Chapter 16: A Surprising Return
Dusk was falling over New York. Isobel Castille had just finished another long day at the office. Her job as the SAC for the New York office was demanding, and although she was used to the intense routine, Grant's absence over the past few days had left her feeling empty.
Despite the occasional text, she knew that her mission had been extremely dangerous, and the desire to see him again grew stronger with each passing day.
She drove home, thinking of relaxing with a glass of wine and a simple bite to eat. However, as soon as she parked and got out of the car, something caught her attention. The smell of delicious food wafted through the air, coming from inside her home.
Isobel frowned as she unlocked the door. When she stepped inside, her senses were immediately filled with aromas reminiscent of a high-class restaurant banquet. In the kitchen, Grant stood in an apron, stirring pots and pans with the skill of a seasoned chef.
"Grant?" she exclaimed in surprise.
Grant turned around, a wide smile on his face. "Surprise!"
Without a second thought, Isobel ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and jumping into his lap. Grant easily caught her around the waist, pulling her close.
"You're here!" she said, laughing and excited.
"I told you I'd come back for you, didn't I?" he replied, kissing her softly on the forehead.
After a few minutes of exchanging hugs and smiles, Grant led her to the dining table, which was beautifully decorated with candles and flowers. There were dishes prepared with care and precision: grilled salmon with an herb crust, creamy mashed potatoes, and sautéed vegetables.
"You made all of this by yourself?" Isobel asked, still in disbelief, as she sat down.
"Yes, ma'am," Grant replied, pouring her a glass of wine. "I thought that after everything we've been through these past few weeks, you deserved something special."
"You're something special, Grant," she said, taking his hand and lacing her fingers with his.
As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally. Isobel wanted to know more about Grant's mission, but he was careful to share details, keeping the necessary confidentiality.
"I've heard a lot of rumors around the office," she said, smiling. "You're becoming even more of a legend there."
Grant laughed, shaking his head. "Rumors are dangerous. The truth is, it was a mission like any other. The most important thing is that we got the information we needed to protect lives."
"You're very modest," she replied, looking at him in awe. "But I know how dangerous it was. And I'm so glad you came back in one piece."
After dinner, Grant surprised her again by playing soft music as they cleared the table together. He pulled her to dance, something they rarely did due to their busy lives.
"You don't know how much I've missed you," Isobel said as she rested her head on his chest.
"I know," he replied, holding her tightly. "I've felt yours too. Every day away from you feels like an eternity."
Isobel looked up at him, her eyes shining. "You make it all seem so easy, Grant. But I know it's not."
"It's easy when I know I have you to come back to," he said, leaning in to kiss her.
Later, as they sat on the couch, Isobel asked, "How long are you staying this time?"
Grant sighed, pulling her closer. "Not as long as I'd like. There's still so much to do. But every moment with you is worth it."
She nodded, understanding the reality of their lives. "Promise me that whenever you can, you'll come back to me."
"I promise," he replied sincerely.
And in that moment, as they stood together, nothing else mattered. To Isobel, Grant was more than the legendary man everyone admired. He was the man she loved, and that made it all worth it.
The surprise dinner wasn't just a show of affection, but a reminder of what really mattered. Isobel knew that life with Grant would never be predictable or easy, but to her, every moment they shared was a gift she wouldn't trade for anything. And as they enjoyed that evening together, she knew that no matter what came, they would face it together.
Chapter 17: The Photographer and the Conspiracy
The New York office was in an uproar. A complicated and unusual case was underway, and every second seemed crucial. It all began when a renowned photographer, Frank Weber, was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment.
At first, the case seemed like a run-of-the-mill homicide, perhaps a robbery gone wrong. However, the investigation soon revealed that Weber was not just a photographer. He worked for the CIA.
Isobel called together her emergency team. Maggie Bell, OA Zidan, Jubal Valentine, and Kristen Chazal gathered in the operations room as Isobel shared the initial information.
"Photographer Frank Weber has been identified as a CIA collaborator. He took pictures of suspected sleeping spies," Isobel explained.
"Wait," OA said, crossing her arms. "Are you saying he was spying on spies?"
"Basically," replied Kristen, who was already analyzing Weber's digital information.
Before they could continue, CIA Agent Collins arrived in the office. He looked serious, his eyes sweeping the room as he introduced himself.
"We are aware of Weber's death," he said. "And it is a significant loss. He was a key player in our operation against Russian sleeper cells in the United States."
As the investigation progressed, Kristen was able to access encrypted files on Weber's camera. The photos revealed images of a couple, identified as Dimitri and Anna Ivanov, both legal residents of the United States.
"They are sleeper agents," Collins explained. "They have been here for years, living as normal citizens until they are activated for specific missions."
"What is their objective now?" Jubal asked, already sensing that the case was more serious than it seemed.
Collins hesitated before answering. "They are planning to assassinate Fahrad Amiri, the son of the Iranian defense minister. He is here on a student visa, but his death could trigger an international crisis."
Given the complexity of the case and the need to act quickly, Isobel did something that had become her natural choice in such situations: she called Grant Shawn.
"He's one of the best at intelligence," she explained to the team as they waited for Grant. "If anyone can help us understand what's going on and stop this plot, it's him."
When Grant arrived, everyone felt his presence. He seemed more serious than usual, aware of the gravity of the situation.
"So, Russian spies trying to kill an Iranian student?" he said as he listened to Isobel's summary. "Sounds like a typical Tuesday to me."
With Grant's help, the team devised a plan to intercept the Ivanovs before they could complete their mission. Kristen located the couple's hideout in Queens, and the FBI team mounted an operation to capture them.
"These people are highly trained," Grant warned as they prepared the operation. "Don't underestimate what they're capable of."
The team managed to capture Anna Ivanov before she could escape, but Dimitri fled, and time was running out. Grant took over Anna Ivanov's interrogation. As he entered the interrogation room, he exuded confidence. Sitting calmly at the table, he began speaking to Anna in fluent Russian.
"Do you know who I am?" he asked, his voice cool and steady.
Anna hesitated, her eyes assessing Grant. "Should I know?"
Grant leaned forward, a humorless smile on his face. "My code name in Moscow was Babayaga."
Anna's eyes widened. "You… can't be him. He's just a legend."
"Well," Grant said, crossing his arms, "I'm here. And you're going to tell me everything you know before I have to prove why they call me that."
With the information they had gleaned from Anna, the team was able to track Dimitri to an abandoned warehouse where he was preparing to carry out the attack. The operation was quick and efficient. Dimitri was neutralized, and Fahrad Amiri was safe.
Back at the office, the CIA's Collins acknowledged the FBI's impeccable work, and Grant's in particular. "You keep surprising us," he told Grant before leaving.
Isobel, in turn, looked at Grant with pride. "Babayaga, huh?" she said, smiling slightly.
"It was a different time," he replied, shrugging.
"And I'm sure there are many more stories you're not telling," she said.
"Maybe someday," he replied, as the New York office began to quiet down after another case solved.
Chapter 18: The Man Called Babayaga
The FBI office in New York was quieter after the successful conclusion of the case involving the Russian spies. But, as always happens, a newly revealed mystery piqued the team's curiosity. Grant Shawn's codename "Babayaga" had everyone intrigued, especially after Anna Ivanov's reaction during the interrogation.
"Did you see how she reacted?" asked OA, sitting at the operating table. "It seemed like he was some kind of monster or legend to her."
"No wonder," said Kristen, fiddling with her laptop. "Babayaga, in Russian folklore, is a scary figure. He's like the Boogeyman to them."
"That explains a lot," said Maggie, crossing her arms. "But still, why Grant? He's brilliant, but why would the Kremlin call him that?"
Jubal, sitting in the back, smiled. "Well, there's only one way to find out. Let's investigate."
Kristen began to dig deeper into the available records. It wasn't easy to find information about Grant Shawn, especially from his time at DEVGRU. But with some special clearances and the help of some intelligence contacts, she began to piece together the puzzle.
"Okay," Kristen said, as she projected a partially declassified classified file onto the central screen in the office. "Grant, when he was at DEVGRU, was frequently called on for espionage missions. This is highly unusual, because he was a tier one operative. Typically these guys do direct operations, not espionage."
"Espionage?" Maggie asked, leaning forward.
"Yes," Kristen replied. "Rumor has it he was sent on top-secret missions, including infiltrations into Russian territory."
"There's more," Kristen continued. "According to sources, he managed to infiltrate the Kremlin at least once, possibly more. There are unconfirmed reports that he made it into Vladimir Putin's inner circle."
The room fell silent. OA was the first to break the silence. "Wait, you're saying he sat down with Putin? What?!"
"We don't have all the details," Kristen replied. "But what we do know is that he was a ghost. He would infiltrate, do what he needed to do, and disappear without a trace. That's what earned him the code name 'Babayaga.' To the Russians, he's the monster that comes in the dark."
"That explains why he has a kill order out for him," Jubal said, glancing at the screen.
Maggie frowned. "Kill order?"
"Yes," Kristen said, highlighting a section of the file. "If the agent known as Babayaga is caught in Moscow, he will be executed on the spot. He is considered one of the most dangerous enemies of the Russian state."
"That changes a lot," OA said, shaking her head. "I knew he was amazing, but this is a whole other level."
"He's practically a living legend," Maggie commented. "And to think he was here, helping us like it was a normal day."
"That says a lot about him," Jubal added. "Grant doesn't seek recognition. He does what needs to be done and moves on."
As the team discussed their findings, Isobel entered the room, curious about what was going on. Seeing the projected file, she knew immediately that they were talking about Grant.
"So, did you find out about the 'Babayaga'?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"Yeah, boss," Kristen replied. "And... wow."
Isobel smiled slightly. "Grant never talks about that part of his past. But I know he's done things most people can't even imagine. That's why he's so good at what he does. He doesn't let it get to him."
"Did you know about the kill order?" OA asked.
"I did," Isobel admitted. "And I also know that he'll never go back to Moscow, or if he does, it will be for some very important mission. Not because he's afraid, but because he respects the boundaries of the mission. He did what needed to be done, and now he's moving on."
Later, as the team dispersed, Maggie and OA reflected on Grant's impact on their own careers.
"It's inspiring," Maggie said. "To know that someone can do so much, risk so much, and still be so humble."
"Yes," OA agreed. "Grant is the kind of person you want on your side, no matter what."
And though Grant was absent for the moment, his presence was felt in every word and thought of the team. The Kremlin's "Babayaga" was more than a code name. He was a symbol of what it meant to be the best.
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