A Tommy Logan Story

by Darren D. Lee

  “Good! As I said, today you will be participating in weapons qualification with your rifles.” I once more turned my attention to Agent Sells. “To answer your question, you will be using your rifle simply because it is the least used weapon in the field. You have less opportunity to utilize your skills with this selected weapon. Therefore, this is an excellent opportunity to practice and make sure you are proficient. Is this a sufficient enough answer for you, Agent Sells?”

  “Yes, Sir!” she shouted.

  “Do you have any further questions, Agent Sells?”

  “No, Sir!” she replied.

  “Excellent!” I bellowed. I turned my attention to Ronnie. He was on the opposite end of the rank. “Senior agent Scott, report!” Ron stepped back and approached me flawlessly. He stood to my front, awaiting my orders. “Agent Scott, you will be my Range Officer today. You will ensure that all personnel adheres to all safety regulations and tower commands. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, Sir!” replied Ronnie.

  “Fall back in.” Ronnie quickly resumed his position in the formation. I observed the formation for a few moments. Everyone standing perfectly still. “On the command of fall out, you will report to the bleachers and await your briefing.” I let a few moments go by. “Fall out!” I commanded.

  Everyone took a seat, remaining perfectly still. Ronnie sat at the end farthest away from me. I started on the opposite end, counting them off from one to ten. “That is your firing order. Agent Scott will fire last since he is my Range Officer today. Do not forget your firing order. That is how you will receive your score and there will be no do-overs, no second chances, no nothing. Is that understood?”

  “Yes, Sir!” they all shouted.

  “Today you will be participating in weapons qualification. There will be three cycles to each qualifying session.” I grabbed a twenty round magazine and held it up. “You will be firing twenty rounds from the prone unsupported position.” I exchanged the magazine for one of its ten round counterparts. “Then you will be firing ten rounds from the kneeling position and last you will fire ten rounds from the standing position.” I placed the magazine back down. “Now, while on the range you will be expected to wear all safety gear. Everyone hold up your eye protection and ear protection.” One agent had both. Everyone else had eye protection. I inspected everyone’s eye protection. Ratliff had tinted glasses. I looked at him for a few moments. “Ratliff, what’s wrong with your eye pro?”

  “Nothing, Sir.”

  “Try again.”

  He glared towards me before once again saying, “Nothing.”

  “They’re tinted.”

  “The sun is bright, it helps me see.”

  I chuckled a bit. “Who do you think you are, Ratliff? Some big shot back on the block? I don’t give two… No, no. Do you think a hostile perpetrator will give two shits if the sun is out and reducing your visibility? Think that perp will wait to fire at you until you’ve got your shades on?”

  “That’s bullshit!”

  “Shut up!” I commanded. “You’ll borrow someone’s or I’ll disqualify you. Be a shame to lose your rank or job over some stupid sunglasses, don’t you think?”

  He continued his hateful glare. I knew I had made an enemy right then, but it didn’t matter. I was right, he was wrong… End of story. “Yes, Sir!” he begrudgingly replied.

  “For the rest of you, you get a pass on your ear pro. I’ll provide it today. Next time you will be reprimanded for lack of necessary equipment.” I tossed the box of ear protection to Ronnie. “Hand that out once the brief is over.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  I pointed to the tower. “You will take all commands from that tower. No one will approach the range while someone is firing. And nobody sure as hell will go down range while someone is firing. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, Sir,” they all replied.

  “Number one in the firing order, get ready.”

  Sitting at the control panel was boring, but someone had to do it. Someone had to whip these agents into shape. Each Agent fired one after another, none impressive until number eight. It was Ratliff. He was about to begin his third cycle. So far, his score was perfect. I leaned towards the mic of the loudspeaker. “Make ready for the standing position.” After a few moments, Ratliff had reloaded and was ready. “Fire in three… Two… One…” I flipped the switch and began the cycle. He delivered hit after hit until the final target; the three-hundred meter. Ratliff fired, it was a miss. He waited for a moment then started shouting. I stood up, watching Ronnie approach him. Ratliff threw down his weapon and started screaming at Ronnie. “That son of a bitch…” I mumbled.

  “It’s fucking bullshit!” screamed Ratliff as I approached.

  “Agent, what the fuck is your problem?” I asked, screaming.

  “Fuck you, you cock sucker!” he screamed. “I’ve never shot less than perfect… You fucked me! Or this shit is fucking broken!”

  I remained silent. I was infuriated. It was everything I could do to not beat his fat ass all over that range. Especially after he threw down his weapon. What if there was still a round in the chamber? He endangered everyone present and he didn’t give a shit. “Agent Scott, go pop the three hundred.”

  “Yes, Sir,” he replied.

  “What the fuck do you—”

  “Shut the fuck up, Ratliff. That’s an order,” I interrupted. I walked to the trunk of my car and retrieved my rifle. I had checked it out just in case a demonstration was needed. I approached the table and picked up a magazine just as Ron popped the three-hundred-meter target. Pulling the bolt back, I chambered a round and put the stock to my shoulder. The target was in my sights and with a squeeze of the trigger it fell. I lowered my weapon and turned to Ratliff. “You’re dismissed and disqualified.”

  “You can’t fucking—”

  “You’re dismissed and disqualified, Senior Agent Ratliff!” I screamed. “Now get the fuck out of my sight and off my range!”

  Ratliff glanced at the other agents being quiet and observing. He snorted, picking up his weapon. “Robins will hear about this,” Ratliff grunted.

  “Damn right, he will,” I replied. Ratliff left with haste, his diesel truck roaring and blanketing the area with black smoke. “Fucking prick,” I mumbled. “Come on, let’s finish up,” I said to the others.

  Luckily the rest of the session went off without incident. Everyone qualified… Save for Ratliff, but he screwed himself there. It was late in the afternoon when I arrived home. Immediately, my phone started vibrating. It was Sara calling, no doubt wondering how my first training day went. I remember being happy that she called. It was going to be good to have someone to vent to. “Hello,” I answered.

  “I know that voice, you had a rough day,” said Sara.

  “Yeah, people are assholes.”

  “What happened?”

  “This dick named Ratliff was… Well, being a dick.”

  Sara giggled a bit. “And did you go all superior agent and put him in his place? Don’t answer. I know you did… That isn’t going to win you any friends.”

  “He got pissy because he missed his shot. Then to beat all, he threw down his weapon in total disregard of anyone present while he had his tantrum.”

  “Wow… I would’ve kicked his ass.”

  I sighed. “I wanted to, believe me.”

  “I’m sure. What’s Shey up to? I haven’t talked to her today.”

  “She left for Charlottesville this morning. Finalizing things for college. Move in is on the 22nd.”

  “Oh, so I’ll get to meet her before she runs off.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, she’s excited to meet you as well.” After a brief pause, I asked, “Did you get your ticket?”

  “I did,” she replied. “I’ll get in around eight pm at tri-cities.”

  “Great. It’s going to be good to see you.”

  I could tell that Sara had a sly smile across her face. I couldn’t see her, but I could tell. “I think you’ve
missed me a little.”

  “Don’t let it go to your head.”

  “Don’t be such an asshole or I’ll just stay here,” she said through her giggles.

  August 19th, 2025

  That Tuesday was particularly gloomy from a late summer storm system moving through. I could hear the occasional cracks of thunder inside my office, but it hadn’t rained a drop yet. I felt my phone vibrate around three o’clock. It was Sara, naturally. “Hey,” I answered.

  “Hey, you!”

  “Heading to the airport?”

  “Yep!” she replied with an unrivaled enthusiasm. “I’m so excited to see you.”

  “I can’t wait.” I took a breath. I really was excited to see her. Sara was something special. The happy-go-lucky enthusiasm she always possessed just did something to me. It lightened my world a bit. Okay, it lightened my world a lot. More so than I’d ever care to admit. “Turned the apartment keys in yet?”

  “I have! Some of your old furniture was bought by the landlord and everything else I donated. Just like you told me.”

  “Good job,” I joked. “Keep following orders this well and we’ll get along just fine in the future.”

  “Oh-ho, is that so?” Sara spouted sarcastically. “We’ll just see about that. Something tells me you’ll be following my orders soon enough.”

  “Yeah,” I said, chuckling. “I highly doubt that.”

  “You just wait. You’ll see.”

  “We will,” I replied, still chuckling.

  “You’re going to be there to get me, right? Nine o’clock sharp?”

  “I will. I promise.”

  “You better be…” Sara paused for a few moments. “The cab driver just texted me, he’s outside.” After another pause, she sighed heavily. “I hate having to go so early. My flight doesn’t leave until six, but security is a pain.”

  “Price of keeping this great nation safe.”

  “And here I thought it was you keeping this nation safe. Not some rent-a-cop at the airport.”

  “Hey, now. We all have our parts to play.”

  “Whatever,” she playfully scoffed. “I’ll call you once I land… If you’re not outside the terminal waiting.”

  “I said I promise.”

  “Uh-huh,” she replied.

  “Be safe and have a good flight.”

  “I will, bye Thomas.”

  “Hey—” I heard the beep of the call ending before I could reply. Undoubtedly it was Shey who told her to call me Thomas. Ringing her neck when I got home would be the evening's recreation… But I never made it home. Not like I thought I would.

  After my call with Sara, I resumed what I had been up to all day. I was going through every file I could find on the ASA’s intranet. Every file that the Grundy Agency had was at my disposal. Something was off though, I could feel it. Some files were empty… Well, emptier than they should have been. Missing reports, half-finished reports… Some cases were obviously mislabeled. Suicides with no motives. Hit and runs that resulted in fatalities with no follow-up investigation or even a search for the perpetrator. I stumbled on this all while looking for info on my sister’s investigation… There was nothing on Angel. That didn’t just irritate me; it infuriated me.

  Around four, I came to a file in the archived investigations directory. It was labeled ‘Misc.’ That was odd. Immediately, I tried to open it. The computer prompted me access denied. I tried again. Once more I was denied. This made no sense, I was Lieutenant-Commander and had top-level security clearance. Every file was cleared to me, or so it was supposed to be. Trembling, I took a deep breath. I could feel my face turning red. Robins and I were about to have a talk… As in he was going to be lucky to leave his office on his own two feet.

  I burst through his office door violently, making sure my confrontational intentions were clear. “Robins!” I shouted.

  “Logan? What the hell is the meaning of this?”

  “There are no files about my sister’s investigation in the system!” I approached his desk, slamming my hands down. “And why the hell are there files I don’t have access to? I have top-level clearance! What the fuck are you hiding?”

  “Logan, sit down and calm down. We’ll talk,” he calmly replied.

  To say I was caught off guard by his reaction would be an understatement. He was sitting there, at his desk all calm wanting to talk. I had burst in ready to beat him senseless. Maybe I was too hot-headed… That was my initial thought on the situation. Later I realized I was nothing more than a fool. I took a seat and stared into his eyes, “Talk,” I said.

  “I’m guessing you found the Misc. file. Only reason you can’t access that is because your clearance hasn’t been fully authorized in our systems. I’ll get IT on that immediately.” Robins took a slow, and hesitant breath. He was obviously troubled. “About your sister. The case has hit a standstill.”

  “What do you mean a standstill?” I shouted, unable to remain calm.

  “Calm down, Logan, I’ll explain.”

  “Explain, then.”

  Robins sighed, covering his eyes with his hand for a moment. “I’ve had my best investigator following leads. Sergeant Wilson. The leads trace to a drug trafficking organization that originates in the Tri-Cities.”

  “And?”

  “And? And that’s beyond our jurisdiction. You know how it is when Agencies have to go beyond its home state. It becomes a mess of bureaucratic shit and cooperation between agencies.”

  Robins was right. Each ASA agency was a federal entity but when working across state lines, cooperation wasn’t always guaranteed. It usually was related to a pissing contest between commanders of who lead what investigation and when… And a deployment of resources. Problems in Grundy wouldn’t always be an area of immediate concern for say Johnson City, Tennessee. But, given the context of a drug trafficking ring… Being connected with a murder? Situations like that rarely happened. Drugs being trafficked from the Tri-Cities to this part of Virginia would undoubtedly create an incentive for cooperation. “What are you going to do about it, Commander Robins?”

  “Do about it?” he scoffed. “I’ve done all I can. I’ve forwarded the reports to the Tri-Cities regional Agency and they say it will interfere with their own investigation.”

  “That’s bullshit!” I shouted. “Mutual goal. If they killed my sister, then they win by having us help locate them. Cooperation is mutually beneficial.”

  “Well, Logan, they just don’t see it that way.”

  “I’ll make them,” I said in a low tone.

  “I thought you’d say that,” said Robins. “To be honest, you’re one hell of an agent. I was hoping that you’d settle in here and I could utilize you in the future. We could get a lot done together… But I see you’re not going to let this go.”

  “I’m not.”

  “I could transfer you. Spin it that you’re the best damn agent I’ve ever seen and I’m sure they’d put you on that investigation immediately.”

  “Do it…” I didn’t need him for a transfer. I got my pick any time I wanted. Perks of tearing down China… But I’d humor him.

  Robins nodded and picked up his phone. He dialed a number and waited a few moments. “It’s Commander Robins, how are you today?” He smiled slightly while he listened to whoever he called. “I’m fine, thanks for asking. See, I’ve got a favor to ask. I have this exceptional agent by the name of Thomas Lee Logan. Damn fine record, but he isn’t exactly suited for Grundy. I feel that he’d do far better and be of far more help if he was gone.” Robins gave a quick chuckle. “Excellent, I’ll tell him right away. Thanks.” He hung up the phone and looked at me with a smile. “You’re transferred. Report for duty at the Tri-Cities regional agency first thing in the morning.” Robins took a deep breath. “Damn shame this had to happen, I’m sorry to see you go.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” I stood and left. I walked past my office, leaving whatever was in there. Just pens and such, nothing of note. That had gone so unexpectedly. It
seemed like he was trying to help… If not me, himself at least by getting me out of here. I thought about calling Shey and telling her, but I figured it could wait until I got home. Descending the stairs, my mind was racing with thoughts… Thoughts of finally bringing Angel’s killer to justice. Shey and I would finally have a semblance of peace.

  I remember seeing the red paint of my GTO shining underneath the overhead lighting of the parking garage. That car always made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I miss that feeling. She roared to life with a turn of the ignition. Descending the spiral, one lane exit of the Agency building, I felt relieved. This place wasn’t my home anymore. I was glad to leave it behind. I reached the bottom of the building, the highway was in sight… Blinding lights shined through my driver’s side window. I turned my head to investigate but everything went dark.

  The sensation of cold air and free fall overtook my body. It was dark save for the explosions of anti-aircraft shells in air taking aim at the numerous bombers. My senses were alive, I was alert. I was in my element. The surroundings were all too familiar. I was over Lake Park, China. It was my final mission at the end of the war. My body shook under the bass of the exploding cannons. I could feel the heat somehow from the bombs exploding on the Chinese soil below me. Looking around, I could see the parachutes of my fellow TacSIX members being pulled. Instinctively, I pulled the cord to mine. The jerk and tug of the parachute catching air over a combat zone always took my breath away… In a good way, that is. The adrenaline was always at its peak at that very moment. I descended towards the ground. I could hear the whizzing sound of bullets straying by me from small arms fire. My descent quickened, bullets had pierced my chute. It was all happening just as it did before. The ruined streets below me approached quicker. I watched my feet prepare to touch the ground… Then I opened my eyes.

  “He’s wakin’ up,” shouted a familiar voice.

  “Shit, figured he was dead after that,” replied a deep and grizzled voice. “No matter, he’ll be at the bottom Flannagan soon.”

  I slowly moved my head. My neck hurt, my left arm tingled, and it hurt to breathe. My windshield was cracked badly. Like a spiderweb over the glass. It was dark, clearly, some time had passed. I looked around, my airbags had deployed. The sting from a wound on my head just past my hairline was becoming more evident. Taking a deep breath, I glanced around the interior of the car. The driver’s side door was caved in and I could feel the plastic trim of the door protruding into my side. I wheezed, taking another breath, then coughing. The door opened somewhat, creaking from metal on metal friction. A pair of hands drug me out of my ruined baby and threw me on the ground. It felt like I had been beaten to an inch of my life. The ground felt like a million hammers beating against my bones. I looked up to see the familiar figure vaguely visible from the street lights. “Ratliff…” I mumbled just as a flash of lightning in the sky lit his face.