Conviction

by Dwayne Gill

  Foster looked satisfied with his answer. “So, you two will talk to Kristy, right? When are you going?”

  “I figured we’d go after this meeting.” Hart wanted to tell him they would’ve already been there, doing the interview, if he hadn’t called them back to Washington, but he let it go. They were seven hours from Kristy’s house last night, which also aroused Hart’s suspicion. There was no reason to wait another day to do the interview, especially since Foster was stressing urgency. Hart suspected Foster wanted to be sure they were still on the same page, but was it more? Did Foster know something?

  “Something wrong?” asked Foster. Hart realized he’d been fidgeting in his chair. He pondered what to say then thought back to the advice Barkley gave him earlier. He reached into his briefcase and pulled out the photo of Daniel’s marking and slid it across the desk to Foster.

  “Do you know who this marking belongs to, sir?” Foster picked up the photo and examined it for a minute, but his expression gave nothing away.

  “Yes. This particular marking belongs to two men. Cane, and Daniel Verriday.” Foster stared at him confidently, but it was unconvincing to Hart. It seemed too forced.

  “Why didn’t I know about this before?” asked Hart. “This is significant.” Hart tried to sound irritated, but not overly suspicious, like he was annoyed at being kept out of the loop.

  “We only recently found out about this,” said Foster. “I was gonna tell you, but we have a lot going on. We’re approaching this from several angles. You already had a full plate, so I was letting others deal with it.”

  Hart knew this was a blatant lie. If someone else was working on it, he’d know. “So why is Daniel being moved Wednesday?”

  Foster’s shocked look spoke volumes, though he recovered quickly. “We’re curious about the origin of his marking. We find it interesting that he, Cane, and the marked men all share this in common.”

  Hart highly doubted he wanted to test Daniel. “You mean test him like the other marked men?” he asked.

  Foster nodded. “Yes. Precisely.”

  “I never thought to ask before, but where did the marked men end up after being tested?” asked Hart. “I don’t think they ever got a burial.”

  Foster’s face hardened. Hart could no longer remain subtle, and his boss sensed it. “Hart, do you have something you need to get off your chest? Maybe sending you to see Bowman was a mistake. I thought you could handle it, but it seems like he shook you up.”

  Hart didn’t flinch. This would be the only opportunity he’d have to vent. After he left the office, he’d be a field agent again, following orders without thought or hesitation. “It has nothing to do with Bowman. It’s the whole thing that bothers me, sir. Something isn’t right.”

  “This whole thing has been a big mess, Lance,” said Foster, using his first name now. “No one’s known exactly how to handle it. Have we violated a few people’s human rights? Sure we have. Have we made mistakes? Of course. We’re just trying to keep this country safe.”

  “How about the twenty other trainees?” asked Hart. “I’d like to talk to one. They’re still in holding, right?”

  Foster flushed. “Hart, I don’t know where you’re going with all this.” Hart had heard enough. Foster’s flushed face gave him the answer he needed, and he thought pushing it any further wouldn’t be in his best interest.

  “I don’t know,” said Hart. “I wonder about those trainees. We haven’t talked to them in a long time. What if they had any additional information?”

  Hart didn’t think his cover sounded great, but Foster’s look improved. He even let out a relaxed sigh under his breath.

  “Don’t worry about that,” said Foster. “We have people that have spoken to them. They know nothing useful, anyway. But you’re right, we may need to pay them a visit. I may get you to talk to one, or I may get someone from the facility they’re in to do it. Some guards have built up a good working relationship with a few, and enough time has elapsed that maybe one will tell us something useful.”

  Hart didn’t buy a moment of his explanation; in fact, as Foster spoke, all he could see was a politician spewing nonsense.

  Foster’s phone rang, and he answered, sat in silence for a few moments, then hung up. “I’ve gotta get rolling, Hart. I’ve got a meeting to get to.” Foster left in a hurry.

  ◆◆◆

  Deputy Director Todd Gordy waited beside his car and looked at his watch: it was 10:36 a.m. He didn’t know why he was here; he received an urgent text telling him to come alone, so he did.

  Gordy was relieved to see someone in the distance walking toward him, for he had a lot of work to do. He had his hands full trying to figure out what happened in Chicago with Connor and the dead Russian. Connor was supposed to be locked up. He had no idea what was going on, but it didn’t look good. He wanted to call Hart and ask him some questions, but hadn’t had the chance yet.

  Todd saw there were two men approaching. It was nothing to raise suspicion; Foster may have brought Hart along with him. Why they needed to meet in this secluded area of the parking garage, he didn’t know, but it must be something big. It likely had something to do with the situation in Chicago.

  As the two men drew closer, he could see Foster, but he didn’t recognize the other man. Could it be some kind of informant? He was a large, muscular man and looked American. “Harvey, what’s the deal?” said Todd, half-jokingly.

  Before he could prepare himself, Foster’s companion lunged forward and punched him several times in the face, chest, and stomach. Todd doubled over in pain from the furious flurry. The man grabbed him by the hair and hit him again, this time in the nose, and he heard it crack and felt pain shoot through his entire face. Todd fell to the floor, his blood dripping beneath him, and the man kicked him several times in the stomach and chest before Foster called him off.

  “Travis. Enough,” said Foster. “Search his pockets. Get his phone.”

  Travis found Todd’s phone and handed it to Foster, who opened it and frowned.

  “Todd. I need your eye,” Foster said.

  Todd didn’t respond because he couldn’t. He was still reeling from the beating he just took. Foster handed the phone to his goon, who knelt down and forced Todd’s head into position.

  “That’s better,” said Foster. He scrolled through Todd’s phone. Todd assumed he was looking through his recent calls, knowing the only ones he would see were the ones they made to each other. Even through his fogginess, he knew where this was headed.

  “Did you tell anyone about Connor?” asked Foster.

  Todd remained silent on the floor of the garage, squirming in pain. The other man kicked him again but Foster waved him off. “Don’t kill him.” The words gave Todd hope, though it wouldn’t have taken much in his desperate state.

  Foster knelt down in front of him. “Just say yes or no. Have you told anyone about Connor?”

  Todd gave a lazy, “No.” Maybe it would save his life.

  Foster stood up. “I believe you,” he said. “You called no one. I know you recently found out, so I think we’re good.”

  Foster signaled his goon, who used Todd’s keys to pop his trunk. The stranger then lifted him and dropped him inside. Todd offered no resistance; he had nothing left.

  “Get someone down here to clean up the blood,” Foster said to Travis. “Take his car out the back exit and dump it somewhere.”

  “What about Connor?” asked Travis.

  “I’ll handle it myself,” said Foster.

  Through watery eyes, Todd saw Travis draw a pistol, heard a muffled pop, and it was over.

  ◆◆◆

  Monday, 9/11/2028, 9:30 p.m.

  Tallahassee International Airport

  Hart and Barkley finally landed in Tallahassee after a long day of much-needed rest. Hart didn’t know where they’d be headed after their visit with the Campbells, so he made sure they were rested and fresh. Barkley didn’t share his patience, however, and had been itching
to see Kristy.

  “I can’t believe I’ll get to see her again, after all these years,” she said as they got into their rental. “I wonder how she is.”

  Hart didn’t know how to feel, but he sure as hell wasn’t as excited as Barkley. He updated her on the situation with Foster, and she agreed that it sounded off, but her mind was on Kristy. Hart’s mind was torn in several directions, and he was feeling less optimistic about Foster every passing moment. He feared Bowman was right; he had been gullible all these years and assumed his superiors served only the interests of their country. Hart still hoped this was true, because he was at a loss for what to do otherwise. If Foster was dirty, then who else might be? Would he and Barkley end up in danger? He looked at Barkley; she was so young and full of promise. He couldn’t bear the thought of dragging her into something dangerous to her career and possibly her life.

  “I hope they’re home,” said Barkley.

  “It’s another benefit of arriving so late in the evening,” said Hart. “They’ll be home.”

  Hart looked at the dash and saw it was only a twenty-minute drive. He hoped they were prepared. “You know what you’re gonna ask them?” he asked.

  Her eyes got big. “I thought you’d be asking them the questions. I haven’t thought about it.”

  Hart smiled at her. “I will. But your connection to Kristy will help. They’ll trust you more than me.”

  “Maybe if I can talk to Kristy alone, she’ll open up,” said Barkley. Hart was hoping for exactly that response.

  They pulled into the Campbells’ driveway at twenty past ten and Hart killed the engine and headlights. The house was average size for this rural community and well kept. There were lots of lights on inside and two cars parked in front, which made them both hopeful. They walked to the front door but didn’t have time to knock. A female voice on the other side asked who they were.

  “We’re Agents Hart and Barkley with the FBI. We wanted to ask you a few questions,” said Hart.

  “Let me see some ID, please,” said the voice. Hart expected as much, given their traumatic history, and he complied by holding his badge up and away from the peephole. A moment later the door opened, revealing a lovely middle-aged lady with long, brown, flowing hair. She dressed casually but still looked stunning enough to present herself to anyone.

  She wore a cautious look. “What’s this about?”

  “Could we come in for a few minutes, please?” asked Hart. He used a very soft tone, but the woman still looked at them suspiciously.

  “It’ll have to be quick. I was just getting ready for bed.” Hart found this hard to believe, as she was still wearing makeup, and Barkley’s glance confirmed the suspicion.

  They stepped inside, instantly struck by a combination of pleasant smells. Candles were burning in several places, but the smell of something baking was also unmistakable. Helen led them to the den and offered them the sofa while she sat in a recliner.

  “Is Kristy here?” asked Barkley.

  Helen’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want with Kristy? I’m sure you know what happened to her. I don’t want anyone to upset her.”

  Barkley smiled. “We know, Mrs. Campbell. In fact, I was working for the Florida Highway Patrol back then. I was the first cop at the scene the day we found Kristy.”

  Helen melted, her eyes filling with tears. “Oh, my. Oh, my. You must be the cop that Kristy went on about when she could finally talk about things. You were kind to her.” Helen stood up and paced for a moment. “I’ll go get her.”

  She disappeared upstairs, leaving Hart and Barkley alone to wait. Barkley gave Hart thumbs-up, and he smiled.

  Helen returned with Kristy in tow, her daughter a spitting image of her. The two could pass for sisters, since Helen looked much younger than her age. Kristy glanced at Barkley, her eyes widened, and she ran to her. They embraced for a good sixty seconds, then pulled back and looked at each other. They both had tears in their eyes. Hart could only imagine what Kristy must have gone through, but he also must’ve underestimated the impact on Barkley, who didn’t seem to put on a show; she looked genuinely emotional.

  “Would you mind if we talked?” asked Barkley. She was asking both Kristy and Helen.

  Helen glanced briefly at Kristy and said, “Of course.”

  Barkley followed Kristy upstairs, leaving Hart and Helen alone. Helen was recovering from what just happened, wiping stray tears, and then she looked at Hart with renewed suspicion. “I suspect you’re not here for a reunion.”

  Hart wanted to approach this carefully, because little did she know, he was here more for the reunion than anything else since seeing Ellen and Kristy together. With all the trouble surrounding the FBI at the moment and the recent revelation that Cane wasn’t who Hart thought he was, he found it hard to feel as motivated as before. The last thing he wanted to do was upset this dear lady and her daughter; they deserved to be left alone. Hart smiled, and she smiled back warmly. She might have sensed Hart’s internal battle raging, but it was more likely that she was just a friendly person.

  “I’ll be honest with you,” said Hart. “My boss wanted us to talk to you, which thrilled Barkley. She only cared about seeing Kristy again.” Hart paused and looked down. “Only days ago, I would’ve stormed in here demanding to know where Cane was. I’ve been looking for him for a long time. But I recently discovered Cane was the one who helped Kristy, and seeing her tonight with Barkley made it all sink in. After everything that’s happened the past few days, everything I’ve learned, I don’t care anymore. I want people to leave the two of you alone.”

  Helen’s smile was even warmer now. “Your boss wants you to find Cane?” she asked.

  Hart nodded. “He said he wants his help locating a terrorist.”

  “You don’t believe it, do you?” asked Helen.

  “I don’t,” said Hart. Helen was disarming him. How did he lose himself so quickly around her?

  Helen seemed to enjoy his honesty. “I know who Cane is, Agent Hart.”

  “Call me Lance,” he said.

  “Okay, Lance. I know Cane was a government assassin. I know all there is to know about his past. It doesn’t bother me, either. I think the government did him wrong. They trained him, sent him on murder missions, and then tried to hunt him down like a dog for doing what they told him to do. Cane is a good man. He saved my baby up there, and he still watches over us.”

  “He’s still in contact with you?” asked Hart.

  “We like to think he’s always watching,” said Helen.

  Hart realized she was still being noncommittal, which he expected.

  “You can tell your boss I know nothing,” said Helen. “And even if I did, I would die before I’d sell him out.”

  Hart chuckled. He liked Helen. “Cane is lucky to have a friend like you,” he said.

  ◆◆◆

  Kristy and Barkley had been catching up in Kristy’s room, sitting on her bed. Kristy was doing great, holding a job, still growing stronger as she distanced herself from the terrible event.

  “Seeing you helps me,” said Kristy. “You were wonderful that day. It was the first time I felt safe. When I saw you, I knew it was finally over.”

  “I’m so glad you’re doing well, Kristy. I’ll leave you a card, and you can call me anytime you want. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’d be more than happy to help.” Ellen handed it to her.

  “Thanks. I may take you up on that,” said Kristy. “I’ll give you my cell number too.”

  Barkley added Kristy as a contact.

  “You’re here about Cane, aren’t you?” said Kristy.

  Barkley sighed. She hated this part. “Yes. Hart and I have been looking for him. I talked to a lady in Miami whom Cane helped a while back, and she showed me these.” Barkley showed Kristy the sketches of Cane. “This is him, isn’t it?”

  Kristy nodded.

  “I saw them and freaked out. That’s when I knew he was the same person,” said Barkley.

 
; “Is he in trouble?” asked Kristy.

  Barkley put her arm around her. “Not for that, Kristy. It’s complicated. But we’re here to help him.”

  Kristy looked down, and Barkley patted her shoulder. “I know he means a lot to you,” she said. “He means a lot to me too. Years ago, I swore if I ever met the man that saved you I’d give him a hug. I promise we don’t want to get him in trouble. We want to find him and talk to him. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

  Kristy was silent for a moment. Barkley could tell how protective Kristy was of Cane and didn’t blame her for it.

  “I don’t know how to contact him,” said Kristy. “He pops in randomly.”

  Barkley thought she was telling the truth, mostly, at least, and it didn’t surprise her to hear Cane checked on her. “Well, maybe if he comes by, you could tell him about me? Maybe he’d call me.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” said Kristy, though she didn’t seem enthusiastic.

  Barkley doubted it would ever happen. Maybe she could come back another time and gain Kristy’s complete trust. They talked a few more minutes, small talk, then walked back downstairs to find Hart and Helen drinking tea and laughing. Barkley caught his eye and raised an eyebrow.

  “This lady is something else,” he said, pointing at Helen. “We gotta come back and visit sometime.”

  Helen smiled and took his used tea cup. “You both are welcome anytime. But for now, I have to get to bed.”

  Barkley gave Kristy a final hug and Hart shook her hand, trying hard to appear nonthreatening. “It was nice to meet you, Kristy,” he said.

  Barkley and Hart hugged Helen. “If you two need anything, here’s my card,” said Hart as he handed it to Helen. She walked them to the door and let them out.

  Hart and Barkley walked in silence until they were halfway to the car. “I learned nothing we didn’t already know. And I’m fine with it,” said Hart.

  “Same here. He swings by sometimes,” said Barkley. “But I refuse to disrupt these ladies’ lives to get to one man.” She looked at Hart, hoping he agreed, and judging by his smile, he did.