more day. You can’t argue about the money- what if they pay you another hundred? Jill laughed.

Please she said as she got in her car, call me as soon as you get off tomorrow. I have to find out what this is all about, you’ve got me hooked.

Chapter 6

Manuel got into his car, and drove home. Along the way, he worried if he should take the risk and go back. All the action and spy movies he had seen, reminded him that a lot could go wrong. Yet, this might be an exciting adventure. He could always leave if things got hairy. Manuel woke up easily, and showered and dressed. Concerned that they might again ask for ID, he took his student ID and credit card out of his wallet. He remembered to turn the volume off on his cell phone, and got into his car. Driving over to the warehouse, Manuel noticed the warehouse was a perfect location for going out on a boat, just taking Atlantic Boulevard a few short miles to the ocean. With a deep sigh, Manuel drove down the gated area at the end of the aisle, noticing Jim at his post. Jim waved at him and opened up the gate. Manuel pulled in and parked in the same spot he had the day before. Jim nodded, and opened the door to office 9 for Manuel. Gary and Dan were sitting together at Gary’s desk, engaged at something on the computer. Gary looked up and said bathroom, Manny. Manuel responded Si senor and walked over to the hook with the key. Things looked tidy compared to the day before, but the men seemed to be in a somber mood. Manuel wondered if that Hamilton guy arrived.

Gathering the supplies from the janitorial closet, he filled up the bucket with water, and placed everything on the cart. He was pushing the cart toward the bathroom, when Conrad and Brenda came out of Conrad’s office. Ignoring him, they walked down the hall to Brenda’s office and shut the door.

Well, thought Manuel, they aren’t paying much attention to me today. Maybe I’m out of danger for now. He walked into the bathroom and looked around. Ugh, he hated cleaning bathrooms. Growing up in a family of 3 boys, his mother made sure each boy took turns with cleaning chores. His mother’s parents lived with them, and there was always something to clean, or some other chore to do. After his parents settled in Miami, they sent for Manuel’s grandparents. Manuel began scrubbing the tiles in the shower. It wasn’t real dirty, but needed a going over to remove soap scum. He then washed down the sinks, and the tiled walls around them.

Suddenly, Conrad came in, a little breathless. Hey Manny- he said. Vamos. motioning to Manuel to follow him.

Down the hall they went, and into another office, and Conrad opened another door. It was set up as a conference room, a long table and six stuffed leather chairs. A coffee station was in the corner of the room. Once again, he guessed, he needed to tidy up the room for Hamilton’s appearance. He nodded at Conrad, and went to get his cleaning cart. As he headed towards the bathroom he saw Gary standing there, hands on his hips. Conrad was behind Manuel walking towards his office.

Gary said to Conrad, He wasn’t finished Conrad. Let him finish. Manuel stopped in his tracks. Conrad turned towards Gary.

That room needs to be ready. The Commander can use the guest bathroom. Hamilton is bringing. - some guests.

Gary shook his head, Okay Manny, ok. he said, slapping Manuel on his shoulder, and then went into office 9. Manuel got his cleaning cart and went to the conference room. Why wouldn’t Conrad say who was coming with Hamilton? Manuel began to worry that Conrad didn’t really trust him. Maybe I look too interested, thought Manuel. Got to really play dumb, he thought. He began dusting the table, wiping the chairs off, and then got the window cleaner. There was a big window in the room, and a gigantic board on the wall. Nothing much to see out of the window- just the parking lot in the back. The boat had been moved closer to the building, and Manuel could see what looked like Hal and another man flushing out the boat’s motor.

He heard the rumble of the gate opening, and Brenda came into the conference room, her arms loaded with coffee filters, cream and sugar, a sleeve of coffee cups under one arm. Manuel helped her lay the things out on the coffee station. Thanks she said and took the coffee pot and left the office. Just then, Dan walked in with a tray of food: bagels, pastries, cookies. Out the window, he could see three gentleman standing near a car parked next to his. It looked like a Mercedes sedan, with dark tinted windows. The men were all in casual dress, grayish hair, one with glasses, and one wore a navy blazer, with a white polo shirt. Manuel took him to be Hamilton. He sort of looked more like the man in the picture than the other two. Do we have plates and napkins? Dan was asking Brenda. Oh, you’re right, said Brenda. She left the office, while Dan took the coffee pot of water, pouring it in the coffee maker. Then Gary came in, looked around. Looks good. Manny, bathroom. he said. Manuel smiled, got his cart, and headed for the bathroom again.

Brenda came back. I think that’s it, she said, arranging the coffee station items, and then opened a cabinet below where the coffee was stored. Gary turned to Dan. Hamilton brought Senator Wilkes, didn’t he?

Yeah said Dan. Who’s the other guy, asked Gary. Dan started to answer, but Brenda butted in. He’s some sort of scientist.

Whoa said Gary, ‘Does Conrad know this?"

He knows. said Brenda with a half smile. Ask me if he’s happy about it. No.

Chapter 7

Manuel was scrubbing a toilet when Hamilton and the Senator walked in. The Senator wore navy slacks, loafers, and a dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Both men used the urinal, then at the sink they began to talk. Has anyone had any contact at all with Jackson since he left? asked the Senator.

No said Hamilton, We don’t know if he’s capable of communicating, or even if he’s alive.

Shame. said the Senator. Does he have family?

No wife and kids, if that’s what you mean, no. The two men dried their hands and walked out. Wow, thought Manuel, where did this Jackson go?

Jill had just gotten back from the gym, and was headed for the shower. She began to think about Manuel and the wild story he told her last night. She didn’t know much about Manuel- he kept to himself and his friends. She didn’t care for some of his friends, thought perhaps they were into drugs or something. The thought crossed her mind that Manuel might have made up that story to get her to go out with him. Then, she thought, no, he couldn’t have made that up- it was too bizarre. Until he pulled out that $100 bill, she wasn’t sold on the story.

Jill was fortunate to have an apartment of her own. Most of the girls she knew had to share with roommates. She managed to avoid moving in with Keith. She cared for him, but he was too controlling, planning her future with him, which to her, sounded like a boring scenario, wife and mother, maybe doing a little freelance writing on the side. Her parents thought this was a great opportunity, marry a nice guy, settle down, make grandkids. No way, thought Jill. Looking at the clock, she wondered what Manuel was doing. Did he get caught? Did he find anything out about what the project was, why those people were there? She decided to go pick up something for lunch. She knew she’d have to wait till Manny got off to find out.

Back in the conference room, tempers were flaring. Gentleman said Hamilton. Getting angry and pointing fingers doesn’t help matters The men in the room shuffled their feet, Dan got up and made himself a cup of coffee.

Conrad began speaking. We all knew the decision to send a person instead of an object into the time warp was a risky proposition. That remark did nothing to disperse the tension in the room. Hamilton stood up. Regardless, the risk needed to be taken. he said. We have documentation of people who entered it by chance, and our government is concerned about the situation. We’ve collected artifacts that we haven’t been able to identify ever since we began monitoring the area. We know the travel works both ways. And knowing what we know about the area, it is assumed that Jackson, having this knowledge, will be able to travel back and report to us.

Conrad started in. Look, I wanted to try a few experiments here, before we sent anyone in. We could have sent a drone with a tracking device, programming it to enter and leave at key times. We could have outfitted it with a camera, maybe even brought back images. Of course, I wasn’t able to try any of that, because our two friends here waving at Dan and Gary, decided to take matters in their own hands.

Hamilton turned to Conrad, and with a stern look, said You know, communication is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, you and I didn’t have that, did we? Conrad got up and went over to the coffee station. Hamilton continued, We can still send in drones, or whatever device you may design. Jackson may yet contact us. Dr London, here, is our new addition to the project. He has vast experience in scientific projects involving our governments work with time.

This is what Conrad feared, that he was going to be replaced. He wanted out. He didn’t want to be a part of an investigation if the wrong person found out about Jackson’s disappearance. Hamilton continued. He will work closely with you, Conrad, and HE will report to me directly. The Senator smiled. Gentleman,

Our government understands the risks in this project, and we are not afraid to take them. The discovery of true time travel is a first. For the safety of our country, we must take direct control, and be sure there isn’t anyone or anything that can use it against us, and endanger the safety of the country.

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, and Conrad sat down again.

So, it is agreed, said Hamilton, that further study will be done on the area, we will continue to collect any artifacts that appear, and wait for communication from Jackson. Dan and Gary, both relieved that they weren’t scolded, smiled to themselves. Conrad, though peeved, was glad that he wasn’t being replaced. If the Senator wasn’t worried about Jackson’s disappearance, then he felt the blame had shifted, and the government would be responsible, in the end. Everyone in the room seemed satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, so Hamilton stood up. If there are no further questions or comments, we’ll end this meeting for today.

Slowly the men shook hands, and filed out. Hamilton and the Senator went into Hamilton’s office, and Conrad and Dr London went into office 9 with Gary and Dan. Brenda had set up a voice- activated device to transcribe the meeting, and was in office 9, putting it into different formats for the people who attended. The Senator asked for a paper copy for himself, not wishing to have it emailed. He felt it was too sensitive to send through email. Brenda printed it out, and had the copy waiting for him in the office to pick up. After meeting with Hamilton a while, the Senator had to leave. He stopped in office 9,and looked at the report. Changing his mind about carrying a paper document, he said to Dan Can you put this report on a disc for me instead?

Sure said Dan The Senator tossed the paper report in the trash, and walked over to Dan’s desk. Just take me a minute here said Dan. He made a few clicks, inserted a blank disc, and handed it to the Senator. Hamilton appeared and left with the Senator. Gary and Dan watched as the two drove off, and went back to their desks, laughing. Well, said Gary, let’s call it a day. Conrad can take Dr London out for his first trip later, if they want

Yeah, said Dan. Manuelsaw that Hamilton left, and headed for the conference room.

He finished cleaning the room, but before he took out the trash, he figured he’d get the trash in office 9 too. He walked in just as Gary and Dan were leaving. Manny, go home, okay? Gary said. Manuel smiled, and held up the trash bag in his hand.

Okay, trash first. Adios! Gary said as he walked out. Another short day, thought Manuel. He went over to the trash can and was about to take the bag out, when he noticed the report the Senator had thrown out. Manuel realized what it was, and stuffed it under his shirt. Outside he passed Jim, who was making rounds of the fenced in area. Manuel tossed the trash in a dumpster, opened his car door, making sure Jim was out of sight, and threw the document on the passenger seat, covering it up with his gym clothes.

He hurried back inside, gathered up his cleaning supplies, and locked the closet. Manuel wasn’t sure if they intended to pay him like yesterday. He knocked on Brenda’s door, went in and said Bye waving his hand to her. She looked up, and said, Wait for Conrad. She buzzed him on the intercom, and he said he’d be right over. Manuel walked out of the office to see Conrad and Dr London step out of Conrad’s office. Sure enough, Conrad pulled out a $50 bill, and handed it to Manuel. Manuel took the money, smiled, and said Gracias.

Chapter 8

Manuel pulled into a Starbucks drive- through a few blocks away from the warehouse. I need some coffee, he thought, my nerves are shot. He called Jill. Hey Manny, are you ok? asked Jill. Yeah, yeah says Manuel. We need to talk, somewhere safe, not out in public.

You could come over here said Jill hesitantly, immediately excited and worried at the same time.

Ok, good said Manuel. Text me your address. Manuel pulled over and entered Jill’s address on his GPS, and headed over to her place. Jill began to tidy up, making her bed, checking the bathroom.

Waiting for Manuel, Jill sat on her sofa, and noticed on her end table she still had a framed picture of her and Keith. She took the picture to her bedroom closet. Keith was her first boyfriend since she began college. Jill knew in the last 6 months of their relationship that she was unhappy, and that the relationship would end. Not knowing how to end it, she put it off. Now that she finally freed herself, she was determined not to get involved with yet another guy. Not right now, anyway. Hearing a knock on the door, she looked through the peep hole, smiled, and opened the door for Manuel who had run up the stairs, and was a little breathless, and sweating.

Manuel walked in, looking around at her place. Really nice, he thought. Fully furnished with nice furniture, art work, fancy entertainment system, she certainly was comfortable.

Where’s your bathroom? asked Manuel. I just had a big cup of coffee he laughed. Sure said Jill. She led him to the bathroom, and he went in. Sitting down at her counter, Jill waited for Manuel to come out. He did, and headed for her kitchen. Shoot he said, I left something in the car. Jill sat on her sofa, not knowing what to expect. She got up, went to her purse in her bedroom, and got out her cell phone. She laid it on the coffee table. Maybe if he sees my cell phone is nearby, he won’t try anything funny, thought Jill, still not convinced of Manuel’s intentions.

Manuel came back, let himself in and walked over to her dinette, pulling up a chair. Jill pulled up a chair next to him and forgot about all her suspicions.

What’s that? she asked Did you steal that?

Sort of answered Manuel. I found it in the trash

Okay said Jill, what is it?

I think it’s a report. They had a meeting today, the head of the program, some military guy, brought a US Senator, and another guy. They were talking about that guy Jackson, I think. They both started to read the document, and realized they had hit the jackpot. Not only had Brenda included the transcript of the meeting, but she included all of the classified information about the project for the Senator. Manuel’s mouth dropped open when they saw the information on the suspected time travel zone. He and Jill both sat back in their chairs simultaneously.

Oh my God said Jill. This is so scary. A time warp or something, out in the Atlantic, possibly caused by a recent oceanic earthquake.

Man said Manuel. Reading more, he saw that they had been picking up objects that entered the time warp from the other side, and ended up in the ocean. That’s why they had been monitoring the area with the boat.

Look, says Jill, reading out loud we have examined the objects and could not identify them, nor their molecular composition as known in our world.

What the- said Manuel. They both looked at each other in silence.

Manuel what have you stumbled on? I don’t know whether we should be excited, or scared.

I know said Manuel. This would explain that giant nautical map on the wall in the shop that I saw

What map? said Jill. You never mentioned that

When I first went into the shop where they worked on the boats, I saw this gigantic nautical map, of the Fort Lauderdale coast, it went from Fort Lauderdale to almost North Miami. There were coordinates marked with a red marker.

So that must be where the time warp is located said Jill excitedly.

Has to be. They both went back to the document, reading in silence. Finally they got to the transcript of the meeting.

So, said Jill, Jackson went out, not knowing what to expect. Look here, where the Senator says it’s a risk we must take. Yeah, what does he care, it’s not HIS life on the line."

I heard the Senator ask the Commander if Jackson had a wife and kids, and he said no. said Manuel.

I suppose they think that makes it alright.

Man, man, this is freakin unbelievable. If I hadn’t been there myself, I’d say this was some made up stuff. Jill nodded. Manuel stood up, pacing the kitchen. Look he said, Jackson wasn’t the only person who disappeared in that area, the police reported that someone on a pleasure craft disappeared, which started the investigation

Yes, said Jill, And if that person never came back, what makes them think that guy Jackson will?

Manuel sat down and picked up the report. He began reading over it again. Jill sat in silence. She didn’t know what to make of all this. Manuel stopped reading. Here he said, pointing to a page in the document, they mention over and over of a time frame. It looks like things can pass through the warp at a certain time

Maybe a moon cycle or something. Funky things happen on the full moon.

Maybe, they don’t specify what the cycle is exactly. Looking