Bringing Scotch Up To Speed

“What are you talking about?” Scotch asked.

“Don’t tell me the super spy I’m talking to doesn’t know that Casanova was a spy.”

Scotch stood, walking into the bathroom followed closely by Pen. She continued talking to him from the other side of the closed door.

“Giacomo Casanova also known to many as Jacques and Chevalier de Seingalt was a writer and a soldier who relied on his charm and his gambling prowess to develop his fortunes. He also, for a time, worked for the Venetian Inquisitors of State as a spy.”

The words “You’re a chemist,” returned to Pen from the bathroom.

“Because I’m a chemist nothing except chemistry can exist in my brain? I suppose that you never think of anything else except picking up Intel and pens that explode.”

“No. I am having trouble picturing you as someone who holds an interest in history.”

“Scientists must keep detailed records of not only their hypotheses, but also their experiments and their results. The papers that describe it in detail are just a history of their work. History is a science.”

Scotch opened the door appearing more awake and less disheveled. He looked at Pen.

“Girls develop crushes as they grow up. Usually it’s on musicians, actors, etc… Some girls develop crushes on fictional characters.”

One corner of Scotch’s mouth began turning up in a smile.

“When I was a young girl I developed crushes on historical figures.”

“Like?”

“Sir Lancelot, King Arthur…”

“Ah...fictional characters.”

“Historical.” Pen countered.

“Aye...but they really exist Milady? Is there historical proof?” He teased.

“There is little proof that King Arthur himself existed as we know him but there were several leaders throughout that period of history which contributed to the Arthur mythology. Much like the stories of Jesus.”

“Jesus, a myth? I’m surprised.” Scotch playfully continued to admonish her.

“There are many stories of men who did notable things in that part of the world during that time. Jesus is a common name in some parts of the world. Considering how King Arthur’s story evolved one would have to be remiss to completely ignore the parallels.”

Scotch did not have to contribute further Pen proved to be passionate about her medieval knights. The spy let her run with it. Quickly straightening the rumpled bedding he proceeded to exit the room. Pen followed.

“It’s never a bad thing to look at complete pictures regarding any subject. You may be surprised at me sir. I am surprised at you. I cannot believe that as an Englishman you would take a romantic myth that has become a cornerstone of your heritage so lightly.”

Scotch stopped just inside the master bedroom and turned to face Pen. “During that period in history there was lots of elaborate talk but knights were men called upon to wear these ridiculously heavy suits that allowed for little movement. One or two good solid blows and they went down. The elaborate stories that are the cornerstone of my heritage had to be woven about the amazing feats of those fictional heroes or other blokes would not have been interested in signing on.”

Pen’s lips closed tightly.

“Have I ruined something?”

Pen walked past him into the room.

“I did.” Sniffing out a bit of fun he followed. “You had a major crush on the old man didn’t you? Did you design your own wedding gown? Did you practice signing your name Pendragon?” Scotch stopped in front of Pen so she would have to stop walking. “Did you dream about his sword visiting your scabbard?”

“That’s not important.” She responded. Pen ignored the jokes and got to the point. “Casanova was my history boyfriend during a particularly lonely summer in junior high school. That’s how I know so much about him.” She stepped around Scotch and continued into the no longer hidden room.

Scotch followed. The pair entered the room with Scotch taking a seat as well as command of the social media accounts. “I want you to start at the beginning and move forward from there.”

Pen picked up McKinney’s phone and scrolled back to the beginning of the conversation with Mata Hari.

“This is where it started?” Scotch asked.

Pen nodded.

“She talks about the weather, asks about dog breeds, refers to a dog park visit…” Scotch narrated as he read through them.

“If you look at @IF20’s account the day before the meeting he mentions it too. The same place, date and time as Mata Hari.”

“What does Casanova have to do with it?”

“That’s what I asked her.”

Scotch studied the messages. “No you didn’t.”

“Yes I did.” Pen reached over the spy’s shoulder to point to the long whistle.

“You said that you knew someone who was looking into writing a series of articles and asked about private locations that would make good day trips for quality time with your pet.”

“Strengthening the secret bond between a dog and his owner.” Pen quoted. “Look at Mata Hari’s answer.”

“It’s a request to PM. That was when you started speaking privately.”

Pen nodded.

“Good show old girl.”

“Once we started private messaging I admitted that I lied about the article and said that I had some high profile friends that preferred to conduct sensitive business in places that were removed from watching eyes.”

“She doesn’t admit to anything specific but agrees that some sensitive matters of state are better discussed elsewhere than in an office.” He added.

“I asked how she chooses these locations. Mata Hari responded that Casanova knew all of the best places.”

“Would you like to meet with him?” Scotch read.

Pen turned her attention away from the phone to Scotch. “What do you say Boss? Would we like to meet him?”