“Of course,” Vince replied easily as he took the chair opposite Mina, flashing her a warm mile. Mina was relieved to see him. He looked tired, but otherwise in good shape. “I came as quickly as I could. I landed on the roof not two minutes ago. I’m here to answer any questions pertaining to the Waterbury case.”
“Good, good. It’s not every day that an esteemed member of the French Protectorate helps out in a federal investigation.” Judge Mackey glanced down at something in his hand. “Escorting ex-marshal Norman Webb out of the residence of Wilbert Waterbury was, in fact, the third time you’ve been involved in one of Agent Kane’s cases recently. Is that correct?” The judge glanced between the two of them, trying to puzzle out their connection. Mina was certain that McAllister had given the magistrate only a brief explanation about their relationship.
“Yes, that’s true,” Vince replied. “Agent Kane and I are childhood friends. We both ended up in similar jobs, but in different countries. I became involved in the Veritus case, our first time working together, without the knowledge that Agent Kane was leading the investigation here. We ended up on the same ship together and collaborated to bring down Veritus. The CIU’s involvement was kept quiet for obvious reasons, which is a shame, because Agent Kane’s work on that was brilliant. Since I’ve been spending more time in America, she has been kind enough to keep me busy, with the blessing of her director, of course.”
Mina added, “Colonel Kramer has been a valued asset to us. We are thankful for his talent and his help.”
Judge Mackey scrawled something with his pen. He glanced up. “I’m going to swear you in, Colonel Kramer. You will receive diplomatic immunity if anything about this case ever goes to court, but I’m going to make sure we follow the letter of the law. There is a high likelihood, because of who we’re dealing with, that this will be involved in some kind of litigation. Do you acquiesce to that?”
“Of course,” Vince answered.
Once Judge Mackey finished swearing Vince in, he began, “Let’s get back to where I was with Agent Kane before your arrival to testify about entering Wilbert Waterbury’s residence. She clarified that she did not enter the premises, you did. You were alerted by Agent Kane that Norman Webb was missing, and she led you to—”
“I’m sorry to interject, but for the record,” Vince said, “Agent Kane did alert me to the fact Norman Webb was missing, but she was not acting as lead. I was in charge of the investigation, as has been fully reported by Director McAllister.”
“The correction is noted. From intelligence gathered by Agents Kane, Poston, Adams, and civilian Harmony Biggins, you deduced that Norman Webb was being tortured inside the residence and decided to enter the residence on your own?”
It was a slippery slope, but McAllister had made this account the official one when he’d asked Vince to take lead.
“That is correct,” Vince asserted. “Time was of the utmost importance, as I feared Norman Webb was in danger of losing his life. The decision was made quickly. I entered the premises as a concerned citizen worried about a friend.”
Judge Mackey nodded. “Protocol for law enforcement would have been to obtain a warrant, which may have been difficult, as there was no clear evidence, no blood trail, no vid or message from the ex-marshal himself, nothing that would indicate that he was inside. But because you are not law enforcement and are merely a citizen, breaking into the residence on a hunch is not considered a crime, especially when your hunch proved to be true. In what shape did you find ex-marshal Webb?”
“He was nearly dead, barely breathing, with multiple wounds and fractures, blood leaking from his side,” Vince said. “In my estimation, he was near death.”
“All this has been documented by the ex-marshal himself,” Judge Mackey said. He turned to Mina. “Can you corroborate the extent of the injuries that ex-marshal Webb sustained inside that residence?”
“Yes. I accompanied him on the drone to the medi-unit at Government Four. The documentation of all his injuries is included in the report, but he had multiple fractures—both legs and an elbow—a puncture wound in his side, and multiple abrasions to his head, neck, legs, and torso.”
“While ex-marshal Webb was in the drone, did he tell you how he incurred these injuries?”
“He did. He said he was tortured by Wilbert Waterbury inside that residence.”
“Did he explain to you how he came to be there?”
“Yes,” Mina replied. “Waterbury approached Norman Webb outside the residence of Harold Hampburg. He then threatened to kill Harold if Norm did not go with him.”
Judge Mackey nodded again. “All the details about that encounter have been recorded. According to what has already been told to this court, the cams in Waterbury’s home, which are linked to the satellite in question, are believed to hold the only evidence of Waterbury perpetrating this crime, other than the ex-marshal’s testimony and you both witnessing his injuries after the deed. Is this true?”
Both Vince and Mina nodded.
Vince answered, “That’s correct.”
“Yes,” Mina said.
“Your knowledge of where the cam data is stored and where Waterbury’s internal cams are connected comes from the hacking expertise of Agent Adams and Harmony Biggins, an agent apprentice. They have irrefutably traced the signal from the cams directly inside the residence to the satellite called Currency Reigns.” He indicated that either of them could answer.
“That’s correct,” Mina said. “This signal is verified, and documentation can be produced as evidence.”
“I have received that documentation,” Judge Mackey confirmed. They waited. He folded his hands in front of him, resting them on his desk. “I feel that procuring the vid evidence is necessary to charge, and subsequently convict, Wilbert Waterbury for the violent, premeditated crime he committed against ex-marshal Webb. Without it, I believe the Syndicate lawyers may be able to wriggle Waterbury out of this and name someone else as the perpetrator of this crime. Someone who very likely resembles Wilbert Waterbury. Even though we have sworn testimony given to us by Norman Webb himself and eyewitness accounts by Colonel Kramer, CIU Agent Mina Kane, and multiple other federal agents, I believe the vid is the only irrefutable documentation we can obtain. Another reason to approve a warrant to bring a private satellite down is that Colonel Kramer’s DNA has been taken from the crime scene and will be identified by a large, very powerful crime family, putting his life at risk. He will be viewed as someone with firsthand knowledge that an individual linked to the Syndicate has committed a very serious crime. Given how the mob has responded to similar events over the years, we have a framework for how they could go about trying to efficiently silence Colonel Kramer. Protecting the colonel-in-arms of the French Protectorate comes under the Allies Act of 2063, which states that if we have knowledge that a visiting official, a guest in our country, could become the victim of a crime, it is our job to intervene. Those two together provide an ironclad defense in your favor for this warrant. Thereby, you may legally proceed in bringing down the satellite Currency Reigns and begin the investigation of the data core located within the stable heart. Subsequently, anything that is found to be incriminating in that core will be held as evidence, and cases will be opened to appropriately deal with those findings.”
Pure joy coupled with relief ran through Mina’s body.
She scooted forward in her seat. “Thank you. It’s my request of the court that once we locate the vid evidence of Norman Webb’s torture, Waterbury be brought in with no time to spare and given Babble to uncover evidence of his other violent crimes, including murder. His father has been missing for more than ten years. Waterbury’s confessions, under the influence of Babble, of crimes committed on behalf of the Syndicate will be imperative in securing other charges, mainly against those who gave him those orders, and putting an end to some of the major activities perpetrated by this massive crime organizat
ion.”
“The use of Babble has been formally requested by the CIU director,” Judge Mackey said. “I will consider that request but will make a ruling based on the evidence procured from the satellite.” He gave Mina a direct gaze. “It will be your job, Agent Kane, to uncover that evidence quickly and efficiently and deliver it to this court without delay. The timing of all of this is very fragile, as you are well aware. I will hold hours here today”—he checked his cuff—“until seven p.m. That gives you just under three hours. After the vid is viewed by the CIU director and is on its way to me, I will issue a warrant to pick up Waterbury, and based on sufficient findings on that vid, I will then rule if he will receive Babble. I shouldn’t have to stress how cautionary this case will be. The Syndicate will not react well. We are tasked with defending the law and preventing bad things from happening to innocent people, and sometimes that job comes with a price. Let’s hope this one won’t be too steep. Good luck to you both. You are excused.”
Chapter 15
Mina turned toward the outer door that led to the hallway where Kaylee and Norm waited, but Vince grabbed her hand and led her through the door with the green light instead.
Once inside, he made his way to a tube and placed his thumb on a smudger. “We’re cleared to leave through the judge’s private tube. I need to keep a low profile, and walking through the crowded hallways is not the way to do that. This tube will take us almost to the roof. We just have to transfer once at a secured floor.”
She was familiar with how the private tubes worked. “Just a second. I have to contact Kaylee and Norm, then McAllister.” She tapped her cuff. When Kaylee answered, she said, “We have approval. Meet us on the roof.”
“Fantastic!” Kaylee hooted. “Wait, what do you mean by ‘us’?”
“A surprise witness came to testify. You’ll find out soon enough.”
“Gotcha. We’ll be there in two.”
Before Mina could summon her director, he called.
“I’ve just received the warrant for the satellite. Good work, Agent Kane,” McAllister told her. “I’ve been in touch with Agent Adams and Harmony Biggins. They are still at the Meridian. Rendezvous with them and keep me informed about the progress and the timing. I’m coordinating other teams to be deployed if necessary.”
“Colonel Kramer is with me,” Mina informed her boss. “He arrived minutes ago and provided testimony for the warrant.”
“I am aware. He has full privilege on this case, but you are running lead, Agent Kane. Let’s make this happen. Report back to me once the mission is in motion.”
“Will do.” Her director popped off.
Vince motioned for her to step inside the tube he held open with his hand.
She boarded, not sure if she should hug him or how she should greet him. Not wanting to be caught on a government cam, she settled on a smile, feeling shy. No surprises there. “I’m glad you’re back.”
“It’s good to be here.” He shot her a wry grin. “It took some persuading, but your director might be the smartest man I’ve ever met. He not only convinced Ambrose that I had to come back immediately to provide testimony, but that the Protectorate would receive an official commendation by the US government for my ongoing work here. Ambrose couldn’t pass up the prestige. McAllister also assured him that the cases I’m working on here are legitimate, sanctioned by him, and that you are one of his agents.” Vince shook his head. “The entire focus on me changed immediately. It was like a switch was flipped. I wasn’t privy to the actual conversation, so I don’t know what he said, but that man is beyond intelligent. He’s wily.”
Mina felt overwhelmed with relief that Vince was safe and standing in front of her. She wove her hands together so she wouldn’t reach out. “‘Smartest man’ is an apt description. Duncan McAllister is a legend. How long are you here for?”
“Hard to say. Things are easier now, but still complicated.”
She wasn’t expecting him to reveal anything specific in the tube, or anywhere where they could be recorded or someone could overhear. She would have to wait until they were alone for the in-depth story.
“Are you back at The Bella?”
He shook his head. “No. Where I’m staying is up in the strato at the moment. I’m deciding everything as I go. But one thing is for certain, I refused to be watched over any longer. When I left, I informed Ambrose that we were doing this my way. None of my actions have been against the Protectorate or the French, so there is no reason for me to be monitored. He agreed reluctantly. I’m also changing up my routine, given that a crime organization has my DNA. I’m going to have to tread carefully.” She was glad McAllister had filled Vince in on the Syndicate having his DNA.
“We’ll figure it out,” Mina assured him. “Right now, we have a big mission to coordinate and complete, and once that’s over, we can discuss the rest.” The tube door opened, and they exited. They were on a floor meant for tube shifting. “Follow me.”
She wove her way toward the main tube system, DNA-swiped into a tube, and they were on the roof in the next three seconds.
Kaylee and Norm stood by a craft that was open and waiting. Kaylee gestured for them to hurry. “Not exactly surprised to see you here, Kramer. Welcome. While you two were deposing, I’ve been arguing with this guy.” She indicated Norm with a thumb jab. “He’s being stubborn, as usual. If we’re heading back to the Meridian, the scene of the crime, that’s not exactly a great place for Norm to be seen if the goal is to keep him alive.”
“They’ve already been in and out of the Meridian twice,” Norm argued. “They’re not coming back. That unit will remain empty for months. Waterbury won’t be allowed to go back, because they will assume it’s being monitored, which it is. It’s location non grata for the mob now, basically abandoned. I’d probably be safer there than anywhere else.”
“We don’t know that for sure,” Mina said. “They could send people to check the Meridian feeds or send another crew back for another DNA swab. They could also be keeping eyes on it from afar. Get in the craft, and I’ll contact my partner. We may not go to the Meridian if it’s not the best place for the hackers to get the job done.”
The four of them boarded.
“Destination the Meridian. A roof landing has been approved. Do you wish to make any changes?” the sim asked.
“Yes, hold takeoff until I confirm,” Mina said as she tapped her cuff, speaking as soon as she got the signal rather than waiting for a greeting. “Lee, I need an update. We’re a go on the mission. Where’s the best place for you and Harmony to figure this out? Where you’re at or someplace else?”
Mina heard a muffled discussion.
“Harmony’s residence would be best,” Lee said. “It has the tech we need. It’s taking time to talk back and forth between her comps. It’s minimal, but it all adds up, especially when we need to be so precise.”
“Sounds good. We’ll meet you there. Make sure you grab all our stuff,” Mina said. “Summon a craft to the roof. We have preapproval for rooftop landings. Make sure the interior cams are looped and that you keep your heads down. We’ll see you at Harmony’s.”
Harmony’s voice came over Lee’s cuff. “If I hear a single snarky comment about my less-than-adequate unit, I’m moving in with one of you. So make sure you keep your mouths firmly shut.”
Kaylee chuckled. “It can’t be that bad.” She hadn’t been with Mina and the others when they’d gone there the first time.
“It’s…interesting,” Mina replied, recalling Harmony’s teensy residence. “It’s in need of a few updates.”
“I can still hear you,” Harmony called. “It’s a stinky rathole. But my tech is A-grade. Signing off. Karmaseeker and I are on our way.”
Mina issued new directions to the sim, reinserting her finger into the helix to confirm. Then she sent a quick message to McAllister about the location change. He wou
ld get back to her if it was an issue. Mina was happy to switch out of the Meridian. It gave them less to worry about.
Since Harmony wasn’t a full agent yet, it was unlikely that the Syndicate hackers could find anything on her. That, and she probably had titanium-coded blocks on her information. Her place was as safe as any, even for Norm.
“I can’t believe Operation Drop Zone is a go,” Kaylee murmured as the drone took to the air. “It’s going to be pretty incredible being part of a mission this big. I conferred with McAllister while you were in with the judge. He’s going to assemble a small team of mili to crack that thing open once it hits. They will remain in the dark, depending on your decision. Once we know the location, and McAllister gets the crew together, I’ll brief him.”
“Military is the right choice,” Mina said. “I’ll secure the rocket shuttle as soon as we arrive at Harmony’s. It’ll be ready and waiting. I want us on that thing the moment Harmony and Lee send the satellite tumbling or, if possible, before. I hope the drop zone will be somewhere near us and not halfway around the world. The shuttle can break the sound barrier, but even going that many kilometers an hour, it’s going to be tricky to get there as fast as we need. The Syndicate has people stationed absolutely everywhere. I haven’t ruled out contacting local authorities to pick it up for us, but we have to have the specifics first and then formulate the best plan.”
“How can I help?” Vince asked. “I’ve been briefed on a few key points by your director, but not much else.”
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