by Robin Mahle
“Please, I need to get my kids. Can you please send someone to get them?” she begged the driver, who appeared to wait for instruction.
“You’re going to have to sit tight, ma’am. You just kicked one hell of a big hornet’s nest.”
Lacy had no idea what had happened to Will or Aaron or if they managed to keep Jian in place. The entire world had just been turned upside down and she needed answers. “Please! Tell me what’s going on!”
The driver didn’t respond until his radio sounded with a voice on the other end. “Ten-four. We’re on our way.” He keyed the ignition and revved the engine to try to disperse the crowd.
Other secret service agents were attempting to control them until the police took over and began to pull everyone back.
The SUV started forward slowly. Lacy didn’t think they could see her inside, which was a good thing. Most appeared angry, wanting answers. And that was entirely her doing. But would they get answers from this president who’d won re-election and had nothing to fear, unless he had been involved. This was still something to which Lacy had no real idea, but hoped her faith in the office of president hadn’t been shaken.
As she looked behind her, Lacy spotted the other SUVs following, but still no sign of her team. “Please, can you just tell me if they captured Lei Jian?”
“Not only do I not know who that is, ma’am, I couldn’t tell you even if I knew. Now just sit tight and we’ll be there soon.”
“Can you at least tell me where we’re going?”
He peered at her through the rear-view mirror with the look that expressed a resounding “no.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Will pulled Aaron through the crowd, attempting to find Delgado and the others. The police were dispersing people all around them, and the media kept shouting out for answers that would not come.
“What the fuck just happened?” Delgado hobbled toward Will. “I’ve been looking for you two.”
“Where’s Ward?” Will asked him.
“I don’t know. Can’t find her.”
“Please tell me her people got Jian?” Aaron asked.
“Man, I have no idea what’s happened to anyone. I don’t know shit right now, same as you. This is crazy. Where the hell is Lacy?”
“I don’t know. Secret Service took her away. We have to get to her.” Will stopped. “Wait, what about Mobley? He’s got to know something. If we find him, we’ll find Lacy.”
“Good luck, man. He’s gone along with the rest of the VIPs. Hold up, I see Ward. Over here.” Delgado headed toward her. “Please tell me you got Jian.”
“We had him. They took him away.”
“They?” Will caught up with Aaron still in tow.
“Secret Service. They rounded up everyone right after they took Lacy away. What the hell happened? We had a plan. You guys know she was going to do this?”
“No.” Will looked to Aaron.
“Don’t look at me. I had no idea. But I sure as hell don’t blame her.”
“Maybe not, but that wasn’t the goddam plan,” Delgado started. “If she was going to pull this shit, she should’ve told us.”
“Why? So you could try and talk her out of it?” Aaron asked. “She did what was right and what we should’ve done months ago.”
“Doesn’t matter now. What’s done is done. We need to find Lacy.” Will retrieved his cell and pressed a button. “Director Mobley. I’m so glad you answered.” He looked to his team while they waited for news. “No, sir. I didn’t know, but can you tell me, sir. Where are they taking her?” He looked to Aaron this time, who appeared afraid for Lacy. “Thank you, sir. We’ll be there as soon as we can get out of here. Goodbye, sir.” He dropped the phone back into his pocket. “Mobley says they’re taking her to Headquarters.”
“Did he say if they had Jian?” Elizabeth asked.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve asked. He wasn’t supposed to answer his line and just asked about Lacy. He did say to get to Headquarters now. You should come too. We need your help to get Axell released.”
♦ ♦ ♦
While she wasn’t in handcuffs, Lacy felt very much the prisoner as she sat in the conference room in the high-security wing of FBI Headquarters. But she wasn’t alone. Two field agents flanked her. She didn’t know them and it seemed they weren’t up for chatting, so she remained silent.
It was the arrival of Director Mobley that brought her some relief and animation to the two agents.
“Give us the room?” Mobley asked.
The agents left them alone and the director sat down. “Well, I knew you all were planning on something. Didn’t think it was going to be this.”
“Sir, Agent Caison and the others—they had no idea what I was going to say. They were just there to make sure we captured Lei Jian.”
“We did, by the way,” Mobley began. “Capture Jian? Secret Service has him and will turn him over to us for questioning soon.” He held her gaze. “I know why you did what you did. I can sympathize because it’s something I would’ve done if I were in your position.”
“With respect, sir, you were in my position.”
“Maybe so. But it’s much more complicated than you think, Lacy. This whole thing is a great big Charlie foxtrot.”
While this was no laughing matter, Mobley’s use of the very term she and Jay employed around the kids made her smile. “I couldn’t agree more. So what happens now? Am I going to jail?”
“Jail? No. I assume the deputy secretary is, but then again, that depends on what you can provide. You said you had proof. And I’m hoping it’s the kind of proof that will end this once and for all.”
“We gave you proof before, Director, and it still wasn’t enough. Why would it be now?”
“Because you made your case in front of God and the rest of the world. In front of the victims’ families. In front of the press. You got the president’s attention. Now you just need to come through with something we can use.”
“And it’s not an election year.”
Mobley nodded.
“Before I say anything more, I need to know my children are safe. If Jian makes contact with any of his people, he’ll find them and go after them.”
“He won’t. He can’t and we’re informing the current ambassador now, along with the Chinese president. There’s no telling if the premier is involved. That’ll be up to their president to decipher. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get your children and ensure their safety.”
“Thank you, sir. They’re staying with my sister-in-law in Long Island. If I can just see them.”
“You give me the contact information and I’ll send a helicopter. But right now, I need you to tell me what proof you have of Turner’s participation with Lei Jian.”
“First of all, I’m confident he ordered the murder of the CIA officer, Camden Meeks, and pointed the finger at Agent Trevor Axell. Agent Axell was helping us.”
“And you have proof?”
“Of that? Not entirely, but I know all you have to do is search his phone records and talk to his assistant, Bryce Dunn.”
“Let’s talk about what proof you do have, then.”
“Several days ago, Turner discovered a letter written by Kendrick in which he confessed to his cover up of the attack and his entanglements with Lei Jian. Apparently, it was Kendrick’s form of insurance in the event of his death, the letter would come to light, and it did. Turner was attempting to keep that quiet in order to, I assume, keep his position. But it was at that point, I believe, that Turner got involved, at least, more directly involved.
“We also have evidence that he expedited a visa for one of Lei Jian’s people, a man by the name of Ahsan Sajwani. While I can’t be sure, I believe it was payment for his appointment to the position some months prior to the attack. So, we can’t be one hundred percent sure that was Turner’s only involvement or who he was doing the favor for.
“Through a coordinated effort, Agent Fraser, with the WFO, gathered proof that Turner was
working with Jian to take out me, Agent Caison, and pretty much everyone I know. There’s a lot more here, sir, but I realize this is a lot to take in. The scope of this was much larger than any one of us believed.”
The door opened and the president entered. Mobley immediately stood. “Mr. President.”
“Director Mobley. You’ve had a word with Mrs. Merrick?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And is what she said at the ceremony true?”
“I believe so, sir—yes. Although this will require opening a formal investigation.”
“I’m sure. Then we need to do everything in our power to make sure this brave young woman is safe.”
“And my children, sir—Mr. President.”
“And her children.”
“Mrs. Merrick was also working with a few others. They’re on their way down here now.”
“Good. I think it’s time I understood what it was my State Department was involved in.” He turned to Lacy. “Mrs. Merrick, based on what you know now, do you believe the secretary is also involved? I have intentionally kept him away at this time, until you can tell me more.”
“I—I don’t believe so, sir. But I can’t rule it out. That’s why I think it would be a good idea to order a full-scale investigation into the entire State Department.”
“Oh, you do, do you?”
“Yes, sir.”
The president turned to Mobley. “Perhaps we ought to look into Mrs. Merrick’s request, but in the meantime, I’d like to be briefed on the situation. So when her colleagues arrive, we should sit down and figure out what the hell happened today.”
“Yes, sir. Once all the parties arrive, I’ll arrange a briefing with the chief of staff.”
“That won’t be necessary. Arrange it with me directly.” The president began to leave but stopped and turned to Lacy again. “Mrs. Merrick, while I hope what you’ve said is true, and especially for your sake; in my heart, I pray that it isn’t.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Elizabeth Ward stood in the hall and was speaking to Director Mobley when Will and Aaron arrived, under guard of other agents.
“Secret Service still has Lei Jian in custody. He was carrying a weapon,” Ward began.
“How long do you think they can keep him?” Mobley asked.
“A few hours—at best—until we can get direction from the president. The Chinese ambassador will order his return. He didn’t exactly do anything wrong this time except enter the US when he was not legally allowed to do so.”
Mobley spotted Will approaching. “Agent Caison, you finally decided to join the party.”
“I apologize, sir; we were held for questioning by Secret Service until just minutes ago. Where is Lacy Merrick?”
Mobley tossed his head in the direction of the conference room. “In there. We should go in and try to figure out what the hell is going on. I have to brief the president as soon as possible.”
They entered the room where Lacy still sat alone. “Oh thank God. You’re okay.” She smiled at the sight of her closest friends. “Where’s Agent Delgado?”
“Meeting with CIA Director Handley. He’s making the case for Axell’s release based on what he and Ward knew.”
Lacy looked to Director Mobley. “What happens now?”
“Now you tell me what it was you and Agent Caison were doing this morning.”
“Look, I know you had an agreement with Agent Caison, and I just want you to know that he had no knowledge of what I was planning. As far as he knew, the arrangement was for me to hand the information we received on Deputy Turner over to the secretary and the president. It would then be up to them to handle it. But the problem I had with that was that I feared the same thing would happen as before.” She looked to Caison and then to Mobley again. “I couldn’t chance it being buried again. I just couldn’t. Not after we lost another friend and Axell was put in holding. I wasn’t going to let him take the fall for helping me.”
Mobley looked at Will. “Is this true? You had no knowledge of what Mrs. Merrick had planned?”
“It is true, but I stand by her decision. When we first came to you, Director, we thought it would be over. That justice would be served. Instead, it was covered up.”
“I understand that was a blow, but I thought we were working together toward a solution, one that would work within the system.”
“I tried to work within the system,” Lacy interrupted. “And it seemed the deeper we got, the more corrupt it became and soon I realized there would be no easy solution after Agent Colburn was murdered. That was the beginning of the end.”
“Still, one of you should’ve come to me. I could’ve offered more protection, more resources,” Mobley continued. “I should’ve been in the loop on this once you changed directions.”
“I didn’t want to risk your further involvement, sir,” Lacy said. “Not until I had what I needed and now I do. And the world knows it.” She pulled the flash drive from her coat pocket and slid it across the table. “You’ll find on here a letter from Undersecretary Kendrick. He confessed to his participation in covering up the mall attack and who was ultimately responsible for it. It was discovered on a computer in his office by a member of Turner’s staff. It was a file that had been deleted, but of course, they never really are deleted. I believe he knew it would be discovered and there would be little anyone could do to stop the truth from being exposed after that.”
“And you can prove this came from Kendrick himself?” Mobley asked.
“When Turner’s assistant discovered it and brought it to Turner’s attention, that’s when, I believe, he decided his only solution was to work with Jian to end any further inquiry. It was only a matter of time before the WFO would’ve gotten hold of it.” Lacy turned to Will. “We also have photos of Turner with Jian at his hotel yesterday. And there’s one other thing, sir. We’re confident that the Dalian Company and its CEO, Shen Yang, were responsible for the murder of Agent Colburn and for the attack at the restaurant that almost killed Agent Caison and myself. But Agent Delgado knows more about them than I do.”
Mobley sighed and took to his feet. “You’ve given me a lot to chew on, Mrs. Merrick. I’ll take this to the president. In the meantime, you’ll have to stay here, and so will Agent Caison and Mr. Hunter.”
“What about my children? Please, can you bring them home?”
Mobley nodded and left the conference room.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Aaron began. “Did you think we wouldn’t be behind you on it? I thought we were all in this together.”
“I thought you’d try to get me to change my mind. Convince me that the way we had it planned was the best for all involved.” She looked to both of them. “I’m sorry. When I looked out into the faces of the families, I just couldn’t lie to them. They’d been lied to for long enough.” She turned to Will. “What do you think the president will do?”
“Everything will change now, Lacy. Nothing will be the same. I wish I could tell you what the president will do. I just don’t know. I don’t know what’s going to happen to any of us.”
♦ ♦ ♦
The cameras were fixed on the president as he sat at his desk in the Oval Office, preparing to speak to the American people. The cameraman began his countdown and soon held up three fingers, then two, then one, and the president began.
“Good evening. The events of the past twenty-four hours have opened my eyes to the corruption inside my own administration. And not only that, but they have opened my eyes to the bravery of certain individuals who risked everything to expose that corruption. As you know, evidence has been presented that concludes the attack on the Fairfax mall was planned and carried out by parties associated with the Chinese government. I am not here to condemn that government, but only those who sought to harm the American people. However, as a result, until those people are dealt with, economic sanctions will be put into place and from this point forward, all companies with majority ownership in the Asia-Pacific region ar
e barred from conducting business with the United States. The fallout for the American worker will be substantial, but this is a necessary step to show our resolve for the atrocities committed on our soil, against our people.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Lacy sat on the edge of her sofa, watching the broadcast, waiting for the shoe to drop, for yet another politician to cover something up, but so far, that was not what was happening.
“I think you did it, Lacy,” Aaron began. “You made this happen and the entire world is sitting up and taking notice.”
“We did this. All of us.” She looked to Will, who was sitting on the side chair. “You all risked your lives and we brought the truth to the people. But what will happen in the fallout? What if I destroyed everything?”
“Sometimes you have to tear something down in order to rebuild it and make it stronger,” Will began. “No matter what happens now, Lacy, things will be different and it will be hard, but I believe this was what had to happen. No matter how hard I tried to work within the system.”
A knock sounded on her door. Lacy made her way to open it and peered through the security lens, smiling while tears immediately streamed down her cheeks. Upon opening the door, there stood her children. “Oh my God! My babies.” She opened her arms.
Jackson lunged toward her, falling into her arms while Olivia hung back, still hesitant. “Mommy! I missed you so much! Are we home for good now? I don’t have to go away anymore?”
“No, baby, you don’t have to go away ever again.” She held him tightly and turned her sights to Olivia.
“They said you did a brave thing.”
Lacy pulled back from the embrace and held Olivia’s gaze. “I did what I thought was right, what I thought your daddy would’ve wanted me to do.”
Olivia began to tear up. “I’m sorry, Mommy.” She fell into Lacy’s arms and the two held one another closely.
Will and Aaron entered the foyer and spotted Delgado standing with Lacy’s children. Behind him another approached.
