Silent Crickets: A Shallow End Gals, Trilogy Book Three

by Troutman, Kimberly

  Jackson and Abram looked at each other. Did he mean money?

  Mass chuckled at their facial expressions. “You should each be getting about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. You’ll have to pay taxes on it.”

  Abram and Jackson both jumped up. Jackson asked, “You sure about this? We’re gonna get a hundred and a half each?”

  Mass nodded, “Pretty soon too. Next couple of days. I need you both to sit down and listen a minute.”

  Abram and Jackson sat back down. Jackson couldn’t sit still. This was more money than he had ever had.

  Mass said, “We are worried about your safety. This money is enough that you can start your lives somewhere new. Or we can put you in witness protection.”

  Abram shook his head, “Nawlens my home man. You give that Dance dude another week there won’t be no more bad dudes in Nawlens.”

  Jackson nodded. The first thing he would do is buy his momma a new house, then get her eyes fixed. Jackson said, “I know where to stay away from. I’m with Abram. Most dudes that even know me is dead now or in jail.”

  Simon, Thor, and Nelson paid for their lunch at Mickey’s and grabbed Ray’s to-go order. The juke box was playing one of Simon’s favorite songs, ‘Summertime.’ Simon started singing along.

  Nelson shook his head, “You know Pablo is a jazz singer? You two should talk about getting a gig while we’re here.”

  Thor said, “See if Ray knows how to sing or play the piano. He really needs to get out more. He’s missing all the joys of New Orleans.”

  Simon stopped singing and said, “We won’t be here much longer.”

  Simon looked at his watch. It was already two in the afternoon. He knew Roger would be shutting down the money sting before long. They had the two cartels Roger planned something with, but now that the sicko club was in custody, they might be nearing the end of their time in New Orleans.

  Outside the bar, Simon handed Nelson Ray’s food. He told Nelson that he and Thor would be there shortly.

  Thor’s toothpick wiggled in the corner of his mouth. “What’s up?”

  “Thought I’d tell you a story.”

  Thor raised an eyebrow. “Have at it.”

  Simon exhaled, “I love my wife. Still, even though we divorced. We’re still close, and as soon as I retire, I know we will be together again.” Simon’s gaze softened. “Years ago, before I met my wife, I met the most amazing woman in the world. My world anyway. I think I knew I was in love with her the first moment I saw her.”

  Thor rubbed his forehead, “Is there going to be a point to this story?” It was over a hundred degrees outside, and the afternoon stench of the streets was starting to rise.

  Simon frowned, “Shut up and listen. I think she felt the same about me. There was magnetism. I met her when on assignment, so there was never any time to see where it might really go. I let the moment pass. I should have stayed. To this day my heart aches to see her again. I think she was my goose.”

  Thor frowned, “Your goose? What the hell do you mean by that?”

  “Geese mate for life. They mutually choose each other at first sight. I used to hunt until I read that somewhere. Couldn’t bring myself to shoot them after that. She was my goose.”

  Thor asked, “Why didn’t you go back and find her?”

  Simon shook his head, “I did about six months later. She had died in an auto accident. I visit her grave at least once a year. In some strange way I feel connected to her when I am there. I leave her a goose feather.” Simon’s voice had cracked. He took a deep breath and tapped Thor’s shoulder with his index finger. “Every man has one big regret in his life. She is mine. Just wanted to tell you my story. Never told anyone before.” Simon turned and started walking across the street to the Star Ship. He yelled back, “I think this case wraps up in another day or so.”

  Thor watched Simon walk away. What the hell was that about?

  Jason Sims had been deep undercover for the CIA on the LUCY project for over five years. He was one of a dozen programmer’s worldwide working for LUCY. Jason Sims not only had to program to the specifications of LUCY, he had to simultaneously program protection triggers for the CIA. These triggers would have to be undetectable to the other programmers on both sides. Jason was a genius, but he was also a realist. He hoped he had not made any mistakes. In cyber warfare there was always someone younger and brighter moving up the ranks.

  Jason now looked at the faces of the men at the conference table. The Senior Advisors of the National Security Council of the United States. It didn’t get any more important than this. These men had approved the martial law order for New Orleans because the CIA had Jason make it appear LUCY was beginning an attack. Actually, the CIA and LUCY Task force had been waiting for an opportunity to launch an attack of their own. The deception was necessary because the CIA suspected a LUCY mole in the National Security Council.

  Roger’s idea of a communication sting on the weapons transaction fit perfectly. Claiming a money wire mess had resulted from the communication sting provided another perfect cover. Of the entire National Security Council, only the Chairman knew French Quarter Bank was a LUCY trap. Everyone else only knew that the communication sting had identified some suspected LUCY players. Only the Chairman knew that Thornton, Fenley and Donavan had been exposed in the communication sting, and were being set up in the money sting.

  Ellen was in the room flying over everyone and reading their thoughts. She knew that someone in this room was involved with LUCY and was actually a traitor. This person would have a plan to keep Jason from stopping the cyber threats should LUCY choose to implement them. Jason was no longer an asset to LUCY, but a threat.

  The Chairman of the Council asked Jason a second time, “Are you confident that adequate protections have been programmed so we may proceed?”

  Jason knew he was being used as bait. Jason’s answer had to sound as if he needed to physically implement his controls. “I designed the software they will use against us. I have hard programed “imploding” keys I intend to activate. I have run a ‘test’ attack of my own from each of their centers and stopped them. I think we are as ready as we’ll ever be.”

  The Chairman nodded. “Mr. Sims, this country owes you our deepest gratitude. My understanding is that any attempts to trigger these cyber threats will immediately identify the actual person initiating it. Is that correct?”

  Jason answered, “Yes. We will also be able to capture all subsequent transmissions from that computer address. That may actually tell us more. We will see who is expecting reports.”

  The Chairman looked at the others members of the Council and said, “Gentlemen, I believe we have decided to take down LUCY within the next few hours.”

  The representative from the International Monetary Fund added, “Criminal charges must be harsh and brought against individuals in addition to the entities that attempt retaliation.”

  Heads nodded around the table.

  The Chairman declared the meeting adjourned and walked over to where Jason Sims waited by the door. “Did you take the precautions we discussed?”

  Jason answered, “Yes sir.”

  The Chairman had a very uneasy feeling. “I am greatly concerned for your safety.”

  Jason nodded. “I appreciate your concern. I intend on vanishing after tonight. The systems are safe now, even if something happens to me.”

  Ellen identified who the threat was and called the Director of the FBI. The Director would need help taking this guy down. Then Ellen called us. She told us Jason was in immediate danger.

  Jason rode in the back of the car provided for him and dialed Mathew Core.

  Mathew answered on the first ring. “Are you alright?”

  Jason answered, “Yes. Maybe after tonight I can get my life back.”

  Core exhaled, “LUCY ends tonight? Not to seem morbid, but is there a plan in place in case something happens to you?”

  Jason laughed, “Hell yes! I don’t even have to be there now
! We’re on autopilot.”

  Core chuckled, “Well, it’s been quite a ride……” Core heard what sounded like an explosion blast come through his phone. Core’s heart sank. The line was dead. He tried calling back. Nothing.

  People were screaming, bleeding from flying glass and fiery metal debris. A burning fuel stench filled the air and flames engulfed the remains of a car in the center of Pennsylvania Avenue. Sirens screamed and flashing blue lights appeared from nowhere.

  A man holding his cell phone, recording the blast, threw his cigarette to the sidewalk and spoke into the phone. “Did you get that?”

  Ellen told us to meet her on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. She told us to just stand in the middle of the road and wait for her. This would not have been a good idea in mortal life, but hey? Not long after we got there Ellen showed up. She was studying her watch and said, “When I say ‘freeze’ I need you guys to help me freeze everything in sight. Got it?” We all nodded.

  About one minute later Ellen yelled, “Freeze.” We froze everything, cars driving, birds in the air, people on sidewalks, everything. Ellen flew down to a black Lincoln Town car. “This is the one. Help me move the driver and the guy in the back seat over to that bench by the corner. This is Jason Sims.”

  Teresa asked, “Mathew Core’s computer guy?”

  Ellen answered, “Yup. Let’s hurry, this car is going to blow up. They are not going to understand how they got out of this car and we can’t do anything about that. This is one of those things mortals will just have to accept as unexplainable. Hurry, this is going to blow!”

  Shit!

  We got the car door open and Teresa and Mary moved the driver, and Linda and I moved Jason. Ellen kept doing something with her watch and went under the car. When Jason and the driver were safe, Ellen said, “Now follow me.”

  She went about a half block and stopped next to a man that was holding a cell phone out in front of him. Ellen said, “We are going to unfreeze now and I am going to trace that phone call. After the explosion, I am going to call the FBI Director and tell him what happened. He will have someone come to pick up Jason. You gals stay with Jason to make sure he stays safe. Got it?”

  Whoa! There’s going to be an explosion, and a rescue, and we get to stand guard and ….

  A huge roar and rumble thundered into a deafening blast. Flames exploded from the car and sent traffic veering in all directions. The sounds of metal crunching metal and people screaming filled the air! The car was a ball of fire in the middle of the street.

  Jason and the driver watched in horror as the car exploded just yards from them. They looked at each other.

  The driver was clearly shaken, “How the hell did we get here?”

  Jason shook his head and looked for his phone. It must still be in the car. He wasn’t comfortable using the driver’s phone. Something told him to just stay put a minute.

  Jason answered, “I think someone just tried to kill me.”

  “You mean, us.”

  The medical examiner looked at the note his assistant had passed him. The remains of the child found in the swamp were suspected to be those of Michael Summers, Cleveland, Ohio. The assistant had retrieved the remains from the steel unit housing them and was arranging them for the examiner on the table.

  The medical examiner placed a call to the FBI forensics lab to give the DNA sample they had provided priority. He also asked them to compare the results with the DNA they had on file for young Michael.

  The medical examiner stood over Michael’s remains and sighed, “We’re going to get you home now young man.”

  Thor walked into the Star Ship and heard the voices of the team rising up from the basement. He decided to take a quick shower. He could smell the sulfur on him from their raid on the trafficking building earlier. Wearing the assault gear had made him sweat in the humidity. He just wanted to feel clean again. Thor walked into the room he had been using as his and removed his shirt.

  Thor heard a quiet knock on the door and said, “Come in.” He turned to see Jeanne standing in the doorway. She moved her eyes from him and said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were going to shower.”

  Thor shrugged, “It’s okay. What’s up?”

  Jeanne looked back to him. “Simon wanted me to tell you Roger is on his way here. He doesn’t want anyone to leave.” Jeanne noticed Thor’s amulet resting in his chest hair. Thor’s physique was beautiful. He was a very strong, handsome man.

  Thor’s voice startled her back to the moment, “I’ll be down in a minute.”

  Jeanne closed the door and went downstairs to join the others. She had to force herself to focus on the conversations around her. This was a problem.

  Paul turned on the news and the team watched the coverage of the arraignment of the sicko club and the subsequent shooting on the courthouse steps. Ray spun his chair around to address Paul when the news started repeating itself. “So how many ‘flesh wounds’ does Roger have now? I count one at the church during the neighborhood sweep thing, and three today?”

  Roger came down the stairs, “Five today.”

  Everyone turned to look at him. Now both sides of his neck had bandages, a small one behind one ear, a small one on his forehead and one on each arm. Roger walked over, sat on the couch next to Pablo, and smiled.

  Pablo looked over, “Trying to steal my sympathy card?” Pablo still sported his sling from having been shot in the shoulder at Jeremiah’s.

  Roger chuckled and then moaned, “These didn’t hurt when it happened.” He gingerly leaned back on the sofa and winced.

  Paul asked, “Didn’t they give you anything for pain?”

  Roger frowned and said, “The Security Council just voted to shut down LUCY. Jason Sims has assured the Council that the world’s targeted security and utility computer systems are protected. The money LUCY members thought they permanently laundered will be seized any minute.” Roger looked at Ray, “How much are we up to?”

  Ray smiled ear to ear, “I’ve checked it a couple of times to be sure, lots of zeros, eighty five TRILLION dollars.”

  Roger knew there would be a high sum of money involved, but he was stunned.

  Pablo’s voice broke the silence, “Oh shit!”

  Simon volunteered, “That’s only about half of what is estimated to be out there as laundered money.”

  Roger continued, “The Director of the FBI is going to leak the money seizure information to William C. Thornton.”

  Simon interrupted, “They want to see who he runs to, right?”

  Roger nodded, “Right. He can’t win on this. He’s made his own trap. If he warns them, we have him. If he doesn’t warn them, they will assume he knew. It will be interesting to see what he decides to do. Our other issue is Manio. We have enough to arrest him and I want to do that tonight. He came to town to secure that shipment of guns and drugs. He is providing us the opportunity to arrest him, I think we should take it.”

  Paul chuckled, “Don’t forget Manio plans to take out the trash. That means getting rid of us. Manio had Roger shot today.”

  Thor had walked downstairs, fresh from his shower and said, “How do you know Manio ordered the hit today?”

  Roger answered, “Our shooter also shot Catahoula of the US. Attorney General’s office. Catahoula has already started to deal with the shooter.”

  Simon raised his eyebrows, “Will Catahoula prosecute Manio after we arrest him?”

  Roger answered yes and Simon let out a yelp. “Finally! Manio just might go down.”

  Roger looked at his watch. It was already four in the afternoon and he wanted to arrest Manio about eight this evening. The Coast Guard needed time to make their raids on the other eight Lanitol Oil docks. Roger looked at the team and said, “Why don’t we meet up at the field office about 7:30 and head to the Casino to pick up Manio. That will give us all a couple of hours down time.”

  Thor asked, “I’m not complaining there isn’t enough to do, but did you ever figure out
a plan for the two cartels coming for Monday’s gun train?”

  Roger chuckled, “I sent the train out yesterday. It’s already been unloaded in the Kansas underground storage. The plan now is to watch who robs an empty train. If we arrest Manio, it only leaves Zelez.”

  Simon looked at Thor, “Like I said, we’re just about done here.”

  Jeanne felt herself stop breathing for a moment. She looked at Simon and asked, “Are you leaving New Orleans after we arrest Manio tonight?”

  Simon answered, “The minute Roger says we’re done. I’m getting the hell out of here and going home.” There were a few chuckles.

  Pablo looked at Simon, “Don’t forget me, man. You said I could follow you around.”

  Jeanne grabbed her bottle of water and quickly made her way up the stairs.

  Ray shook his head and looked at Thor.

  Thor put his palms out and shrugged, “What?”

  Carol asked, “What is Spicey cooking? Smells yummy.” Carol and Cindy had walked up and down Bourbon Street checking out the shops. They each had a dozen bags from their shopping, and were now plopped on Spicey’s couch taking off their shoes.

  Sasha smiled, “Got a big pot of gumbo started. I think she be wantin’ you two stayin’ for dinner.”

  Spicey came from the back and after hugs said, “I have an idea for you two to have a Nawlens experience to remember. How ‘bout a swamp tour? Not the kind tourists get but a real one.” Carol and Cindy started to squeal and Spicey interrupted them. “You want to meet a real Voodoo Queen?”

  Carol clutched her chest, grabbed Cindy and started shaking her. “A real Voodoo Queen! In the swamp! Can you believe it?”

  Cindy frowned and looked at Spicey, “Gee. Thanks.”

  Spicey laughed and said, “I called my friend Willie to pick us up and take us out there. You two dressed mighty cute for a swamp. You want to change clothes ‘fore we go?”