Chapter Three - The Pursuers

    In the five months since he had convinced Jim Paulson to defect, Tom Zane's life had changed.  He was now head of the Jocastan Security Service, which meant he was effectively in charge of immigration matters, customs, and the secret police.

    Tom Zane settled into his office in Government House and pulled up today's arrivals on the computer.  He saw that there would 139 passengers on today's flight.  Most of them brother/sister couples, a few parent/child pairs, the rest single males headed for the kiddy brothels.  Nobody his staff had marked for special attention so he could spend the whole day on agency business.

    At that moment his secretary came in.  "Trouble, Chief," she said.

    "What's up?"

    "Mark Anderson is hear to see you."

    Tom groaned.  Mark Anderson worked for the U.S. State Department and was a pain in the ass.  He was no doubt coming to complain about some American who had visited Jocasta and fucked his daughter while he was here.  "Send him in," Tom said.  "I'm trying to lose weight and talking to that prick should wreck my appetite for the rest of the week."

    A few minutes later the American diplomat was seated at Tom's desk.  He opened his brief case and said, "I suppose I should tell you that I'm not here to give you hard time today.  My purpose in coming was to inform you that there has been an addition to my staff.  A Mrs. Ellen Paulson will be arriving tomorrow."

    Tom thought for moment.  Then said, "Wait a minute.  We disposed of the Paulson case months ago.  Jim Paulson and his daughter requested asylum and we chose to grant it.  What the hell is she coming here for?"

    Anderson laughed.  "As you have guessed, she is the lawful wife of Jim Paulson and she is coming to retrieve her daughter."

    Tom was angry now.  "You make damn sure that bitch knows that if she tries to snatch Jessica away, diplomatic immunity won't help her.  Our agreement allowing you to maintain a US Interest Section specifically bars immunity in such cases."

    "She is aware of that," Anderson replied.  "I believe she wishes to talk to her daughter and convince her to return to the United States.  She got assigned to my staff so she could travel here without creating more scandal.

    "By the way, she is accompanied by her son, William.  She seems to think that between the two of them they can talk the girl into leaving."

    "I was hoping you could arrange a meeting.  I believe you are close to Mr. Paulson."

    Tom frowned.  On its face it was a reasonable request, but he hated to create problems for Jim and Jessica.  But there were other factors to be considered.  "I suppose it was her father's influence that got her appointed to your staff," he said.

    "Yes," said the diplomat.  "Being the daughter of a United States Senator has its advantages.  One of them is that the State Department will listen to you when you ask for something."

    "Very well," said Tom.  "I'll tell Jim and Jessica that she is coming and that she wants to meet them.  But the final decision is theirs."

    And so it was that three days later Ellen Paulson sat in a comfortable waiting room, trying not to nibble at her own fingernails.  She jumped up as the door opened, then sat down again, actually relieved that it wasn't Jim or Jessica.

    Tom Zane looked the woman over carefully as he came into the room.  She was a lovely redhead with a fine bosom and long legs.  He felt a little sorry for his friend Jim Paulson; too bad he had to lose this enchanting beauty to be with his daughter.  "Ms. Paulson," he said.  "I'm Thomas Zane of the Security Service.  I'm sorry we have to meet under such difficult circumstances.  I just wanted to let you know that Jim and Jessica have arrived and you will be seeing them shortly.  Is there anything I can do for you while you're waiting?"