by Dwayne Gill
“After Foster, sir, we weren’t sure who we could trust,” said Hart.
There was no reaction from Plumber, who looked at the screen without batting an eye. “So, Hart, I have a few questions for you. I would’ve rather done this in person, but since you won’t come in, I’ll ask here.” Plumber shifted and leaned away from the screen. “You were tasked with finding Cane, the assassin from Red Delta, correct?”
“That’s right,” said Hart.
“Foster ordered it,” said Plumber.
“Yes, sir,” said Hart.
“Did you find him?” asked Plumber.
Hart felt his blood pressure rise. He knew these questions were coming, but he’d hoped to be able to tell it from his side, in the order he felt would best show his good intentions.
“Well, sir…” said Hart.
“Just answer the question,” said Plumber.
“Yes,” said Hart. “I found him.”
Plumber’s eyes widened. “I see. Did you attempt to detain him?”
“No, sir,” said Hart.
“Did you notify anyone?”
“I did not,” said Hart.
Plumber sighed. “I’ve been investigating Foster’s activities, Hart. I know all about what he was up to. What I’m trying to find out is who else may be involved. This conversation is about you. You admit you found Cane, and I realize you might have had suspicions about Foster, but why not do your job still? It makes no sense.”
“When we found out about Foster, we were scared, sir,” said Hart. “At that point we didn’t know who to trust.”
“When did you find out about Foster?” asked Plumber.
“When I interviewed Captain Bowman, he brought things to light that I’d never considered, which proved Foster was withholding important information. Then, when the marked men killed Helen Campbell right after we interviewed her, I knew Foster had to be the one who tipped them off. He was the only other person who knew about our meeting.”
Plumber nodded, though it looked more mechanical than anything. “Why didn’t you report Foster’s behavior to anyone?”
“I didn’t know who else was involved,” said Hart.
“So you wanted to lay low until things became clearer?” asked Plumber.
“Yes,” said Hart.
“Funny,” said Plumber. “On the morning of Foster’s murder, your keycard was used at FBI headquarters. How’s that laying low?”
Hart had feared this development and knew he could do nothing to sugarcoat it. He now had a choice to make concerning how honest he’d be with the sitting director.
“If you view the surveillance cameras, you’ll see me nowhere in the building,” said Hart.
“I know,” said Plumber. “It looks like the assassin was using your clearance card. Did he take it from you?”
Hart’s heart was pounding. There was no going back after this answer. “I gave it to him, sir.”
Plumber raised an eyebrow. “Gave it to him?”
“The marked men had Kristy Campbell,” said Hart. “Only Foster knew where she was, and there was no way I could’ve gotten Foster to tell me.”
“So you allowed a wanted assassin to use your card, knowing he would capture and torture the director of the FBI?”
Hart was stunned. The way Plumber stated it made it seem so terrible, and maybe it was. Perhaps Hart had been reckless after all.
Barkley grabbed the screen and shifted it in her direction. “With all due respect, sir, Hart did exactly what needed to be done. We were being lied to and manipulated by the director, we had a missing girl on our hands, and we were afraid for our own lives. Cane was the only person we could trust and the only one capable of saving Kristy. So while it’s easy for you to come behind Hart and second-guess everything he did, you weren’t there. We were. Someone had to step up and do the right thing, and that’s what we did.”
Hart wanted to hug her. He knew Barkley could be a fireball, but he’d never seen her so revved up.
Plumber looked shocked but not angry. He rocked back and forth in his chair. “Did the two of you assist with the escape of the other fugitive? Daniel Verriday?”
Hart left the screen aimed at Barkley.
“We sure as hell did,” said Barkley. “And before you say anything else, I’ll tell you our predicament there. Foster had been arranging for the marked men to execute this prisoner. We stopped it from happening.”
“Someone killed two agents in that exchange,” said Plumber. “Two prison guards as well.”
“They died helping us,” said Barkley.
Plumber sat and stewed for a few moments. “Do you know where Cane and Daniel are now?”
“We sure do,” said Barkley. “You want to ask us where?”
Plumber smiled. “I doubt I’d get the answer.”
Hart sighed. “Sir, I would’ve hoped by now you’d be grasping the severity of the situation. The last people we should be worried about are Cane and Daniel.”
“I’m worried about agents acting unethically in the field,” said Plumber. “I’m trying to fix what’s broken, and that begins with weeding out corrupt agents.”
“I understand, but there’s a group of terrorists out there planning a major attack,” said Hart. “If we don’t figure out what’s happening, we could be looking at something far worse than 9/11.”
“What makes you think it’s something that grand?” asked Plumber. “None of our intelligence has pointed toward anything so apocalyptic.”
“We also didn’t realize we had corrupt officials in high places,” said Hart. “This is why I didn’t come in, sir. If you don’t trust me, then you won’t listen. If you lock me and Barkley up, there’ll be no one left to investigate what’s happening.”
This had always been Hart’s biggest fear. He and Barkley might be the only two people officially investigating the marked men, and if they were detained, the truth would be sealed away.
“Enlighten me, Hart,” said Plumber. “Tell me what you know.”
Though he didn’t know if Plumber would buy it, he relayed what they’d discovered. Vinson, the lieutenants, the Russians, BioFare, the facilities around the country, the turned Red Delta assassins, the secret testing done on the marked men. “Last night they massacred a whole nightclub. They’re getting more aggressive.”
“How do you know it was them?” asked Plumber.
“The EMP, first of all,” said Hart. “Signature BioFare technology. I think they’ve developed them to be stronger than ever. And also because of Quinton Mason.”
“You interviewed him, right?” asked Plumber. “He was an associate of Cane.”
Hart explained how the two tied together. “Mary Swelling is also missing. These terrorists are trying to make a big splash.”
“The men at the building in Georgia a couple of weeks ago,” said Plumber. “One of them was a lieutenant?”
“Amos,” said Hart. “He’s one of Vinson’s six leaders.”
“Five now,” said Plumber.
“Right,” said Hart. “He’s also the one who killed Helen Campbell. Cane killed him at that building.”
Daniel had been there too. They’d killed all the marked men while Cane rescued Kristy and finished off Amos. Hart gave a brief rundown of what happened.
“So you think these marked men are recruiting men all over the country?” asked Plumber.
“They’re turning ordinary men, sir, and forming an army right under our noses.”
“It sounds like fantasy,” said Plumber.
“And that’s why they’re so dangerous,” said Barkley. “No one wants to consider this threat to be real. We’ve seen these men and fought them, first-hand. Whatever you might think, this is really happening.”
“I think they have an even broader reach than we know,” said Hart. “They had Foster under their thumb. Who knows who else is involved?”
“I’ve looked into the Vinson connection already,” said Plumber. “I’ve found nothing leading to a group
of terrorists. If there’s more involvement from our government, we’re gonna find out.”
Hart doubted it. Vinson seemed too calculated and crafty not to cover his tracks. The only reason they’d discovered what they had was because of Amos’s recklessness.
“There’s a connection with BioFare,” said Hart.
“They’re contracted with the U.S. military,” said Plumber. “I can’t raid their facilities without good reason.”
They’d come to an impasse, and Hart knew it. He hoped at the least he’d appeased the director’s suspicions, but he couldn’t even be sure of that.
“What now, Hart?” asked Plumber.
Hart knew what he meant. Plumber wanted them to come in. “I’m gonna do my job,” said Hart. “I hope you’ll let me.”
Plumber sighed and sat back in his chair. Hart didn’t envy the man’s position. “What do you want to do?”
“I just want to dig around a little,” said Hart. “Give me a few days.”
“I’ll lift the APB, temporarily,” said Plumber. “Only because I believe you and Barkley. That’ll let you travel without worry. You can’t use FBI resources on the books. I won’t have that. As far as I’m concerned, we never had this conversation.”
“Thank you,” said Hart.
“Agent Flanagan can help you,” said Plumber. “She will anyway.”
“We’ll get answers,” said Barkley.
Plumber smiled grimly. “With that attitude of yours, I’m sure you will.”
Brainstorming
September 30, 2028
9:30 a.m. CST
Chicago, Illinois
Cane was on his way to see Dr. Brewer when Bowman called.
“What are you doing?” asked Bowman.
Cane updated him on last night’s events. “I’m going to see Jesse’s doctor.”
“I heard about Mason,” said Bowman. “I know you’re torn up about it.” His tone was brimming with sarcasm.
“We can’t find Swelling,” said Cane.
“They’re changing tactics,” said Bowman. “I think we pissed them off.”
“They are the same tactics,” said Cane. “They’re trying to get me to do something stupid.”
“Like what you’re doing now?” asked Bowman.
“Either Brewer is a marked man, or they’re watching him, forcing him to take part,” said Cane. “I’m gonna find out which.”
“How will that help us?” asked Bowman. “We already know they’re accessing these men somehow.”
“If they’re using doctors, it’ll give us a better idea of how easy it is for them to gain recruits,” said Cane. “I’m trying to get Hart something he can go on.”
“He’s restless, isn’t he?”
“We need him,” said Cane. “He can get things done a lot more efficiently on the inside.”
“I agree,” said Bowman. “I’m sorry I’ve been out of touch. I’ve been trying to reach out to old acquaintances.”
“Any news on William?”
“He apparently pissed off a lot of people,” said Bowman. “He killed some Russians, and apparently no one wants to go get him. Things are complicated. But I’m meeting his CO, whom I know personally. If anyone knows where William is, it’ll be him.”
Cane was relieved there might finally be progress. He felt like they’d been spinning their wheels for two weeks.
“Be ready,” said Bowman. “I’ll have Wayne and Orlando getting transportation for you and Daniel once we know where he is.”
Cane wondered when he’d have the chance to chat with Bowman again. He didn’t want to have this conversation on the phone, but it was time. “I know about your connection to Marcene.”
The line was quiet a moment. “I’ll explain later,” said Bowman.
“Marcene set Natalie up at the hotel,” said Cane. “Your CIA friend, Brandon Webb, leaked info to the right people, then you made sure I made it to the hotel to save her.”
“That was more difficult than you know,” said Bowman. “For multiple reasons. Vinson has my friend because of it.”
“Marcene did that just to expose me to the marked men?” asked Cane.
“It’s all part of Marcene’s plan,” said Bowman.
“She put her own daughter in danger.”
“Because she knew you’d save her,” said Bowman. “Why do you think I called you when you were on your way to Boston? I was making sure you were going.”
Cane recalled how odd Bowman’s call had been then and how he’d sounded. “You could have just told me.”
“I could have,” said Bowman. “But I know you. If you discover things on your own, and you feel that old rush, there’s nothing that can stop you. You needed to find out your way.”
“How about Helen? Did you know that would happen?”
“Screw you,” said Bowman. “How they found her was pure coincidence. Nothing I could have told you would have prevented that.”
Cane had never heard such indignation in Bowman’s voice, which made him feel conflicted. However, he had every right to be suspicious. “I don’t like secrets,” he said.
“I would never do anything to hurt you,” said Bowman. “The next time I hear you talk like that, I’ll kick your ass.”
It was a relief to hear Bowman snap back at him. Though Cane hadn’t doubted Bowman before, he realized he needed to hear his old mentor clear the air.
“Does Natalie know she’s Marcene’s daughter?” asked Bowman.
It was something about the way he said it. He seemed concerned. “No, she doesn’t,” said Cane.
“Let me tell her,” said Bowman.
“You do that,” said Cane. “I’m not good at stuff like that, anyway.”
There was a brief silence. Cane waited, thinking Bowman would continue, but there was nothing.
“Did you know I was genetically enhanced?” asked Cane.
There was more silence, and Cane waited him out. “Yes,” said Bowman. Cane figured as much. “You’re gonna have to trust me. I swear I’ll tell you everything. But right now, we have one thing to focus on.”
Cane left it at that. “What about your CIA friend?”
“If he’s still alive, they haven’t broken him. If they broke him, he’s dead.”
“What do you think?” asked Cane.
“I think he’s alive and kicking,” said Bowman. “He’s one of the toughest men I’ve ever known, and that includes you.”
*
September 30, 2018
9:40 a.m. CST
Naperville, Illinois
Natalie stood in the library of Calvin’s mansion with Kristy by her side. She’d been on the phone with Professor Duncan from MIT for the past ten minutes, explaining the newest developments with the marked men.
Duncan had done his part in confirming the marked men were genetically altered. Cane had given him a DNA sample of one of the men who’d tried to kill Natalie at the hotel, which he was able to test.
Duncan hadn’t been able to find any reason for it to erase the men’s memories, and neuroscience fell outside of his expertise as a genetic biologist.
“I’m afraid that even if I could study your…captive, I wouldn’t be much help,” said Duncan.
“Is there anyone you know that I could talk to?” asked Natalie.
“I know a neurologist,” said Duncan. “His name is Woody Grayson. I need to talk to him first, for obvious reasons.”
“Do you trust him?” asked Natalie. She realized how silly the question sounded and rephrased it. “Can he be discreet, I mean?”
“He’s the consummate professional,” said Duncan. “I can make sure he understands how delicate the situation is. I’ll talk to him and have him call you.”
“Thank you, Professor,” said Natalie.
“Anything to help.”
Natalie still felt awkward about involving the professor, although he’d seemed all too delighted to help a few weeks ago. He’d been engaged with Marcene in deep conversations about t
he capabilities of altering one’s DNA, a concept he wasn’t initially convinced of. Marcene swore she would provide proof, which was exactly what she ended up doing through Cane.
Natalie had been scheduled to attend Duncan’s lecture the day after the marked men tried to kill her at her hotel, and now here she was, discussing scientific matters with him.
Her life had transformed since the night of her near-death or abduction. She didn’t know if she’d ever attend college again, which seemed silly even to ponder, given all that had happened. She had far more important things to consider for now, like staying alive.
She couldn’t help wondering if she’d ever have a normal life again. She’d been an ordinary college kid with dreams and aspirations not long ago, and now she was in a house filled with terrorists, assassins, violent men, and other innocent victims. Things could be worse, she thought. She should probably be dead, and had it not been for Cane showing up at the hotel, she would be.
Natalie had to admit, despite the circumstances, that she was fortunate, and she’d also made some great friends. Kristy, Taryn, and Jordyn were wonderful people, and all three had been through an unspeakable trauma of their own. Natalie’s brush with death had been horrific but was nothing compared with what the others had endured, and she’d developed a kind of motherly relationship with them. A strange thought, given she was younger than Kristy and barely older than Jordyn.
There was a strength inside her she hadn’t been aware of before, a resilience, and it was tough to identify its source. Maybe it had always been there, slumbering, or perhaps it had been born out of necessity. Whatever the case, she found herself invested in the fate of the ones here, and surprisingly, she was glad to be a part of this ragtag team of unlikely heroes.
Natalie had come to love and respect everyone, including Cane and Daniel. Under any other circumstance, the men would have terrified her, but there was an odd comfort knowing they were on her side. She’d gotten close to Lynks, too, though he was much closer to behaving like a normal person than Cane or Daniel. She admired what he’d been through, respected his loyalty, was awed by his intelligence, but also loved his sweet personality. Lynks cared deeply for the ones he was close to.
