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1120 Words
“So this is some plot by the Russians to gain global prominence again,” said the director.
“We certainly can’t discount that possibility.” Herbert folded his arms over his chest and said, “And why does none of this seem to surprise you?”
The director didn’t flinch at this blunt remark. He picked up another piece of paper. “We got some forensics tests back. The substance Agent Anthony found on the floor of the government office building has been found to match a certain weapon.”
“It was the lubrication oil for the TEC-9 submachine g*n, wasn’t it,” said Anthony.
“Yes.”
“So they did fire from there.”
“Appears to be the case.”
A few seconds passed. “Is there something else?” asked Herbert. The director was looking off and seemed to have forgotten there were other people in the room.
“John Kravitz.”
“What about him?”
“He also spent time in Russia.”
“When?”
“When he was in college. He was already on a couple of our watch lists. We believe he went over there to hook up with a group that specializes in mass disinformation campaigns on the Internet.”
“But nothing violent?” asked Anthony.
“No, but the nonviolent can quickly become violent. We’ve all seen that.”
“The U.S. government building,” added Herbert. “Someone had access to that, and I don’t believe it was John Kravitz.”
The director nodded thoughtfully. “And Special Agent Birdman actually told you that he feared his own people were spying on him?”
“Yes sir.”
Anthony nodded in agreement.
Herbert added, “An agent from the ATF told us the same thing.”
The director said, “Garchik.”
“Yes. Have they found out what this mysterious component to the bomb is yet?”
“Not to my knowledge, no.”
Herbert’s mouth opened slightly and he sat forward. “To your knowledge, sir?”
The director looked nervous for the first time since they’d arrived in the room. He glanced at the ADIC and nodded to the door. The man did not seem pleased by this unspoken directive, and then looked positively put out when the director stopped Ashburn from joining him. After the door had closed behind the ADIC, the director leaned forward. “Something is going on here that is unprecedented in my experience.”
“There’s a traitor in the ranks,” Herbert said.
“More than that, I’m afraid. Worse than that.”
Herbert started to ask how anything could be worse than having a traitor in your midst, but then he remembered what McElroy had told him.
Things can always be worse.
The director cleared his throat. “There is something going on inside our government that… that does not mesh very well with the
way we do things.”
“Meaning what exactly, sir?” asked Herbert.
The director rubbed his hands together.
“Some of us appear to be working at cross-purposes.”
“Some of us?” asked Anthony blankly.
“Agent Garchik is missing.”
“What?” Herbert said sharply.
“And the mysterious debris component that he found at the park has also gone missing.”
“How is that possible?” asked Anthony.
“I’m not sure. It was outside our chain of command.”
“But the Bureau is the lead agency,” pointed out Herbert.
“But ATF was taking the lead on the bomb forensics.”
“But an agent and evidence going missing is very unusual,” said Herbert.
“Yes, of course it is,” the director said sharply.
“Any leads?” asked Anthony.
“No, we just found out about it, actually. We have teams going over the scene.”
“Where was he taken from?”
“Not exactly sure. He’s divorced, lives alone. His car is missing.”
“Signs of a struggle?”
“Not definitive.”
“No communications?”
“Neither from Garchik nor from whoever might have taken him.”
“Might have?” asked Anthony.
“We can’t rule out that he left voluntarily.”
“Who reported him missing?”
“His supervisor.”
Herbert said, “Who reported the evidence missing?”
“His supervisor as well. When Garchik didn’t make his routine check-in, he became worried. One of the things he did was examine the evidence locker.”
“Garchik told us that NASA was being called in to try and ID the debris.”
“I wasn’t aware of that.”
Herbert sat back as Ashburn said, “This is all really stunning.”
“The media can’t get wind of any of this,” said the director firmly. “All statements will go through my office. Is that understood?”
“I don’t talk to reporters,” said Herbert, as Anthony nodded in agreement.
The director motioned to Ashburn. “Agent Ashburn will be taking over the lead on the investigation. You will work directly with her.”
Ashburn and Herbert exchanged a glance. Herbert thought he saw the woman attempt a smile.
“That’s fine,” said Herbert. “I look forward to it.”
“Agent Ashburn here told me you were up for the Medal of Honor for your service in Vietnam.”
“I was offered it, yes.”
“But turned it down. Why?”
“I didn’t think I deserved it.”
“But your country did. Isn’t that enough?”
“No sir, it’s actually not.”
“REUBEN?”
The large man opened his eyes and stared straight up.
Herbert gazed down at him. “Docs say you’ll be leaving soon.”
“Great. I don’t have health insurance. So let me just declare bankruptcy right now. Oh, that’s right. Bankruptcy is for people who actually have property.”
“I can see you’re feeling better already.”
This came from Mirabel, who had been planted in the chair ever since Reuben had been admitted. She rose and stood next to the bed.
Herbert said, “Your bill is being taken care of.”
“By who?”
“Uncle Sam.”
“Why? Did he bail out the loading dock where I work too?”
“Just get some rest.”
“Did you find those guys?”
Herbert shook his head. “The area had been pretty well sterilized.”
Mirabel said, “So you’re still on the job?”
“For now.”
“What else can we do?”
“I think you’ve both done enough.”
- Writer
