Justine and the Midnight Catechism: Cat Clues, #3

One

I had my marching orders but very little in the way of detail about my new assignment.

Simon made it clear that I was needed, and the team could not succeed without me.

I hoped I was up to the job. My right leg was functioning better now but I could not be sure how much stress it might take without caving in on me.

Simon knew about my leg. He was the one who lifted me and removed me from the field of battle where I was shot. I doubted he would require me to do anything too physical in the new assignment.

I hoped the team could accommodate me.

I hoped the team could accommodate my companion.

There was no possible way to leave Catrine behind. If Simon insisted she must go, then I would simply return to Cornwall with my cat and that would be the end of the matter.

Of course, it is all very well to make decisive statements from afar. Facing up to Simon with the team of my colleagues behind him, would be something entirely different.

I booked two airplane seats in first class. Catrine would travel beside me in comfort. I could not condemn her to the lower regions of the plane with various other forms of baggage. I already knew she hated to be parted from me, even for short periods. I also knew that many animals die in such airline conditions or are forgotten and left behind when the passengers and luggage disembark.

Catrine had experienced traumatic abandonment shortly after she was born. I would never submit her to such risks again.

I consulted with Dr. Dan Hudson and he supplied me with a safe tranquiliser for cats.

She may not need it as she will be able to see and smell you. Don’t use the medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. Catrine is well grown now, and she is large. Make sure the airline-approved carrier is big enough for her comfort and keep an eye on her. Any sign of distress and you can break the capsule into her water dish.

Daniel Hudson did not ask me why this long journey to Canada was so important. He already knew I had secrets that I was unwilling or unable to divulge. This one was another to add to the list. He trusted me and that was sufficient.

Simon and his team were to assemble in Toronto. I knew his methods well enough to believe he had reserved an entire floor of a hotel downtown where the team could rest from travel.

All of us would then be fully apprised of the details of the assignment, and the reasons why it was necessary to call us together.

I could leave Catrine safely in my hotel room until I knew the dimensions of my job.

If it appeared as if my task was something impossible to do with a cat by my side, then I would withdraw immediately whether Simon liked it or not.

Most of my luggage consisted of familiar items for Catrine’s comfort. I had few clothes of my own and I knew I would be supplied with whatever specialized clothing or uniform was required when I arrived.

For the sake of speed and safety, Simon asked me to arrive a day ahead in Montreal and fly from there by Porter Airlines to the Toronto Island. From there to the hotel was only a short cab ride. I looked around on both flights but could recognize no others from the team. This could mean I was coming from further away than the others, or it could be part of Simon’s plan to retain secrecy.

My main concern on arrival at the Toronto hotel was to make sure Catrine was well.

To my surprise, she stretched mightily, shook out her long brown, bronze and reddish fur and promptly settled on the bed. She had been in hotel rooms with me before this. She did not even feel the need to explore.

I was glad I had not been required to use the sedative on the journey. It proved once again that we were a bonded pair and as long as we were together, Catrine could adjust to almost anything.

A long sleep and room service and I felt ready to respond to the message on the room phone.

There was a private meeting space at one end of the hallway. I made my way there at 10:30 am Canadian time, with mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension.

For now, Catrine stayed in my room. I left a ‘Do Not Disturb’ notice on the door.

Simon was there first. I made a mental note not to call him by our contact name in public. At work, he was the Boss. He welcomed me and placed me by his side at the polished round table. Coffee was on a side table but I was too excited to drink anything.

The team from Mexico came in together. There were happy reunions and enquiries about the long period during which I had been absent. Juan insisted I had put on weight and looked healthier for it. Steve patted my thick fair hair and approved of the longer style that I could pin up when necessary.

Last to arrive was Jackson, medical professional and my co-conspirator in Scotland. We made signs to get together later and share all the details about Ramses, Noreen and the rest of Cedric Mackenzie’s family.

The Boss called us to order and silence fell around the table.

Now to business.

I swallowed and waited anxiously to hear my role and if I could possibly perform it with Catrine by my side. My expectation was that the Boss would most likely dismiss me and Catrine, out of hand.

Right everyone! Good to see you all back together. I needed this team because we have worked well before and our mission requires the talents of all of you.

Full attention was on the Boss. Not a sound of a chair, or a cup, disturbed the concentration in the room.

"We have been asked to form a special team to support and advise the Canadian Border Services Agency personnel.

You probably know that the U.S. and Canada have the world’s longest undefended border.

In the last few years you have also learned that individuals and families are fleeing from President Trump’s United States and travelling to Canada to request asylum or immigration status. Despite every effort, the various agencies involved in the determination of refugee status are finding a growing backlog. The procedure to ascertain legal standing for entry to Canada is time consuming and difficult.

The numbers are growing exponentially and the process has slowed down.

Even in winter months, the people arrive at border stations for help. Of course, there are other more difficult places along the 2000 kilometre border where people fleeing from persecution make the attempt to cross unassisted, with sometimes tragic results."

The Boss stopped and sipped on his coffee to let this information sink in.

"Our job is two-fold. We will try to ascertain which of these aspiring refugees should be fast tracked and which are not who, or what, they say they are."

Now there was an undercurrent of excitement running around the table group. No one spoke yet, but everyone was wondering exactly what role each would take.

We will blend in as much as possible but bring our special talents to bear on the proposed immigrants. I do not need to tell you what havoc could be released on an unsuspecting public if one or two disguised ISIS supporters were to be accepted into the normal population. Terrorists of any stripe are not welcome at any time, but with the larger numbers and public concerns about unnecessary delays, the admissions process is under scrutiny.

Now I could see my role.

The Boss turned to each of us and clarified his expectations.

"Justine will suss out those who are lying.

Jackson will use medical equipment to scan for weapons or injuries indicating torture or undeclared war wounds.

Juan will apply his language skills to determine the truth of applicants’ visa information.

Steve will use computers to track passport or background histories.

Olaf is our driver.

Vassily will handle supplies, including tents.

There was a general groan at this last item. Tents meant outdoor locations far from towns and their attendant comforts.

Vassily spoke up, after a nod from the Boss, to explain.

Wait now, my latest tents are insulated, fast to assemble, and have their own small generators. You will love them, comrades!

The Boss laughed at our looks of dismay, then continued.

"Tents will not be required all the time. We will start in busy centres. Only later will we be in remote areas to catch the groups who wish to be unseen and unrestricted.

Olaf’s new truck is part ambulance, part all-terrain-tractor, and has berths inside that pull down from the inner walls. Vassily’s supplies will be loaded on top in insulated carriers, accessible by a ladder. Real luxury, I assure you!"

Questions flew around the room until everyone was clear about the mission.

No one asked about my role. All of the men knew