by L. M. Vila
“I just received confirmation from my people. They have procured your belongings. It will be en route to Ronald Reagan International Airport shortly. Well before we arrive,” Davis paused a bit and let Michael relish in the updated information before asking a question that has been on his mind since he was asked this favor.
“Are you certain you’ll require all of this equipment?”
Michael nodded.
“How can you be so sure?” Davis persisted.
With the amount of arms Michael has been known to carry, it would be enough to fight a war. Then again, that shouldn’t be surprising given the nature of his birth after all.
“Experience.”
The young Paladin let out a single laugh.
“Fair enough.”
There was no need to debate this topic any further. The young Paladin leaned back in his chair and shut his eyes. Even the warriors of Testament needed to sleep. They have had several long days. They should relish in the times of peace when they can.
“Perhaps you should get some rest,” offered Davis. “You haven’t slept in the last two days.”
The only response Davis received was a small grunt that barely echoed past the FBI agent’s cheeks. That almost made Davis laugh again.
“The sacrifices you give to this world are great Michael. Don’t think they haven’t gone unnoticed with our organization.”
Those words were meant to comfort the FBI agent but it was as if they didn’t even register. Davis didn’t know whether or not he’d get another opportunity to ask this but he decided to go ahead anyways.
“Something has made me curious going over your files. You have many accomplishments on record and have willingly put your life on the line many times. I’ve been wondering this for quite some time.”
The young Paladin paused and took a breath.
“What are you fighting for?”
His companion was silent. Perhaps stewing over the question or thinking about just the right answer to give. Michael was shrouded in mystery. This job would be so much easier if Davis could read his mind. Although, some would say that given the power of Testament, they should be able to. Despite their secrets and Michael’s, they all appeared to have one thing in common. They wanted to preserve the safety of this world in their own unique ways. Michael may have his own methods of doing so that are contrary to the young Paladin’s beliefs but their end goals are the same.
When Michael didn’t respond after a few moments, Davis opened his eyes to check on him. Michael was already fast asleep. He must have just been a few seconds late with his question but Davis didn’t mind. Michael deserved some time to rest. After all, his final judgment was quickly approaching and the young Paladin was sure he wouldn’t go down without a fight.
He prayed it wouldn’t come to that.
March 27th, 2013 8:45AM
Washington, D.C.
Director Miller brooded over his desk for a few moments. The hot white screen of his monitor flashed against the soft wrinkles of his skin and face. He continued to examine the email he finished typing fifteen minutes ago. There would be no turning back once he fired this off. His subordinate was given plenty of chances but this latest stunt of his crossed the line.
He placed his hand over the hard plastic casing of his mouse. All he had to do was just click the button and everything would be taken care of. It should have been easy but yet, he still hesitated. Miller continued to weigh the decision in his thoughts. This would send his best employee’s career right down the drain. Everyone copied in this message were key players in every single organization responsible for the safety and well-being of the citizens of this nation.
A short knock at the door lifted the Director’s focus off the screen. He lifted his eyes and looked over the pair of widescreen monitors and directed his gaze towards the origin of the disturbance.
“Sir,” an indistinguishable voice called from beyond the barrier.
“What is it?” The Director replied trying not to sound tired or annoyed. He apparently failed at both since there was a brief pause afterwards.
“We’re ready to begin the operation,” the voice stated sounding like it pained through a stutter. “You’re mobile command center is parked outside and waiting for your arrival.”
The Director took a deep breath.
“Good,” he responded sounding livelier than before, “I’ll be down in moment.”
“Yes sir,” called the voice. The door was silent once more as the agent vanished in the distance.
The moment to decide had arrived. Miller took one last look at the email and scanned the contents. Details about the agent, the offense in question, and his current status were provided. An attachment with the official signed order as well as a photograph of the agent were included. The Director had no more hesitation left to stop him now. With one sharp click, he sent the message to its intended recipients. The order was clear and direct. If he dared to show his face, he’d be arrested on-site and wait further action from a court of law. Director Miller just washed his hands of this entire mess from now on.
Miller pushed himself away from the desk, stood up and picked up his jacket hanging towards the door. There was nothing left to discuss on this matter. This was on an executive level. He didn’t fear his partner learning the truth before the operation was completed. Still, given her history, it would pay to be prepared for her upcoming and most likely memorable response. That thought bothered him above all else as he proceeded down the steps. Not a single person in his employ was aware of the decision he had just made. He walked through the halls of his office as if it were just another day. For the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it was business as usual though the headlines tomorrow might tell a different story. The Director continued to remind himself that he made the right call. Even if this minor swell of doubt was beginning to grow, what’s done is done.
Michael Madison’s employment had just been terminated.
March 27th, 2013 7:55AM
Las Vegas, NV
“Are you sure this is going to work?” Thomas Prince asked.
He stood outside of the District Attorney’s office alongside his fellow S.A.C. from the Los Angeles office. Adrian had gone over his plan with Thomas on the drive over here, then again once he got to the hotel last night, and finally once more on the ride over to the courthouse.
“Logan’s files and personal history reeks of paranoia. There’s no way we’re going to get him to confess through standard means. I need to get a solid and documented admission, otherwise this entire investigation is a bust.”
“That’s understandable but,” Prince countered. “You’re talking about blowing a two year investigation in favor of something you found in two days. Forgive me for being frank but if we can’t nail Logan’s ass to the wall now, I doubt we ever will.”
Adrian wanted to laugh but the aura of seriousness surrounding him did not permit it. Charles Logan wouldn’t allow himself to suffer the same humiliation twice. If it took two years of investigation and manpower to get him now, it may take ten or even twenty to get him the next time. With all of the other incidents constantly piling up in this city, chasing after Logan may end up being a lost cause.
“This has to work,” Adrian replied. “With what we’ve got on him now, he may face ten or twenty years behind bars. And that’s if we manage to pin everything on him. But this,” he said looking down at the manila envelope in his hands, “this will put him away for life.”
“Or death,” Thomas added, “depending on the judge’s mood that is.”
“Gentlemen,” called another voice from behind the two FBI agents.
A tall and lean dark-skinned man approached the two of them and extended his hand. He wore a clean grey suit with a crisp white shirt underneath and a sharp blue tie. Lawrence Smith was the resident and elected District Attorney for the city of Las Vegas and has honored this position for the last decade.
“Good morning Lawrence,” Thomas replied extending
his hand.
“You’re here awfully early. Don’t you get any sleep anymore?” The D.A. joked while shaking Prince’s hand.
“Not if I can help it. This is Adrian Fischer,” Prince directed, “He’s the S.A.C. for the Los Angeles branch.”
Both parties engaged in a mutual handshake.
“I see. You work in the famous L.A. office? I’ve heard quite a few stories about some of your activities over the last couple of years. I have to say I’m very impressed with the work you do over there.”
“Thank you very much,” Adrian replied. “I’m hoping you can help me with something along those lines today.”
“Right down to business I see,” the D.A. laughed. “You and Mr. Prince must have been separated at birth,” he joked while opening the door to his office. “Come on in.”
The D.A.’s office was impressive. Stacks of books filled every cabinet to the brim that endlessly followed each wall. A large marble desk stood proudly in the center of the room behind a pair of soft black lounge chairs. The D.A. escorted his guest inside and silently offered them each a seat while he took his upon the comfortable throne behind the desk.
“Now then, what can I do for you Agent Fischer?”
“First I need to thank you for helping keep Mr. Logan behind bars throughout this investigation.”
The D.A. grinned.
“We should be thanking you. Thomas has been itching to put Logan away for years. I can safely say that I share his sentiments. He said your assistance in the matter was vital to the operation’s success.”
Adrian replied with a polite nod and smile. He didn’t want to say it outright that he was completely against the entire operation or at least his office’s involvement but allowed that minor detail to remain hidden for the time being.
“You may want to rescind that compliment after you hear what I have to say next.”
“Uh oh,” the D.A. replied. “Should I hold off from drinking my coffee? I wouldn’t want to be forced to spit it out this early in the morning.”
“Oh it’s good Lawrence,” Thomas snickered.
Part of him still didn’t believe Thomas wouldn’t be able to pull this off but he really wanted to see the show.
“I need you to drop the case and all charges against Charles Logan.”
It was a good thing the D.A. didn’t have any coffee nearby because it wouldn’t have made it passed his teeth. He was hoping the S.A.C. was joking but the look on his face was anything but.
“I know you didn’t drive all of this way to lay this on me without having a good reason Agent Fischer,” Lawrence replied. “And believe me, it better be a damn good one.”
The S.A.C. placed the envelope on the desk and slid it towards Lawrence.
“Trust me sir,” Adrian stated, “This will be well worth the risk.”
After taking a deep breath, the D.A. opened the envelope and started to read through the documents. He glazed over some of the minute details but soon his eyes began to grow large. This information was so detailed and intense Lawrence almost forgot to breathe at some points.
“Is what I’m reading true Agent Fischer?”
Adrian knew what the D.A. meant. He was just as stunned when Mark presented it to him yesterday.
“We triple-checked our findings and confirmed them with the Washington analysts last night. All of the necessary documents and evidence of such are located on the last few pages.”
“This is big Agent Fischer. Like, I could retire tomorrow big,” the D.A. smiled.
It quickly formed into a frown.
“But why do you need me to drop the case? Can’t we get him on this too?”
“No,” stated the S.A.C. “We need evidence of his involvement. Technically he could shift the blame on his accountant or business partners. The only way we’re going to get him to do that is if we sweeten the deal by dropping everything else.”
“That is all good on paper Agent Fischer,” Lawrence replied with a sigh. “But how are we going to get him to admit to these charges by offering him a reprieve of a lighter stuff?”
“We don’t need him to admit to the charges,” Adrian replied. “We just need him to say that he knew about these accounts and personally processed these transfers.”
“This smells bad already,” the D.A. scoffed. “He’s bound to know something is up. And we can’t pin him on these charges without a solid confession.”
“That’s the point Mr. Smith,” Adrian replied. “This data we’ve collected is related to a new case we’re working on. Essentially, we’re asking him for his assistance and presenting him with a dismissal as a token of our appreciation.”
The D.A. leaned back in his chair and went over all of the information presented. After the presentation the S.A.C. gave, Lawrence suddenly knew why the L.A. office of the FBI had such a notorious reputation. This may have been deceptive but it was entirely by the book given the evidence. Adrian wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’ll begin drafting the papers,” Lawrence smiled. “Logan’s due in court today at ten. I’ll be there as well. I should have these done within the hour. Give Mr. Logan and his lawyers our offer and if they all agree to it, we’ll present our findings to the judge and go from there.”
Adrian felt relieved to get permission but the harder battle was still yet to come. One little screw up and Charles Logan may end up walking without spending another second in jail. Knowing him, he’ll probably sue the FBI to add insult to injury.
“You better be sure to get this confession Agent Fischer,” the D.A. affirmed. “Putting him away for this would make my career. Letting him go would end it. And I can assure you, I won’t be going down alone. Is that clear?”
The S.A.C. nodded. He never knew the D.A. had such a commanding side to him as displayed now. It just goes to show why he was so good at his job. Both Agents left the D.A.’s office promptly with their minds locked on the task at hand.
“What’s the next step Adrian?” Thomas asked. “Are you sure you want to go through with this after hearing that?”
There was no turning back from this. Justice may be blind but there was no way the S.A.C. was going to look in the other direction this time. Adrian verified the data thrice over with Mark. Anyone else would have gone through with it without question. Charles Logan shouldn’t receive any special treatment due to his wealth or circumstances.
“Wake Logan up,” Adrian stated. “We’re going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
March 27th, 2013 11:30AM
Washington, D.C.
Meryl couldn’t stop looking at herself in the passenger side mirror. A few days prior she wore a gaudy outfit that many would have confused her for a depressed teenager. Now she looked like a totally different person. Her blonde wig was secured tight and locked in a ponytail. It wasn’t her favorite color but it helped sell the rest of the outfit. She was weary of all of the makeup they put on her but it was surprisingly appealing. The artists knew exactly what they were doing and accentuated some of the features Meryl didn’t even know she had after almost twenty-eight years of life. Though her own makeup collection was slim to none, the job these professionals pulled gave her good reason to increase her collection.
The car slowed down in front of the north lawn of the White House and pulled into the arched road leading to the back. Meryl could feel her heart speeding up in beats but it wasn’t for fear, it was anticipation. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. Meryl couldn’t believe this was happening to her. She’d only been an FBI agent for a year and already the honor of meeting the Commander in Chief was hers. Out of all of the fun her and Michael have had over the last year, this moment would be hard to top.
As soon as the vehicle stopped, Meryl exited and thanked the driver. He took off slowly and headed back towards Pennsylvania Avenue. She marveled at the structure before her. All of its rich history seemed to soak into her body with just one glance. Meryl took a deep breath and spoke.
“I’ve arrived.�
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“Good,” said the voice in her receiver. “We ready you loud and clear Meryl.”
The device was safely resting deep within her ear canal and virtually undetectable by the naked it. Given the way it had to be installed came of no surprise to Meryl. Two doctors and a magnifying glass was what it took to conceal that device. Even though the President ordered no electronics or communications in the room, Meryl needed the extra support. Luckily it was from someone she grew rather fond of over the last few days. Despite the prank she pulled, things went very smoothly between the two of them for the rest of their time together.
“Proceeding inside,” she replied.
“No need to be so formal Meryl,” the Agent Yuan stated. “We can see and hear your every move. Relax and have fun.”
Having Shelly in her ear was a godsend. Not only would she be able to translate the delegate’s speech but at least Meryl had the satisfaction of knowing her friend was watching her back the entire time. She began walking towards the door where some armed Secret Service agents were waiting for her. She reached into her black suit jacket and procured her new identification badge from within. The agents took a quick look and waved her ahead without uttering a single word.
“Are all Secret Service agents like that?” Meryl whispered as she walked by.
“Some of them are worse,” Shelly replied. “Just be thankful they didn’t stop you and ask for a strip search. They like to think they can get away with that sort of thing with new employees. I’d pay to see them try that on you though.”
Small bits of laughter could be heard on the other end. Meryl psyched herself up for this and was able to walk through it without sharing her friend’s sentiments. Not that she didn’t want to but Meryl had to present an aura of professionalism from here on out.
