by Robin Mahle
“Are we in immediate danger?”
“He hasn’t left the country, and he’s not allowed in the US, so no, I don’t believe this poses an immediate threat. That being said, I’m doing everything I can to get to the bottom of this and track down his associates to see if there has been any movement from them. We just need to stay alert. I will get answers, Lacy. Very soon.”
2
Lacy rolled out of bed quietly so as not to wake the kids, who were splayed out on her king-sized mattress. She’d agreed to let them sleep with her, at least on the weekends. As if she would ever say no. They all needed each other so much more and while Jackson had shown signs of improvement, Olivia still struggled. More often than not, she wet the bed while in her own room. The girl hadn’t had an accident since she was three, but since Jay died, it was happening with much more frequency.
They had been in counseling for months, but Olivia was having the toughest time of all of them, and Lacy was nearly at the end of her rope to find a solution, although the counsellor maintained it would just be a matter of time.
Lacy heard Celeste calling up to her from the stairs as she walked out onto the landing. “Yes?” A hushed response.
“I thought I heard you get up. Your phone is ringing. Should I answer it? It’s Agent Caison.”
“Yes, please. I’m coming.” Lacy rushed down the stairs and took the phone from her. “Thank you. Would you mind checking on the kids?” It was her way of asking for some privacy and Celeste was no stranger to that request.
“Morning. Sorry about that. I was upstairs.”
“Good morning. This isn’t a bad time, is it?” Will asked.
“No. I just got up. Kids and I had a late night. Are you at the office? It’s Saturday.”
“Yes, actually, I am. But there’s a good reason for that.”
Lacy peered through the kitchen window and into the yard, recalling that she still needed to rake the leaves because no one else was going to do it. “Care to elaborate?”
“I got the transfer.”
She pulled back from the window. “You got it? Today?”
“I got word late last night, actually. It was too late to call you. But that’s why I’m here today. Need to start tying up my loose ends, so I thought I’d give you the good news. Also, I talked to Axell. He called me last night. How are you handling everything?”
“I’m not going to lie. I am worried. I wanted to call you, but I knew you had a full plate and…”
“Hey, anytime you want to talk to me, you know you can. And especially about something this big. How’s Aaron taking the news?”
“I haven’t told him yet. I didn’t talk to anyone last night. Just needed some time to process this. With what I’ve asked from the both of you, I wasn’t prepared to go down this road. It’s another problem and I don’t know how we go about handling it.”
“I won’t be here much longer and we can work through this together. I don’t want you to feel as though you’re in any danger, or your family. Axell assured me he’s got eyes everywhere and if Jian makes a move, he’ll know it.”
“I hope you’re right. It was going to be hard enough getting through this, but now with him back in the mix...” She paused a moment. “When does the transfer take effect?”
“Next week. I’m already looking at apartments.”
“Good. And Mendez?”
“We’re together on this. One hundred percent. And once I get there, we can do what needs to be done.”
♦ ♦ ♦
The border security agent held the passport open, eyeing the picture and the man standing before him to whom the passport belonged.
The dark, slender figure cleared his throat while awaiting the authorization to pass through and enter China from his homeland of the UAE. Ahsan Sajwani hadn’t been back here since he was forced to clean up a mess left by his deceased colleagues. And in this moment, it remained unclear if he would be granted entry. However, he had to keep faith that his superior had pulled the appropriate strings to make it happen.
Another glance from the agent, who reached for his stamp. Sajwani held his breath in anticipation of the man’s conclusion.
With a push of the stamp, the agent closed the passport book. “Huānyíng. Welcome to China.” He handed the passport back to Sajwani.
“Xièxiè (thank you).” With a polite nod, Sajwani proceeded through to the other side.
A car awaited him and took him to the Ministry on the outskirts of Beijing, near Xiyuan. Upon glancing at the unadorned building, he stepped out of the car and made his way inside, presenting his identification at each step until finally reaching his destination.
He was shown inside by one of Jian’s newly appointed security team. “It’s good to see you again, sir.” Sajwani was only partially versed in Chinese and Jian didn’t speak Arabic because most people in Dubai used English.
“It is good to see you too, my old friend.” Jian approached him and offered his hand. “Please, come in and sit down. We have much to catch up on.” Jian returned to his desk. “Can I get you a drink? You must be ready for one after your flight.”
“Thank you, no. I’m fine. I was, however, quite concerned about my entry. How did you manage to pull that one off?”
“Despite what you might think, or what you’ve been told, I do still have friends in the ministry. There are people out there who feel as we do, which is why I stand here before you today, back in my old office.”
“You mentioned on the phone that there were conditions of your release?”
“As you’d expect. I am restricted from travelling outside the country for an indefinite period. I am no longer allowed to act as a consultant with any company outside of China or companies in China who conduct business with the United States.”
“And these conditions were imposed by the new minister?”
“Yes, though I believe I will have an opportunity to circumvent his authority and am working on that currently. The premier and I still have a good relationship.”
“That is good to hear, sir. I’m not sure we could proceed otherwise. But there was something else, wasn’t there?”
“Indeed. It has come to my attention that our friends in America have taken certain measures.”
“Our friends?”
“Friends isn’t quite the right word. The FBI agent has been transferred to their headquarters.”
“I see. To the same location as the woman analyst?”
“Yes.”
“You believe they are planning something? Surely they aren’t yet aware of your release.”
“Their American arrogance would certainly give rise to such an idea. I have people working to get me the details and I am unaware if they have heard of my recent pardon. There are a great many things our friends will need to atone for. My incarceration is but one.”
“I suppose then that we will need to put them in their place as our top priority.”
“I have friends, but I also have many eyes upon me, and our moves must be planned out carefully.” Jian rose. “You should go. Go to your hotel and get some rest. We can meet again tomorrow.”
“What should I do in the meantime?”
“Wait for my word. Then we’ll reconvene and begin plans to finish what we started.”
♦ ♦ ♦
“Hey.” A broad-shouldered, stocky blonde stood inside Lacy’s doorway.
She turned away from her computer and a wide smile brightened her face. “Will. You’re here. I can’t believe you’re finally here.” She met him halfway and threw her arms around his neck. “It’s so good to see you. I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow.”
“I finished everything that needed to be done and caught an earlier flight. Figured, why not get a jump-start on my new position?”
“Well, I’m thrilled you did. I assume you’ve already met with your new boss?”
“I have. SSA Kelly.”
“What do you think? I don’t know much about him.”
“Time will tell. Listen, I don’t want to keep you. Just thought I’d pop my head in and say hello. And thought maybe we could grab a bite for lunch?”
“How about dinner? I’m slammed right now and it’d be nice not to have to rush. We have a lot to talk about.”
“Okay, then. Meet you back here, at say, 6:00?”
“Sure. See you then.”
Will began to leave.
“Hey.” She stopped him. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Will returned to his office, which was more like a coat closet, but he wasn’t going to complain. He wasn’t here to ruffle feathers; well, not those feathers. It felt good to be back in Washington. And while he was glad to have been in Louisville for the past two years, he knew he could do some good here. Mendez knew it too and gave the download to his new boss, SSA Sean Kelly, although Will couldn’t read Kelly just yet and the two would need to feel each other out for a while. However, time was something he didn’t want to squander. There was no telling how long it was going to take to accomplish the goals they’d set forth months ago. And if SSA Kelly wasn’t on board, that would add to the growing list of problems.
For now, though, he would take it one day at a time. And the first thing on his list was to get together with Lacy and Aaron. He missed them and didn’t realize just how much. They’d become more like a family to him than he’d expected.
He’d found an apartment not far from D.C. proper and was still waiting for the arrival of his furniture, which was supposed to happen this weekend. So, until then, he would be on an air mattress and eating off a cardboard box he’d packed with essentials and brought up with him on the drive. But not tonight. Tonight, he would have dinner with Lacy and he looked forward to it.
♦ ♦ ♦
Noting it was already past six, Lacy started to type a text when the sight of Will caught her attention. “There you are. I was just about to text you. Thought you forgot about dinner.”
“Sorry I’m late. Agent Kelly kept me busy.” He walked into her office. “You ready to get out of here?”
“Absolutely.” She grabbed her laptop bag and shut down her computer.
“Will Aaron be joining us?”
“Actually, you know I didn’t ask him. I should text him. I doubt he has any plans tonight.”
“I don’t have my car. Took the subway. You mind driving or were you thinking about grabbing something around here?”
“Here’s fine. I don’t want to drive if I don’t have to. Then I can hop on the Metro back here. And just for future reference, that’s what we call it around here, the Metro. Not the subway. You don’t want to sound like a tourist.”
“Duly noted.”
♦ ♦ ♦
“I’m glad you could make it on such short notice, Aaron.” Lacy opened her menu. “It was a spur of the moment plan. This one over here surprised me by showing up a day early.” She looked to Will. “I’m not the only one who has missed having you around.”
“Oh? Have you missed me too, Aaron?” His tone was reminiscent of a boy mocking his best friend.
“What? No. I have no idea what she’s talking about.” His smirk couldn’t be contained. “Just kidding, man. It’s really good to see you. We’re both glad you’re back.”
After the waiter brought their drinks, Aaron turned serious. “Lacy told you about Lei Jian?”
“She did and I spoke to Axell.” Will tossed back a swig of his beer. “Have either of you talked to him since he brought it to our attention?”
“I haven’t,” Lacy began. “I wanted to wait until you got here. I’ve been trying to keep a low profile. Doing my job and all that, like he said.”
“Right. Well, this does change things, but as I said, Axell’s keeping an eye out. I trust him and I know you guys do too.”
“So now that you’re here,” Aaron said. “What’s the plan?”
3
Flames burned high in the stone fireplace of former Undersecretary Drew Kendrick’s den. He peered through the picture window, standing with one hand in his pants pocket and the other holding a glass of scotch whiskey; dueling ice cubes floated inside. All he’d worked for, the relationships he’d garnered, had resulted in what? Becoming powerless and forced into isolation for the “good of the party and the country.” The election was over and they’d gotten what they’d wanted, but Kendrick would see no change in his current state. As a result, he’d begun to plan for a different future. The humiliation he’d suffered the day of his arrest and subsequent release; his staff forced to resign with a national security gag order in place so they would not reveal what they had seen that day. Money had begun to dry up and what would he tell his wife when it was finally gone?
His attention was diverted by an incoming call on his cell phone. Upon retrieving it, he noted the caller ID before answering. “Kendrick.” He continued to look out onto the grounds of his property, which led to a lake on its southern boundary. “When did this happen?” A sudden shift in his stance as his muscles tensed. “I see. And you’re sure there’s no cause for alarm?”
While the person on the other end of the line spoke, Kendrick set his drink on the table and began to pace. “Fine. Meet me here in twenty minutes. By the lake.” He ended the call and moved again toward the window and the picturesque scene outside that revealed signs of a dying autumn. An ardent desire to reach out to Lei Jian consumed him. He had to know what his former cohort had planned and to ensure retribution was not his goal; at least, not against Kendrick himself. But the risk would be too great. He knew they watched him, monitored him. And now he waited for the only man who would give him options.
Frustrated, he poured another drink and opened the double French doors leading outside to the grassy field blanketed in brown leaves. The fresh, crisp air would help to clear his head. As he saw it, he had two choices: face a government that wanted to bury him or offer himself to a government that might welcome him with open arms.
Kendrick reached the muddy banks of the lake and turned his gaze upon the surface that reflected the bare trees surrounding it. There had to be a way to regain his former influence. The deputy secretary had banished him and the president refused to answer any correspondence. He was alone and Jian was now free.
The sound of leaves crunching underfoot made Kendrick take notice of the man who was now approaching—the man whom he’d spoken to only a short time ago and had given him the unexpected news. “Watch your step. It’s a little muddy over here.” Kendrick turned to take in the view of the lake once again.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet.”
“Did I have a choice?” Kendrick replied.
“Drew, we have reason to believe that Lei Jian will come after you.”
“Why the hell was he released? Who authorized that?”
“I wish I knew. Possibly to get him to finish what he started, which he might well do, given the chance. Then they can say they had no part in it. That it was all of Jian’s own doing. I can’t pretend to know why the MSS would want to start this up again. I don’t get involved in that end of things.”
“What am I supposed to do?”
“Is there something you want to tell me, Drew? Something that you might be thinking of doing?”
“What are you talking about? I’ve protected Jian, I’ve protected our government all along, even after being forced to resign my position. I never went back on my word.” He brushed his fingers through his greying hair. “Thank you for letting me know about this, but Jian must understand that our government did everything possible to keep him from undue punishment. This has nothing to do with me. Not anymore. I have no intention of doing anything except sit here like I have for the past six months.” With a final nod, Kendrick continued, “I appreciate the information. Goodbye.”
He watched as the man walked away and grew more concerned that they already knew what he’d done. But how the hell could they? He grunted. “Stupid question.
”
As he turned again, admiring the landscape, the sound of approaching steps once more reached his ears. “Forget something?” Kendrick began to turn when brawny arms wrapped around his neck and his eyes bulged from the pressure. He caught sight of the man causing him harm. “Stop. Please. I didn’t say anything. I swear.” His airway was closing with little chance for fresh oxygen and his face reddened. He continued to eye the man who was choking the life from him. His fingers worked to pry the powerful forearms from his neck.
Kendrick’s head grew light and his vision blurred, but he continued to struggle, not knowing why this was happening. He’d done everything he said. Kept out of sight, didn’t reveal what he’d known. And this was how they were going to repay his loyalty? Thoughts of his wife, Beth, his grown children and their families. He was about to lose it all. “Why?”
The man pulled back one of his arms and reached for his weapon. He pressed a gun fitted with a silencer into Kendrick’s ribs and fired. He released him and Kendrick slumped to the ground. His final question never to be answered.
♦ ♦ ♦
Inside the CIA headquarters at Langley, Counterterrorism Analyst Trevor Axell reached for the badge that lay on his desk. “You’ll need this.”
“Thank you.” Aaron held his newly minted identification badge between his fingers, examining it with disbelief. “I don’t know how you were able to pull this off, but I appreciate it. Lacy appreciates it.”
“We all want the same thing here. I won’t lie, though; with your sketchy history, I had to call in a lot of favors to get you approved as a contractor. And if I were you, I’d watch your back for a while.”
