by Robin Mahle
Shadow Rising
A Lacy Merrick Thriller
By Robin Mahle
Published by HARP House Publishing
April, 2017 (1st edition)
Copyright ©2017 by Robin Mahle
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, by any means, including mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Cover design: Covermint Designs
Editor: Hercules Editing and Consulting Services www.bzhercules.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright
About the Author
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
1
The disgraced former Chinese ambassador stood before his jailer, haggard from weeks of almost total isolation. As he stood in a beam of light that shined inside the minister’s office, his hair dangled low on his forehead and an unkempt beard scattered across his face. Lei Jian’s recent relocation from the apartment-like accommodations to something akin to a dungeon had been without explanation, until now. Something had changed. And it appeared Beijing had appointed a new minister.
“I’m sure you are wondering why you are here, Jian, and how I came to be standing here now. Firstly, I must apologize for your rather unsuitable lodgings. During the transition of power, there were those who disagreed with your actions against the United States.”
Jian looked on, as he knew the previous minister had helped coordinate those actions and this new minister had a different agenda.
“Many threats had been made against your life and, as the newly appointed minister, I could not risk any attempts, successful or otherwise, against one of our former ambassadors. So the premier and I agreed to move you from harm’s way. Apparently, you still have his support—for now. Which brings me to the reason you are here today.” The minister approached Jian. “The US elections are over and we have met our obligations to them regarding your situation. So you are being released, effective immediately.”
Jian studied the new minister. Had they reached some sort of new arrangement with the US? As far as he knew, his sentence was to remain indefinite. This was a cause for concern, one that Jian could not express to this man. A man he didn’t know.
“I see no reason why you cannot return to your home.” The minister turned from Jian and walked back toward his desk. “With the understanding that you will accept the terms of your release.” He pushed forward the papers on his desk and turned to the men who accompanied Jian. “Remove his restraints.”
Jian waited until his hands were freed before retrieving the documents and skimming their contents. At this point, it mattered little what they said, so long as he was being released. The rest could be fixed later—after, he would meet with the former minister and gain an understanding of why he was really here. “I will agree to this.”
“Then you are free to leave.”
“I am grateful, Minister.” Jian waited for the guards to open the door and, when they did, for the first time in six months, Jian was free. But there was much to do. He would have to rebuild. The unexpected ousting of the previous minister brought with it a host of new problems. He no longer had the ear of the upper echelons in the ministry. And the ones who had conspired with him were no longer in positions of power. Pressure from the United States had forced Jian into captivity, so who was pulling the strings now, offering freedom?
“Don’t forget our agreement, Jian.” The minister approached as Jian stepped through the opening. “The agreement you had with the previous minister is now irrelevant. There will be no contact with your former colleagues.” He leaned in to whisper in Jian’s ear. “Your negligence has cost us dearly and your release hinges upon your behavior. Should it come to light you have broken any one of your promises, you will be dealt with swiftly and in a most uncomfortable manner.” He pulled back and patted Jian on the shoulder. “Now go. Go home to your family. I’m sure they have missed you.”
Jian smoothed back his hair before returning the minister’s gaze. “Zàijiàn, (goodbye.)” And with a curt handshake and smile, Jian departed. However, it had been made clear he was not free, not in the way he had been up until the Americans forced his government’s hand.
♦ ♦ ♦
The results had come in and the re-election of the current administration meant the tides had just turned against Lacy Merrick and those who fought with her. She’d been playing the part of the good little soldier at FBI Headquarters for months. Doing her job, finding nuggets of intel that required dissemination in hopes of dousing any potential threats against her country. All the while, knowing the truth about the attack that had ripped her world apart.
She stood alone in her living room, watching the breaking news reports. The same people who had perpetrated the horrific lie would remain in power. The problem had not ended with the undersecretary’s resignation. And now that months had passed, campaigns had been won, and there were still those who knew the truth, yet kept it hidden, although there had been no guarantees that if the other side won, anything would’ve changed. Politics were politics and everyone tried to cover their asses. But this was a setback she knew could come and it seemed it had.
Lacy reached for her cell phone and made the call. “Did you see the news?”
“How could I not?”
Agent Will Caison answered in the same tone as she herself must have sounded. “Does this change anything for us?”
“I don’t think so. It was going to be an uphill battle regardless. We still have friends, and things are going as planned.”
“Does that mean your transfer to Headquarters was approved?”
“Not yet, but it should be any day now. My probationary period here at Louisville is over and Agent Mendez has gone through all the appropriate channels. He knows the importance of what we’re doing and he knows this is the only way to continue. We needed to bide our time, but now that the election has passed, we can move forward with less scrutiny.”
“You’re sure you still want this? I feel like you’re the only one making sacrifices.”
“Lacy, you’ve made the greatest sacrifice of all; you lost your husband. What I’m doing? Doesn’t compare. And yes, this is what I want.”
A knock sounded on her door. “Listen, someone’s here. I’d better get going. Talk later?”
“Of course. Bye.”
“Bye.” Lacy opened the front door. “Hey. This is a surprise. Isn’t it a little early for you?”
Aaron Hunter raised the box of doughnuts in his hand.
“Brought these. Thought you and the kids might like them. And, I’ve been up most of the night watching the results come in.”
“So you know.” She stepped aside to let him in.
“Yep. I suppose it’s too early to start drinking.” His half-hearted smile faded as he entered. “Guess a sugar rush will have to do.”
“I’ll get you a coffee.” She led the way to the kitchen. “Kids should be down in a minute. Celeste will be taking them to school soon.”
Aaron set the box down and grabbed a mug from the cabinet. “I’m glad she’s here for you, Lace.”
“I’ll tell you, she’s been an absolute God-send these past few months. And it hasn’t been easy for her, I know that.” Lacy poured the coffee. “I just got off the phone with Will.”
“Oh yeah? How are things going on his end?”
“As planned. He hasn’t gotten word yet, but it should be soon.”
“I know this is what we wanted, but it doesn’t make me any less nervous about what we’re doing.”
“I’m scared too. I don’t know what will happen, or if anything will happen. But we both know that Jay deserved better. All of those who died deserve better.”
“They do.” He appeared to play down his worries. “It’s just that, well, things have settled down. People have been so wrapped up in the election—they’ve forgotten, or at the very least, want to put it behind them.”
“You want to forget too? What they did to Jay? What they did to us?”
“No. I just don’t know what more will happen to us—you and the kids, I mean.”
“Aaron, I’ve had nothing but time to think about this. We agreed it couldn’t stand. And you know I’ll do everything in my power to protect my kids. But I can’t live with this. Can you?”
“I wish there was another way.”
“We tried—and we made mistakes. We won’t make them again. It won’t be easy to get to where we need to go. It sounds like you’ve already written us off and we haven’t even started.”
“I don’t mean to. It’s just…”
“Drink your coffee before it gets cold. And I think I’ll take this delicious-looking chocolate doughnut.” She reached into the box.
“Point taken.”
The sound of children’s feet padding down the stairs caught Lacy’s attention and, a moment later, the kids appeared in the kitchen. “You guys about ready to go to school?”
“Yeah. Can’t you take us to school today, Mommy?”
“I have to go to work in a little bit, Jack, but Celeste will take you.” She walked toward him and tousled his hair. “Go put on your coat. You too, Olivia.”
Celeste was pulling on her own coat when she appeared in the foyer. “Come on, kiddos, let’s get going.” She continued into the kitchen. “Good morning, Aaron. How are you?”
“Fine, thanks.” His words were muffled beneath the mouth full of food. “You kids want a doughnut? I brought them just for you.”
“Can we, Mom?” Jackson asked.
“Go ahead, but then you need to get in the car.” She turned to Celeste. “Thank you. I shouldn’t be late tonight.”
“Don’t worry if you are. I’ve got everything under control.” Celeste began to usher them through the kitchen and toward the garage side door.
“I know you do. Bye, guys. See you tonight.” Lacy returned to her coffee and finished the last of it. “I’d better finish getting ready myself. You don’t mind?”
“No. I’ll head out. I wanted to stop by to see how you were doing.” He stood and grabbed another doughnut. “For the road. I’ll show myself out.” Aaron kissed Lacy’s cheek. “Talk to you later.”
♦ ♦ ♦
The promotion that had been dangled before Lacy prior to the attack had been secured shortly after Jay was posthumously cleared of any wrongdoing. A small measure of comfort, save for the fact that the money flowing through from Nova Investments and Argus Solutions had nothing to do with corporate espionage, which it had been ultimately deemed, and everything to do with what was the ultimate goal for the Chinese government. But that was still something she had to prove, that Jian hadn’t acted as a rogue agent as the deputy secretary of state had ensured. And in the months that had passed, Lacy had been an exemplary supervisor and it was all by design.
She’d just finished briefing her department head, Michelle Vogel, and was preparing to leave, until Michelle spoke again, turning to another topic Lacy hadn’t expected.
“There’s going to be a groundbreaking ceremony at the site later this month for the memorial dedication. I’ve been asked if you might consider speaking.”
Lacy halted and locked eyes with Michelle. Words were lost and all she could do was wait for her to continue.
“With everything that happened—I know it’s a lot to ask. But the election’s over and it seems everyone’s eager to put the attack behind them, and moving up the groundbreaking will allow the victims’ families to find closure; yourself included. And you’re one of us. Frankly, it makes the FBI look good.”
Lacy nodded in a way that seemed she was considering her options rather than agreeing to the request. “I’d have to think about it. I can’t commit to it right now.”
“Of course. Just think about it—please. I wanted to give you a head’s up that this was coming. I know it’s been…”
“Right. Thanks for letting me know. I’d better get to work.” She could feel Michelle’s eyes follow her out the door and the implicit words that trailed. It was a shock to hear that the groundbreaking would be so soon. Lacy hadn’t been to the site since her initial visit shortly after the attack. And now, only six months later, they were ready to begin building the memorial that would stand on the perimeter of the mall. Rumors had flown that Nova Investments was going to rebuild on the exact site but took on heavy criticism from the families of victims and survivors. So they instead opted to reconstruct on a nearby property and the site would become a park with the memorial established at the main entrance.
Lacy soon found herself standing in front of her office. An absentminded arrival predicated by troubling reminders, she couldn’t recall taking the necessary steps to make it this far. With the flip of a switch, her office lit up and revealed a stark space in desperate need of sentiment. This current version of herself was nothing like the person she was before the attack. She had not felt at home here and therefore did not make it more home-like, with only two exceptions: a picture of her kids and a picture of her family—the very same one that once resided atop of Jay’s desk and had been the catalyst for her transformation.
Sitting at her desk, Lacy attempted to shift her focus to the job at hand. As the newest civilian regional manager for the FBI’s Cyber Division, it was up to her now to meet with her team to discuss the plethora of data from potential terrorist websites, both cyber and radical, that they tried to shut down daily, only to have new ones pop up almost immediately. It was like Whack-a-Mole.
But the arrival of a text message from someone she hadn’t spoken with in the past two weeks diverted her attention. Lacy responded and reached for her coat, heading out of her office once again.
She stood under cover of Headquarters’ main entrance when rain began to fall from the grey morning skies. The wait, however, was short lived when she spotted the person from whom the text came. A tender smile appeared on her lips at the sight of the man who’d been responsible for saving not only her life, but the lives of her children and her dearest friends.
“Lacy.” He offered his hand. “Good to see you.”
“A handshake? After all we’ve been through?” She offered an embrace and he consented. Upon returning to meet him eye to eye, she began, “How are you, Trevor? It’s good to see you too.”
“Very well, thank you.” CIA Agent Trevor Axell pulled her gently toward the edge of the overhang and away from the entrance to avoid eavesdroppers. “I thought it best if we discussed this in person. Sorry to take you away from your office and into the nasty weather.
”
“It’s fine. What’s this about? I don’t like that look.”
“Lacy, I got a call this morning.”
“Okay.” She swallowed down the lump that had begun to rise in her throat.
“One of our operatives reached out to me. He’s in Beijing.”
It wasn’t the lump in her throat now, but her heart that stopped from fear of what he would say next.
“Lei Jian was set free yesterday.”
“How is that possible? I—I thought the Chinese agreed to punish him to keep what he’d done quiet. Does the State Department know about this?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t made it that far yet, but my assumption is yes. If Beijing wants to keep open the lines of communication, their ambassador would have made the call. So far as the rest of the department is aware, Jian was a spy and was returned to his government for that reason. So it’s not critical to make an objection.”
“And so we’re just going to agree to this?”
“Oh, I’m sure the deputy secretary will weigh in on the matter. Whether it gets him anywhere, I don’t know. Both countries have a lot to lose if Jian speaks out, but I don’t think he was released to speak out about it. I came here to tell you directly because my contact thinks he was set free for a reason. They have a new minister in place. He might’ve let Jian go to finish tying off the loose ends. If that’s the case, it’s a risky maneuver on their part, one which will require me to gain a full understanding, but what this means is that you, Caison, and possibly Hunter could be targets. Hell, I could be a target too.”
“For God’s sake. What are we supposed to do? Will’s transfer is imminent. What you’re working on with Aaron—everything’s been set in motion. We’ve waited and planned for months. We’ve laid the groundwork to figure out who knew what and when. Are we just supposed to quit? I can’t do that, Trevor, and I think you know that about me by now.”
“That I do. This will add an unexpected element we hadn’t counted on, Lacy. A very dangerous one. I need time to figure out what Jian’s plan is. Why he was freed. I’ll have my people keep an eye on him. But in the meantime, keep doing your job and don’t change your routine.”
