Espionage (1st Place)

“Mr. Director, we have a situation.” Bob McClaskey, the Senior Intelligence Head stated. He flopped three files in the middle of the director’s desk.

“What’s happened?”

“Operation Lost Comet has been breached.”

“Are you sure?” The director stood up and stared at Bob.

“I’m sure.”

“That is serious.”

“Yes, we have a traitor.”

“Who?”

“My gut says Ivan Schimlov. I’ve checked the logs and narrowed it to three agents.”

“Ivan? He’s one of our best agents. He’s broken Russian codes, served as a translator, even gone in the field several times. The others?”

“Meg and Tony, but they just don’t have the tools. I’m almost certain Ivan was the one with the stolen file.”

“Ivan or not. You know the protocol. Attach full surveillance around the clock to him. Get a judge to sign off on a warrant to search his residence tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir. May I suggest limiting his security access.”

“No. We don’t want him to become suspicious. But put the IT guys on it and track every keystroke. If he sends vital information to someone like the Chinese or North Koreans, we could have a serious situation. Have the Chaos files been accessed?”

“Chaos?”

“Yes. Have an IT guy check those out too.”

“Done.” Bob sauntered to the door and slipped out. In the hall, he smiled. Twenty years I’ve waited to gain your trust, director. Project Chaos is nearly mine, plus – I get to frame Ivan, who has thwarted me for years. That file at his residence should suffice.

“Bob McClaskey?”

“Yes?”

Three armed agents trained their guns on him.

“You’re under arrest.”

“That's preposterous.”

“Not when it’s Operation Lost Comet. It’s your phony test file. Every agent has one to test their loyalty. That one was yours. No other agent aside from the director knows them.”


300 Words
Flash Story Must contain: Comet, Tools, Stolen