First Target

by Robin Mahle

  “I don’t have to. The weapon used to kill Turner was found in the home of the shooter early this morning. I don’t know what gun you found in Agent Axell’s apartment, but it wasn’t the one used on Turner.”

  “Mr. President, my team, and primarily, Aaron Hunter and Lacy Merrick, were instrumental in getting the proof against Handley and the now deceased Casper Janz. They risked their lives to prove the US was funding a planned attack. And Director Mobley has the evidence in his possession. But what he doesn’t have is evidence, concrete evidence, that you were also behind the plan.” Axell held up his hand at the first sign the president was about to speak. “Don’t. He knows it. We all do. But knowing isn’t enough, is it? And it’s possible Handley will admit it, but I’ve known him for a long time. Protecting you is the only thing that matters to him.”

  “I don’t think the people of this country can handle another scandal and certainly not of this magnitude, Mr. President,” Mobley added. “Trust is fragile and if they suspect you had a hand in it, you will not survive your second term.”

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “No. I’m telling you, your only option is to resign.”

  The president grumbled. “You can’t be serious? Even if they think I was involved, you know how many people here wanted to see revenge for what they did to us? What they did to your husband, Mrs. Merrick? You think they’ll turn against me? You’re wrong. They’ll stand behind me. Take a look outside, Mobley. You see what’s happening. They’ll cheer my name in the streets for defending this country.”

  “The ramifications if Yang had been successful would have been war,” Mobley replied.

  “You’re wrong. China would’ve gone to war with itself and that would only help us. You are so naïve.”

  “I guess we’ll never have to find out, will we, Mr. President?” Mobley grabbed the CIA director. “We’ll see how this plays out and how the public will view what you did.”

  Two weeks of discourse, riots, outrage. While the sanctions against China were lifted in exchange for the return of Lacy Merrick, Aaron Hunter, Will Caison, and Trevor Axell, the world turned against the administration, and so did the American people.

  “The global impact of a China at war with itself, stoked by the US government would have brought about economic collapse world-wide,” the president began. “And those responsible have been held accountable. But I have heard the cries. The calls for resignation. The rampant corruption in my administration falls squarely on my shoulders. This happened under my watch. And it is out of my deep love for this country that I stand before you today, resigning my post as President of the United States.”

  Lacy stood in the rose garden as the president made his remarks, the vice-president standing beside him.

  “You did it, Lacy,” Will began. “You ended the corruption of an entire administration.”

  “We all did it. Maybe I started it, but we all finished it.”

  “I guess that means we’re out of a job.” Aaron stood on the other side of Lacy and leaned over with a smile.

  “I guess we are.” She surveyed the area. “Where’s Trevor?”

  “Up front.”

  “Good.”

  They watched the vice president take the oath of office.

  “I am honored and humbled and appreciate the difficult decision the president had to make. In light of this fresh start our country so desperately needs, we have a new trade agreement with China that will bring back our jobs and help to heal the wounds between our two countries.” He acknowledged China’s President Zhang, who stood beside him. “It is our hope to move past this troubling time and look forward to a bright and prosperous future. And as president, it is with utmost confidence that I announce my appointment of a new acting CIA director. He has served this country with great distinction for more than twenty years and was instrumental in uncovering the deception so deeply entrenched in Washington. It is my honor to introduce Acting CIA Director Trevor Axell.”

  Trevor stood in the front row and waved for a moment before returning to his seat.

  Lacy smiled and reached for Will’s hand. “He’s a good man, isn’t he?”

  “He is.”

  But there was one thing in the back of her mind. And while she would leave it there indefinitely, she would always be left to wonder. Who was really responsible for Turner’s death?

  Michelle Vogel leaned into Lacy’s doorway. “Hey, you have a minute?”

  “Of course. Come in. I haven’t finished the reports yet.”

  “That’s okay. It’s not why I’m here.” Michelle sat down.

  “Oh. Everything all right?”

  “Just thought we should take a moment to discuss your future. Have you decided what you want to do from here? You realize any door you want opened will open for you now.”

  “You must’ve heard the rumors.”

  “I might’ve heard a thing or two. The task force came as a mild surprise, but in this climate, I suppose I half-expected something of that nature to come to fruition, given what happened. And, of course, your involvement,” Michelle continued.

  “I haven’t made a decision yet.”

  “So you’re considering the position?”

  “I am. It would be an honor, but like I said, I haven’t made up my mind. I have to think of the kids and how often I’d be away. They could use some stability right now and so could I.”

  “Sure. I understand.” Michelle pushed off the chair. “You just be sure and let me know what you decide, okay?”

  “Of course I will.” She watched Michelle leave and considered again what Trevor said. He was certain his post as acting director wouldn’t last long and wanted her to make a decision before they brought in someone permanent.

  The new president wanted to maintain the task force, while giving Trevor and Director Mobley leeway to bring on additional help. Aaron had already accepted the offer to become a full-time member. Will’s training in counterterrorism meant he too was offered a full-time position, which he had also accepted. So now it was Lacy’s turn. Did she want to leave the Bureau? What would the task force become now were she to choose to dedicate herself to it full-time? Still, it had to be her choice. And she could not let the others sway her.

  The doorbell rang and Celeste answered it to find a friendly face. “Mr. Axell, come in. It’s very good to see you again.”

  “You too, Celeste.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek. “How’ve you been?”

  “Doing very well, thank you. And congratulations on your new position.”

  “Thank you, though I know it won’t last.”

  “Nevertheless, you should be very proud. Lacy’s in the living room.” She closed the door. “Let me take that for you.”

  Axell removed his coat and handed it to her.

  “Trevor.” Lacy appeared in the foyer. “Thanks for coming over. You want a drink? A beer or wine?”

  “No thanks. I’m okay. Got to drive back to the office.”

  “Oh. No rest for the weary, huh?”

  “No, ma’am.” He followed her into the living room. “I’m hoping your call means you’ve come to a decision?”

  “As a matter of fact, I have.” She sat down and waited for him to take his seat. “I’ve thought a lot about your offer. And you know, the Bureau has been good to me, but I’m not an agent, so I can only go so far.”

  “Right. Right.”

  “And the prospect of focusing solely on the task force would settle a good many concerns in my mind. But where does it go from here?”

  A smile began to spread across Trevor’s lips. “I’m glad you asked.” He retrieved a manila folder and handed it to her. “This is the file on Malcolm Ford.”

  “Have we found him yet?”

  “No. But I think once you see what’s inside, you’ll understand why.”

  Lacy opened the folder and began studying the documents.

  “Dalian has been forced into bankruptcy, and given the nature of the deal with
President Zhang, they’ve agreed to pull its operations out of the US. We know after Janz left SynDyn, the man you see there was put in charge of operations.”

  “Malcolm Ford,” she replied.

  “Yes.” He paused while Lacy continued to view the file. “Malcolm Ford was a name he was operating under, but we know him as someone else.”

  “We do?”

  “The CIA does. This man is Sergei Kozlov. He’s Russian-born, but became a US citizen several years ago. He never cut off ties to the people in his homeland.”

  “Wait. Are you telling me the Chinese made a deal with the Russians too?”

  “No. I don’t think so anyway. Casper Janz had cultivated relationships world-wide with very important people. I think Kozlov was just another man he needed a favor from, or vice-versa. And I’m sure he was paid well for it.”

  “What does this mean for us? Are we supposed to go after this guy?”

  “I don’t want to pretend China is going to sit back and be the good guys now. There will still be trade wars and each of our countries are not above getting their hands dirty to get what they want. But there will be people dedicated to continuing that effort. The task force’s new target will be to discover any ties Kozlov might have to the Kremlin, CIA, or FBI. Our job will be to root out those ties. If Janz used him for this deal, he probably used him for something else. We’ll be responsible for uncovering any more deals and exposing Janz’s connections.”

  “And when we do?”

  “Lacy, you and I both know the corruption won’t end. It’s been entrenched here for a very long time. The best we can do is whittle away at it and hope we continue to make a difference. I don’t think this will involve the sort of political scandal we’ve already encountered. I believe the new president is a good man. He’s already wiped clean the entire State Department. And he’s empowered the task force to do more.” Trevor leaned back. “So, will you continue your work with me—with us? Full-time of course.”

  “Yes. I’ll accept your offer. Sounds like we’ll be busy for a long time.”

  “Hey, there’s something to be said about job security.”

  “You mentioned that others will be handling China. Who? What will they be doing?”

  “After additional discussions with Zhang, the president was able to secure Maddox’s release.”

  “What?” Her eyes brightened in an instant.

  “As a good faith gesture, he’s going to let Maddox return home given that the man did put an end to Yang. That said, he’ll be an incredible asset here. He knows the ins and outs of the region and will run things from here. So will Shaw.”

  “I’m so glad to hear it. You know, I think the president would be crazy not to keep you on as director.”

  “We’ll see about that. But I know I’d be crazy to let you go back to the Bureau. I’ve never known anyone as dedicated to finding the truth as you, Lacy. And I know what that truth has cost you. Your talents will not be wasted. Neither will the others’.”

  “Thank you, Trevor. I’m honored you place such faith in me. Oh, there’s one other thing. I can still call you boss, right?”

  “No. Absolutely not. You know I hate that.”

  “El jefe?”

  “No.”

  “The big cheese?”

  “Okay, I’m leaving now.” He headed toward the door.

  “The head honcho?” Lacy followed him out. “Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I’ll stick with Trevor.”

  As he made his way outside and into his car, she couldn’t help but give it one last try. “I got it! Chief!” She laughed as he shook his head with determination and pulled away. On closing the door, she continued to chuckle.

  “What’s so funny?” Celeste approached.

  “Nothing. I’m just happy.”

  “I haven’t heard you say that in a long time.”

  “I haven’t felt it in a long time.”

  THE END

  About the Author

  Bestselling author Robin Mahle, lives in Virginia with her husband and two children. Her Kate Reid mysteries have drawn praise for grabbing hold of the reader and refusing to let go. And the intense, fast-paced style of storytelling led her to create another series, the Lacy Merrick thrillers, which readers have called "believable, and ripped from today's headlines." With powerful leading ladies and action-packed thrill rides, Robin hopes to continue taking readers on roller-coaster adventures that will leave them breathless.

  If you enjoyed Ms. Mahle’s work, please share your experience by leaving a review on Amazon

  For more information, visit Robin at

  www.robinmahle.com

  Also by Robin Mahle

  Primal Deception – A Lacy Merrick Thriller (Book 1)

  Shadow Rising - A Lacy Merrick Thriller (Book 2)

  All the Shiny Things—A Kate Reid Novel (Book 1)

  Law of Five – A Kate Reid Novel (Book 2)

  Gone Unnoticed – A Kate Reid Novel (Book 3)

  Blackwaters – A Kate Reid Novel (Book 4)

  Endangered - A Kate Reid Novel (Book 5)

  The Pretty Ones – A Kate Reid Novel (Book 6)

  Last Word - A Kate Reid Novel (Book 7)

  Deadly Reckoning - A Kate Reid Novel (Book 8)

  Unbound: The Kate Reid Series Box Set (Books 1-3)

  Rebound: The Kate Reid Series Box Set (Books 4-6)

  Force of Nature - A Riley Thompson Thriller (Book 0)

  Behind Her Eyes - A Riley Thompson Thriller (Book 1)

  Landslide

  Beyond the Clearing

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