The Cartel Affair

by William E. Boone

  “You need to plead guilty to treason and be done or I’ll personally see to it that as many charges as possible are filed against you.”

  “Do you really think I’m just going to roll over without a fight?”

  “If you know what’s good for you, you will. I can and will make your life and career a living Hell for you. The choice is yours. I already have you in jail. Don’t think I’m not capable of doing what I say I will. Do you even care what your wife thinks? Does she not mean anything to you? If you’ve one ounce of compassion and feeling, you’ll do what’s right for her. She’s the one left to face the public after you’re gone. And you will be gone. Not in jail, but gone from this earth. This I promise you. Any way you look at it, your ass is mine!! You think about it and have your lawyer give me a call. If he’s smart, he’ll tell you the same thing I just did. Save the taxpayers some money and plead guilty.”

  Travis turns and walks away from Baker’s cell. He knows Baker will fight this thing, but maybe, just maybe, he’ll think about his wife. Travis heads to the chief’s office.

  “You wanted to see me, Chief?”

  “Yes, I did Mr. Bones. Might I ask what you were talking about with the Senator?”

  “Sure Chief, I was simply informing him that it would be in his best interest to plead guilty to treason and be done. I told him to think about his wife instead of himself for a change. She’s the one who’s going to have to live with all this long after he’s dead and gone.”

  “Well, you have a valid point there, Mr. Bones. Did he seem receptive to the idea?”

  “Please call me Travis and no, he wasn’t at all receptive to the idea. I told him to have his lawyer call me. Hopefully, he’ll listen to him and hopefully his lawyer is smart enough to know that this is the best deal he’ll get. I’ll personally be there when they hang his ass. Pardon my French.”

  “Well, let’s hope for the best and expect the worst.”

  “Very well put, Chief. I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Anything else, Chief?”

  “No, I think that about wraps it up.”

  “Thanks again for last night, Chief. I really appreciate what you did.”

  “Why I have no idea what you’re talking about, Travis.”

  Travis and the chief both laugh, and Travis turns and walks out of the chief’s office still laughing. Travis can only hope that Baker and his lawyer make the right choice. Travis heads back to Langley and tells Turner that he needs a few days to find a place to stay. The Op’s Center isn’t his idea of home, and that’s where Travis has been staying since coming to the CIA.

  THIRTY-THREE

  Somewhere in Washington DC

  TRAVIS DECIDED TO find a diner somewhere and a phone book so he could look up realtors. He stopped at several phone booths before he finally found one that had a phone book. He knew it was wrong, but he took the phone book just the same.

  He found a diner that looked good and stopped. He went inside, ordered breakfast, settled in the booth and started looking at ads for realtors. His breakfast came and he started eating as he looked. He hated shopping for realtors. He had no idea who was good and who wasn’t. Just as he was about to give up in frustration, the waitress came by to fill his coffee and saw him looking at realtors’ names.

  “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but notice that you’re looking at realtors. If you’re looking, I happen to know a good one you should talk to.”

  “And who would that be?”

  “I have a friend who’s a realtor and she represents a lot of houses. Are you looking in the DC area or somewhere else?”

  “I’m looking around the DC area. What’s her name?”

  “Claire, Claire Sullivan. She works for Sullivan and Associates. You should give her a call. Tell her Tammy sent you.”

  “Thank you, Tammy. Do you have her number?”

  “Sure, I’ll write it down for you. I’ll write mine down for you also.”

  “Thank you. What’s your last name, Tammy?”

  “Oh, it’s Kennedy. No relation to THE Kennedys. I get off at two if you wanted to know.” “Thank you, but I’m going to be busy the next few days looking for a house.”

  “Oh, yeah, sure. I understand.”

  “Maybe we could meet for drinks after I get my housing situation fixed.”

  “Yeah, that would be great.”

  They both smiled and Tammy went on her way to help other customers. Travis thought to himself, it’s just a bit too early after losing his family to start having drinks and going out. He didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so he played along. Travis knew that at six two and being in good shape with brown hair and blue eyes, he attracted some looks, but he just wasn’t ready for anything right now.

  Travis called Claire and told her what he was looking for. He made an appointment for later in the morning to meet and go over some properties. Travis finished his meal and paid the bill. He told Tammy goodbye and headed out to meet Claire.

  “Hello. You must be Claire.”

  “Yes, I am, and you must be Travis. Tammy called and said you were headed this way. She described you to a tee.”

  “Tammy seems like a very sweet girl. Now, what have you got for me to look at?”

  “I have several for you. I only have two that are on the water like you said you liked. One is a rather large house with water access and then I have one that sits on the river. It’s smaller but has more land.”

  “Let’s look at that one first.”

  “Ok. You can ride with me if you like.”

  “That would be fine. Shall we?”

  Claire and Travis head out to look at the property. As they’re riding, Claire is describing the house and grounds to Travis. The more he hears about the property, the more he likes what he hears. He’s actually looking forward to getting there and seeing it for himself. They arrive and Travis immediately likes what he sees.

  “This property sits directly on the Potomac River. It’s five acres and has a wall around the entire property. There’s a gate in the back wall leading to a private boat dock. It has a full security system. Two bedrooms, two and a half baths, living room, dining room with an island kitchen. It has an office and a den. Hardwood floors with tile in the kitchen and baths.”

  “The more you tell me the more I like it. Let’s go inside and look around.”

  They went inside. Claire showed Travis all around the house and grounds outside along with the boat dock and boat. Travis was truly impressed and knew that he had found what he was looking for. He didn’t need to look at anything else. He was home.

  “And what would it take for me to own this piece of heaven?”

  “Only $225,000. That includes everything.”

  “How much deposit would you need?” “Ten percent would hold it.”

  Travis knew he should try to negotiate the price, but he didn’t want to risk losing it to someone else for a few dollars. This place just felt like home and he wanted it.

  “Ok, let’s get the ball rolling on this.”

  “You don’t want to look at anything else?” “Nope, I’m ready to pull the trigger on this one now. How soon can you have the paperwork ready to be signed?”

  “A couple of days and you should be ready to sign and move in.”

  “Make it happen, the sooner the better.”

  Travis felt for the first time in months that his life was starting to resemble something like normal. This was a good feeling for Travis. Travis got back to Langley and made some phone calls to have his things shipped and to get the money set up for signing.

  Just as Travis was starting to relax and unwind, he received a call from Ben Phillips, Baker’s lawyer.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Phillips?”

  “I called to inform you that Senator Baker, after talking with you, has decided to take you up on your offer and not face further charges that he believes you can and will bring against him, but under one condition.”

  “And what might that condi
tion be, Mr. Phillips?”

  “That you promise to see to it that his wife doesn’t suffer any repercussions for the actions of her husband.”

  “You can tell Baker that’s one deal I guarantee will happen.”

  “We have a deal then, Mr. Bones?”

  “We have a deal, Mr. Phillips.”

  Travis hangs up the phone and couldn’t believe what just happened. He never thought in a million years that Baker would give up this easy. He has to talk to Turner right away. Travis picks up the phone and dials Turner’s number.

  “Hello Director, this is Travis.”

  “Yes Travis, what can I do for you?”

  “You’re not going to believe the conversation I just had with Baker’s lawyer.”

  “What did Phillips have to say?”

  “I went by to see Baker in jail and had a talk with him. I told him to have his lawyer call me after they talked.”

  “And what did this visit of yours consist of, Travis?”

  “Just letting him know that I was going to bury him and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. I told him he would be wise to take the treason charge and plead guilty or I would bury him under a mountain of other charges and to think about his wife instead of himself for a change.”

  “I see. And what did Phillips have to say about that?”

  He said that if I guarantee his wife wouldn’t suffer the wrath of the press over what he had done, that Baker would plead guilty to treason and be done.”

  “And what did you tell him?”

  “That this was one deal I could guarantee I would make happen. He said we have a deal. Baker will plead guilty to treason.”

  “That’s outstanding work, Travis. That makes it easy for the rest to be prosecuted. This is really fantastic. I probably would have gone about it differently, but you got the job done. Good work, Travis. I knew taking you on would be a good idea.”

  “Thank you, Sir. Now I’ll take a few days and get settled into my new place.”

  “That’s fine, Travis. You’ve definitely earned it.”

  THIRTY-FOUR

  New House on the River

  TRAVIS MADE ARRANGEMENTS to spend the next few days getting moved into his new place. He called Bob Masteson and let him know what Phillip’s had said. He also watched as Bob went on TV and informed the world of what was happening. He then spent time checking on Baker’s wife from a distance. Now it was time to move in.

  Travis moved his things in and started unpacking. The first box he opened had pictures of Sarah and Jamie in it. Travis sat down and went through the pictures until he felt the tears streaming down his face. He hadn’t even realized that he was crying until now. He picked up his favorite picture with both Sarah and Jamie in it and started walking around the house showing them the new place. This made him happy as he felt like they were there with him. Travis spent the next four hours talking to and showing Sarah and Jamie the house and all it entailed.

  Travis spent the next two days getting the house set up and all the things put in place. He spent time each day talking to Sarah and Jamie. This made him feel warm inside and it felt like they were a part of the move. He knew this was crazy, but it made his life sane and livable for now. He knew that if anyone heard him, they would think he had gone crazy. This made him laugh at himself. Who knows, maybe he had gone just a little bit crazy. Travis decided it was time to try out the boat. It was a 1980 Bayliner Ciera Family Cruiser. It had a cabin with a bed and a galley. Full radio equipment and a sky bridge.

  Travis didn’t feel like going out alone so he decided to call Tammy. Maybe they could talk, and he could explain things without hurting her feelings. Tammy said she got off at two and would very much like to join him for an outing on the boat. Travis gave her directions to the house and she said she would be there at three. Travis made the boat ready and waited on Tammy to arrive.

  Tammy arrived at three sharp and Travis showed her around the house. She seemed truly interested and was glad that Travis had found such a beautiful place. They talked about Claire and how Tammy knew her. It felt good to have someone to talk too. Travis felt like he and Tammy could be friends. She was easy to talk to and she had a genuine interest in what Travis had to say. He was glad he had called.

  They made their way out to the boat and Tammy was very impressed by the size and luxury of the boat. Travis explained that it had come with the house and that until now, he had not had time to take it out. Travis started the engine and they left the dock for a nice river cruise.

  “So, Travis, I see that you have a wedding ring on. Where’s your wife?”

  “She and my son were killed in a car accident in California. They were going to see some friends in San Diego, and they were run off the road and went down an embankment and the car caught on fire. They never had a chance.”

  “Oh my God. Travis I’m so sorry. When did this happen?”

  “A couple of months ago.”

  “Then it’s still fresh in your mind. I’m so very sorry to hear that. You must still be struggling with coming to terms with it.”

  “Thank you, and yes I am. I find myself talking to them all the time. I know that makes me sound like I’m crazy, but it really does help.”

  “I know what you mean. I lost my mother to cancer a couple of years ago and I still find myself talking to her when I have a problem. You don’t sound crazy at all. It sounds like you loved them very much.”

  “They were my world and the reason I got up in the morning. I still find it hard to believe they’re gone.”

  “Anytime you need to talk you can just call me.”

  “Thank you, Tammy, I just might take you up on that from time to time.”

  “I would really enjoy that, Travis. Now I understand why you said what you did when I gave you my number at the diner. I feel like such a fool.”

  “Don’t feel that way. You had no way of knowing what was going on. I think we can be good friends and help each other out when we’re having a hard time with things. What do you think?”

  “I think that sounds wonderful and I would be honored to be that kind of friend to you.”

  “Good. Then it’s settled. Now let’s see what this baby can do.”

  With that, Travis moves the throttle forward and they take off. They laugh, knowing they both have just found a new friend. As the day winds down into evening, they realize they’re hungry. Travis turns the boat toward home and they decide to get something to eat.

  After getting back to the house, they go into DC and grab some dinner. They end up at Old Ebbitt Grill and have a wonderful time. After dinner, Tammy tells Travis that she needs to be getting home as she has to be at work early. Travis thanks her for a wonderful afternoon and heads back home with a light heart and a smile on his face.

  THIRTY-FIVE

  Napa California

  TRAVIS TAKES THE CIA’s private jet to Napa County Airport. He needs to check in on Baker’s wife and keep his promise so Baker would keep his. He lands at the airport and rents a car to drive to the Baker’s home.

  Travis arrives at the Baker’s home only to find that the street has become a mini city with reporters from every major news agency parked up and down the street. Travis needs to come up with a plan to get rid of the reporters.

  Travis walks up to some of the reporters and asks what’s going on. They tell him they’re waiting on Senator Baker’s wife to come out. Travis looks at them and tells them they’re wasting their time. Baker’s wife is staying somewhere in DC so she can see her husband. They ask Travis how he knows this. Travis tells them he works for the government and saw her there this morning. The reporters turn and head to their vehicles and leave to talk to their respective agencies. Travis waits for them to go and then heads to the front door of the Baker home. Travis knocks on the door and the housekeeper asks who it is through the door. Travis tells her that he’s with the government and needs to talk to Mrs. Baker - that it’s very important. In a moment the door opens, and Travi
s is face to face with Baker’s wife. He explains that he needs to talk to her. She invites Travis in and she asks him how he got rid of all the reporters and he tells her what he told them. She laughs and said she wished she had thought of that.

  “Mrs. Baker, my name is Travis Bones and I work with the government. I made a promise to your husband that I intend to keep. I need to have you come with me so I can keep the reporters away from you and keep you safe.”

  “Where on earth can you possibly take me that they will not find me?”

  “To start with, we’ll go to the house at Big Bear Lake. From there I’ll be able to move you around until the reporters get tired of chasing you, and until I can come up with a permanent plan to make them leave you alone.”

  “Do you think that will work for now?”

  “I just bought us at least a couple of day’s head start. I’ll pull into the garage and put you in the back. You’ll have to lay down under a blanket until we get out on the road. Then you can sit up.” “Isn’t that a little cloak and dagger?”

  “It’s that or I can leave, and they will come back.”

  “Very well. I really can’t take much more of the hounding they’ve been doing.”

  Travis pulls the car into the garage and waits long enough to make sure no one is watching. He takes Mrs. Baker out to the car, lays her in the back floorboard, and covers her with a blanket. They leave the residence without incident and Travis heads for the highway. Once they’re well away from the house and Travis no longer sees any news vehicles, he pulls over, helps Mrs. Baker out of the floorboard, and puts her up front with himself. They drive in silence to Big Bear Lake. Travis pulls the car into the garage and shuts the door and goes upstairs and checks the house. He looks out the window and sees a glint of light. That’s either from a gun sight or a camera lens. Travis figures it’s the latter. Must be some reporter with a telephoto lens some distance away. New game plan.

  Travis goes back downstairs and tells Mrs. Baker what he saw. Change of plans. Travis tells Mrs. Baker that they’re going to the airport and have the plane meet them there.