by L. M. Vila
Meryl nodded. The Director seemed so sure that everything was under control but the way he explained it to his subordinate made it seem like he was trying to convince himself more than her.
“You have the distinct pleasure of being the only agent from our department to sit in on the meeting undercover. Two Secret service agents will be accompanying the President throughout the day of course but that’s standard operating procedure. We’re having you posing as the President’s direct aid and liaison to the meeting. You’ll be the first to meet both nations as they arrive, ensure they have everything they need, and watch over things as the meeting progresses. Of course, you’ll be wired so we’ll be listening in but you’re mainly going to be our eyes in this operation. The President is ordering that the security cameras be taken offline during these meetings at the request of both Korean nations. As much as everyone wants to be a part of history, this is meant to be a private affair. According to the President anyways.”
That was an interesting proposition from their Commander in Chief. Normally, anyone with a decent internet connection could log in and watch the Oval Office at work all day. Meryl was starting to like what she heard about their new President as this discussion progressed. He was starting to sound like Meryl’s kind of guy.
“I’m honored sir.”
“Don’t be,” the Director scoffed.
That took Meryl back a step. Howard looked so annoyed that she instantly felt uncomfortable sitting in here with him.
“It wasn’t my idea but our foreign advisors said that it would in our best interest if there were a woman in the room. They said it would work to both nations’ benefit. Their culture naturally looks down on females and having someone there in a position to where they can feel authoritative will help both parties play nice.”
Meryl felt the sour tinge of disgust coat the back of her throat. Throughout all of her life she had to fight tooth and nail to prove that she was not only equal to men but, for the most part, superior as well. The fact that she’s being demoted back down to the gender stereotypes she fought so hard to overcome was almost enough to induce vomiting. She was nearly ready to walk out of that door without so much as a wave goodbye and never look back.
“But damn it, if they want a woman watching over them in there I’m sure as hell going to make sure they get our best.”
The Director’s compliment sent a rush of blood flooding into Meryl’s cheeks. He not only completely empathized with Meryl’s plight but seemed just as angry. At least he had the decency to give them someone worthy to sit in that room. Meryl decided to placate their Korean guests. It certainly wouldn’t be the most belittling undercover assignment she ever took. That honor goes to yesterday’s events in Vegas.
Changing gears, the Director pulled up another file on his computer.
“It’s a shame I can’t put you both in the same room but the Secret Service was adamant about having Agent Madison join them for this operation.”
Though she regretted it personally, Meryl respected their decision from a professional’s standpoint. It wasn’t like they were on separate Ops. They’d be working in the same building. Just different offices.
“Speaking of which. It’s a shame Agent Madison was able to join us today.”
“About that,” Meryl started.
The Director cut her off.
“We’re not about repeat history are we Agent Lewis? I can’t speak enough about Agent Madison’s results but his methods leaves more to be desired. If I can’t keep my own agents in line, that reflects poorly on me. I can’t have another AWOL incident. Especially at a time like this,” Miller sighed drinking in the severity of his words.
“Now, is there anything you’d like to tell me about what happened that would ease my thoughts and maybe allow me to sleep for a few minutes tonight?”
Meryl took a deep breath. Words couldn’t express her feelings at this time. There wasn’t anything she could tell him that he didn’t already know. She was in the dark as much as he was. Still, Meryl just couldn’t abandon Michael. Wherever he was, whatever he was doing, she was sure he had his reasons.
“Agent Madison,” she began.
Her instinctual reaction was to shove her bottom lip under the safe confines of her pearly white teeth but that move would have screamed her insecurities at the highest ranking officer in her organization. This wasn’t the time to be timid. She just had to be honest.
“I’m sorry,” started Meryl, “but Michael is a model employee. He is timely, efficient, and unlike most people would just speak the words, Michael has proven that he’d give his life for the FBI if that were the only solution available. Not that he has much of one now all things considering…”
Meryl stopped herself from revealing too much of her deeper personal thoughts on the matter. She took another deep breath hoping to convey all of her feelings into one final thought.
“I’ve never seen anyone work as hard or sacrifice everything as he has. I don’t think we should ever question what Michael’s up to but rather commend him for doing so without ever asking any himself.”
“Shit,” the Miller coughed. “So you don’t know either? I was hoping if anyone did, it would be you.”
“Excuse me?”
Meryl quizzically stared back at him. Before she could speak in his defense, the Director chimed in.
“I commend you on your words Agent Lewis,” he started. “You’re absolutely right. Every word of it. Hell, I’ve known it since the day he started. Everyone has their little quirks. Whether it’s shying away from authority or constantly butting heads with it.”
The last words were met with a raised eyebrow pointed squarely at Meryl. He didn’t even try to be subtle calling her out on those legendary instincts of hers.
“Either way, I still have a job to do. I just wanted to make sure that you both still knew which team you’re playing for. Is that clear Agent Lewis?”
Meryl nodded. It was embarrassing enough she already had a reputation around this parts that shit didn’t dare continue living up to it.
“I already got an earful from Agent Fischer as well. I knew he’d be good down there but not that good. I hope he hasn’t been causing you any undue stress. I sent him to get L.A. organized but if he’s getting in your way you just let me know and I’ll take care of it. That is my gift to you for taking on this assignment Agent Lewis and being an otherwise model employee throughout your year with us.”
A professional compliment and invitation to speak directly with the head of your organization was enough to make Meryl’s day. Things were definitely looking up for her tenure at the FBI.
“That reminds me,” started the Director as he picked up his desk phone. “I need to touch base with him and see how Director Wells is doing.”
“What?” Chimed in an inquisitive Meryl. Her eyebrow raised sharply.
“You haven’t heard?” He replied. “Nicole collapsed outside of the airport just before your flight took off.”
“Oh my God,” Meryl gasped.
Her heart nearly stopped at that very moment. Thankfully she was able to get out three coherent words before the rush of emotion swelled over her.
“Is she okay?”
March 24th, 2013 7:29AM
Las Vegas, NV
Nicole Wells rested gently on the freshly pressed hospital bed with her gaze fixated on the window. The sun had just started to rise yet it felt like ages since she’s been able to simply relax and enjoy a view like this. She still hadn’t fully gotten over the embarrassing events that transpired just a few hours ago but Nicole relished in the fact that she was awake and alive to appreciate this beautiful moment.
The Sunrise Valley Hospital was very accommodating after her little episode near the airport. The last time Nicole remembered fainting thanks to her Sarcoidosis was right before she was first diagnosed. There hasn’t been another incident since which triggered thoughts that Nicole did not want to confront.
Sitting across from her, A
drian Fischer appeared to be the epitome of a perfect gentleman. He watched over her immediately after she fainted, called emergency services and stayed with her throughout the night to ensure everything was going to be okay. Their little spat seemed like it never transpired. Though he was a little rough around the edges and followed protocol a little too closely for Nicole’s taste, he wouldn’t let any ill feelings he may hold against her get in the way of doing the right thing. That was more than enough to drive Nicole’s guilt right up the wall.
The door calmly opened and Dr. Haresh Nayar stepped in with chart in hand.
“Good morning again Agent Fischer,” he smiled and nodded.
“Hello doctor,” Adrian replied standing up and shaking his hand once more. “What have you been able to find?”
He was a tall man with dark brown skin and midnight black hair that looked very young for his age. A finely pressed white coat he wore over his light blue dress shirt and brown slacks appeared as if the colors had been specially made for him to wear. He’d been on site for the last few hours and had given Nicole a lot of attention during that time at the request of her subordinate.
“Ms. Wells’ condition is rather unique. I just got off the phone with her physician back in Los Angeles and he forwarded all of her medical records. Looking over them I’d say we’re surprised she’s managed to go this long without being on permanent medical leave.”
Adrian had a suspicion that was the case. His superior always had a way to keep things hidden. It appears her luck has finally run out in this case but Adrian did not feel like it was a victory. He’d never admit it to her directly but Nicole Wells was the best Assistant Director to ever step in that office. Her record for closed cases was impeccable and she had a naturally affinity to command and lead. If only she adhered to protocol more often. Unfortunately, that’s probably what made her so damn good at her job.
A few more pages flipped on Dr. Nayar’s clipboard as he continued.
“I’m still waiting for the test results to come back to see what we can do for you Ms. Wells but until then I’m afraid we’re going to have to hold you here for observation for the next few days. I like to keep an optimistic outlook on things but given the data I received I’d like to file this under better safe than sorry.”
Nicole couldn’t even find the strength to give the doctor a look. She continued to stare out the window hoping to enjoy one last moment before the world came crashing down on her once more.
“I’ve asked the nurses to pay special attention to you Ms. Wells for the duration of your stay. If there’s anything you need, please let them know. I’m going to be around for a couple more hours but I promise I won’t go anywhere until I’ve gotten the results back and can give you a solid answer.”
“Thank you doctor,” smiled Adrian.
That was something Nicole had rarely seen on that man but with her eyes fixated on the Nevada landscape outside, she missed another opportunity to spot it.
The doctor left the room which prompted Adrian to walk over to Nicole and stand between her view of freedom. There was no way in hell he was going to let her walk away from this line of questioning.
“How are you feeling?”
“I already told you Adrian,” she defended.
The last words she’d spoken were to Meryl before she left to D.C. Her voice sounded a little coarse but no worse for wear.
“I’m fine.”
“Could have fooled me,” he casually retorted. “I knew there was something going on. I’ve been watching you for weeks Nicole. You haven’t been well since the undercover OP at the high school. Tonight was the breaking point. Why have you been pushing yourself so hard?”
Adrian’s words sounded casual and comforting. This was rather unlike him. They rarely, if ever, called each other by their first names. Maybe if Nicole had given him the benefit of the doubt they may have been able to go beyond tolerating each other’s existence. In another world, they even could have been friends.
The question asked forced Nicole to ponder a formidable response. She knew there wasn’t much time left for her. All of her work up to this point has been for a purpose. Death staring her in the face yet again couldn’t force her to tell him the truth. Not that she didn’t trust him, which she didn’t, but because it involved the life of another. Nicole couldn’t burden this man with that knowledge. It was her cross to bear. She couldn’t tell him the truth so Nicole resorted to what she does best.
“After Joshua passed, there was a big void in the office. Everyone felt so vulnerable and afraid. I couldn’t let our department suffer so I took the burden upon myself. I buried myself in work. To a fault maybe. With all of the chaos going on every week, people started to forget why they were so afraid anymore. And then it was business as usual. Pushing myself a little harder every day for the sake and wellbeing of my staff is nothing compared to burden of living in fear.”
“And Agent Madison and Agent Lewis? Do they share your sentiments?”
Nicole paused for a moment.
“Agent Madison is a unique individual. He’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. He…”
She stopped herself for a second wondering if this was worth speaking. It may ease Adrian’s worries and perhaps lead him in a more positive direction so she continued.
“He was so fragile before he joined the Bureau. Almost broken, in a sense. But he grew stronger and hardened himself for everyone’s sake. I know for a fact that if he could go back in time, he would switch places with Joshua in a heartbeat.
“Meryl is,” she paused to correct herself from sounding too emotionally invested. “Agent Lewis is strong. She’s the one of the best I’ve ever seen. Despite her personal history, she’s been able to overcome any obstacle that stood in her way. She’s not on to shy away from a fight either. I admire that in her. She’s never afraid to challenge what’s wrong and fight for the things she believes in. I mean, how many people walk away from a billion dollar empire to work for us? There’s something special about her that I don’t think any of us have realized. Whenever the going gets tough, she’s always standing strong. If we had one of her at every branch, we’d have nothing to worry about.”
“I see.”
Adrian was almost flabbergasted. He’d never seen those two agents painted in that light before. While their mission objectives seemed to clash with standard operating procedure, they always got the job done. Adrian cursed at himself for being a little overzealous and foolish during those times. Protocol was important but nothing trumped employee morale. It was always their bodies on the line and neither one of them ever backed down when the department needed them the most.
“Well, see to it that you get some rest. I’m going to make a few calls but I’ll be outside if you need me.”
“You should go back to the office Adrian,” Nicole boldly stated.
“What?” He was almost at a loss for words. “I can’t leave you here. Not like this –”
“Nothing’s going to happen to me within these walls,” she interrupted. “I couldn’t be in a safer place. Besides, the office needs you. Now more than ever. I’ll have my phone with me. Let me know if anything urgent comes up but for now.”
After a deep breath, Nicole continued.
“I’ll just get some rest.”
Adrian gave his superior one last look. This one was filled a professionalism but masked behind those eyes appeared a small twinge of remorse. The irony of the situation was thick. For what seems like the first time in a long while, Nicole was the one who was following protocol and Adrian had almost become insubordinate.
“Understood Commander.”
He walked out of the door immediately, carrying on as if it were business as usual. Nicole could hear his footsteps echoing down the hall as he left. Her eyes gazed back towards the window and the rising sun before her eyes. At least she’d have a calming view for the days to come. No one could ask for more with so little of them left.
March 24th, 2013 5:15AM
(local time)
Vladivostok, Russia
Colonel Lee and his men were as quiet as ghosts sitting inside the pitch black container. They had remained stationary and motionless for the past couple of hours. Their proud military training has steeled their resolve. Knowing that the People’s Army was on the verge of making a glorious comeback, these men could have waiting in there for weeks need be.
The ride over the border nearly wrecked their nerves and resolves. Thankfully, things proceeded smoother than anyone could hope. Unbeknownst to Colonel Lee, the army had some fairly deep pockets as of late thanks to a certain unnamed benefactor. The influx of cash and resources has greatly helped fund their past and current efforts. General Song was adamant had Korea held out just a few more weeks the entire tide of the battle would have been changed. Now they were stuck playing catch up.
“Colonel,” one of the soldiers whispered. “What is the purpose of our mission?” He boldly asked.
Lee admired the inquisitiveness of his soldiers. It was a trait he respected. A lot of men will just fall in line and do as they’re told. Men who ask questions will later grow into men who will answer them. Those are the ones who will eventually lead in his place.
“That has not been disclosed Private.”
Normally the Colonel would be more active in obtaining detailed information concerning any mission or operation under his direct command; especially one of such great significance. The months of being beaten down and living off meager sustenance must have taken a greater toll on Lee than he originally thought. He was just so excited to be given a great purpose again he neglected to ask for any more information. Even the cryptic warning given by the Sergeant before they left didn’t register any inquiring thoughts or ideas.
“But how will our efforts help bring back peace to our country?”
