Pelican, Gannet and Shag

When three agents disappear, Henry is stuck in the office on the fourth of July.

Pelican went dark on the first of July and Gannet disappeared two days later. So when Shag missed a check-in on the fourth, Henry was stuck at the Agency while his family and friends were out enjoying the fireworks.

Paul Schaeffer poked his head round the door. "Any luck?"

Henry shook his head. "I thought I had a line on Gannet, but it turned out to just be someone with similar taste in designer clothing and rented sportscars. You?"

"I've pulled every file they've worked on since the Farm. Nothing stands out."

"Dark web?"

"Morgan's still sifting, but she's drawing a blank too, so far."

Henry leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. "Maybe we're looking at this the wrong way."

"What do you mean?"

"Well... I don't know... What if they haven't been compromised at all? What if they're not turned or burned, but... I don't know... found something important?"

"Like what?"

"Imminent threat to national security?"

"Then why not call it in?"

"Someone they couldn't trust on the tip line?"

"A sleeper inside the Agency? You read too many spy novels, my friend."

"Paul. We're literally spies."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean any of us has to be all dark and sinister," Paul said in a 'spooky voice', wiggling his fingers.

Morgan appeared in the doorway behind Paul. "Gannet's on the line."

Paul rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. "Finally! What's going on?"

"Mrs. Gannet is pregnant. Or was. Just gave birth to a bouncing baby blank, to be named redacted."

"And the others?" asked Henry, "Pelican and Shag?"

"Didn't you know? Pelican is Mrs. Gannet."

Henry shook his head. "And Shag?"

"Was best man at their wedding. He's to be Godfather."

Henry threw up his hands. "You have got to be kidding me!"