by J. C. Fields
After a long pause, Kruger heard, “Not my fault... The work was complicated, no one ever told me it would be complicated.”
Disgusted with the conversation, Kruger said, “How the hell did you ever get through the academy?”
His words slurred, Dollar said, “My dad pulled some strings.”
Kruger shook his head and ended the call, his good mood shattered.
“I take it he was not a happy person this morning,” Stephanie said.
“No, he's drunk, feeling sorry for himself and blaming others for his own screw-ups.”
She handed him a cup of coffee and said, “Here, take this, go take a shower and I'll have brunch ready when you're done.”
Chapter 34
Springfield, MO
Monday
“Now that I'm here, tell me why we couldn't discuss this on the phone,” Kruger said as he removed several empty Hot Pocket wrappers from a desk chair.
The computer area was strewn with empty, crushed Mountain Dew cans, numerous Dr. Pepper bottles with varying amounts of liquid still in them and an assortment of discarded frozen food packaging. Dropping the wrappers into a nearby waste basket, he brushed crumbs from the chair before sitting down.
“What we found is too complicated to discuss over the phone, it would take too long,” JR said. “Besides, I'd have to use too many words the NSA would tag.”
“You're being paranoid JR. Trust me, no one is looking for you anymore.”
“My rules.”
Kruger held both hands up, palms toward JR. “Okay. What’ve you got?”
“Your assumption about the Dallas contact was essentially correct. We downloaded a program to his computer that allowed Charlie and me access to its hard drive. What we found at first surprised us, but then after digging further, it made sense.”
Kruger was not in the mood to deal with JR’s habit of dramatic pauses. He said, “Spit it out, JR. What did you find?”
“The computer used to communicate with Ortega was a cut-out. Its only task was to write emails to Ortega. But, somewhere along the line, the operator screwed up and left a link to his main computer, which we found.”
“And?”
“I’m getting to it, stay with me. Once we knew about the other computer, it was easy to find it accessing the internet. After downloading one of my little programs to it, the information we obtained definitely confirms your suspicions. The Dallas contact is manipulating Ortega.”
Nodding, Kruger said, “Not surprising. Did you learn who they are?”
JR smiled. “No, but we learned the answers to several other more important questions. You’ve had the suspicion these activities are a diversion from the real purpose? The answer is a definite yes. So far, the communications do not reveal the true reason. However, we do know the following. One, there is mention of help being sent to Tulsa. Two, references to Tulsa are included in several conversations about materials arriving at the Port of Houston. Third, the next diversion is the assassination of a member of Congress. Whoever it is, serves on the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Africa.”
“Do they mention any names?”
JR shook his head. Charlie was sitting at another computer across from JR. His eyes were bloodshot with dark circles under them. He said, “I’ve checked on who is currently serving on this committee.”
With his patience gone Kruger snapped at Charlie, “Spit it out.”
“All but two of the members live east of the Mississippi River. One is from Oregon and the other from California. Ortega accessed the internet in Topeka on Friday and again Saturday in Denver. He's heading west.”
Kruger stood and began pacing. He accidentally kicked an empty Mountain Dew can and watched as it tumbled across the carpet.
JR said, “We’re cross-referencing shipments from the Port to Tulsa. Over the past week there were over three hundred containers transported by truck to Tulsa. It’s going to take time, Sean, and we may never pinpoint the right containers.”
“Shit.” Kruger kept pacing. “Who are the congress members?”
“Roy Griffin in San Francisco and Marlene Osborne in Portland.”
Kruger walked toward the conference room, “I have to make some phone calls.”
***
Kruger dialed Alan Seltzer's cell phone. The call was answered immediately.
“Alan, we think the next target is located on the west coast. It's possibly one of two congress members.”
“What do you mean, 'you think’ and ‘possibly’? You’re not sure?”
“At this stage, we aren't. But everything we know so far points toward them. Let me explain.”
Seltzer listened carefully, interrupting only once to ask a question. Finally he said, “Your reasoning is sound. What's your next step?”
“I need you to brief the Portland and San Francisco offices. We’ll need to get a team out to both members of congress for protection and surveillance. I'm going to Oregon and sending Clark to San Francisco. We're the only two individuals who can recognize Ortega on sight. We have to split up.”
“Okay, I'll call you back.”
Kruger ended the call and walked back to the cubicles where JR and Charlie were hunched over keyboards. JR said, “Sean, come here, this is interesting.”
Kruger crouched over to see what JR was staring at and said, “Yeah?”
Pointing to one of the screens on his desk, JR said, “This police report in Denver. A man named Goodman was found murdered in his warehouse. I know about this guy; he was a hacker at one time. Not a very good one, but still. His other vocation was making fake IDs, which he was very good at. Expensive, if I remember correctly, I almost used him one time. Before meeting you.”
Kruger stood back up and started pacing. “Are you suggesting?”
“Yeah, I am. Ortega.
“Does the report give the detective’s name?”
JR looked back at the screen, found the answer, wrote it on a sticky note, and handed the paper to Kruger. After reading the name, Kruger used his cell phone to call an individual at FBI Headquarters. After confirming his ID number, he asked to be patched through to the Denver Police Department. After five minutes of explaining who he was and what he needed, Detective Ray Newton finally came to the phone.
Kruger said, “Detective Newton, this is FBI Agent Sean Kruger. I'm with a special task force investigating a series of murders across the US. We have reason to believe the death of Walter Goodman may be connected.”
After a long pause, Newton finally said, “How’d the FBI come up with that idea?”
“Detective, I'm not trying to interfere with your investigation, but we know our suspect was in Denver and needed the services of a man like Goodman. I would like your permission to stop on my way to Oregon and see if my information helps you solve the case.”
“Well, right now we don’t have a lot to go on, any information would be helpful. When are you planning on being here?”
“I'll have to get back to you after I schedule my flight.” He gave the detective his cell phone number and ended the call.
Chapter 35
San Francisco, CA
Tuesday
“I'm still not sure I understand why the FBI believes someone is planning to harm me, Agent Clark.” Congressman Roy Griffin stood in the foyer of his San Mateo, California home, his arms crossed over his chest and his head slightly tilted to one side.
“Sir, we feel our evidence is credible and prefer to error on the side of caution. As I said earlier, the threat may be directed toward Congresswoman Marlene Osborne and not you. Our evidence doesn’t specify which one of you is the target.”
Griffin nodded. “Marlene is a good person. We don't see eye to eye on a lot of issues, but she has the good of her constituents at heart.”
“I’m sure she does. We're having the same conversation with her today.”
“So, Agent Clark, how do you and the FBI plan to protect my family?”
***
Ortega f
ound the house just before sunset. After cruising past, he parked his Jeep a half mile away and walked back to a house diagonally across the street. With the deepening twilight and a ten-foot tall California laurel, he could observe the congressman’s house without being seen. Considering the neighborhood and how rich Griffin was, the house was modest and tasteful. The structure was a two-story Colonial with a professionally landscaped yard of trees and foliage. Five minutes after he started watching the house, a black Chevrolet Suburban pulled into the driveway. Four men in suits emerged from the vehicle, two walked to the front door and the other two started walking around the house in opposite directions. The two men at the door entered the house after it opened.
Following their trek around the perimeter of the home, the two men in suits conferred with each other and took separate positions. Ortega watched as one man stood just outside the front door and made a cell phone call. The other stood behind the Suburban and directed his attention toward the street and the neighborhood.
Ortega frowned. How had the FBI discovered Griffin was a target? First they tracked him in St. Louis, now they were here even before he arrived. Had Billy been caught? Did he leave evidence behind in Denver? It was essential to find the leak and plug it immediately. He waited until it was completely dark before returning to the Jeep. Remembering a McDonalds advertising free Wi-Fi close to Griffin’s neighborhood, he accessed the internet after buying a Big Mac and fries. He needed to contact Billy.
***
Late Tuesday night, Charlie was monitoring the computers alone. Earlier in the evening, JR started nodding off while working at his computer. Charlie watched as he stood up from the desk, switched off the screen and walked up the stairs to the third floor. As usual, he didn’t say anything; he simply left.
His time spent with JR had been both stimulating and frustrating. JR was brilliant with computers, but not real patient with those of lesser abilities. Charlie was confident with his own skills, but once in a while, JR made him feel like a complete novice. So when JR was not around, Charlie was able to practice and review the techniques he was learning.
He was about to close everything down for the evening when one of their trip wires indicated Ortega was accessing the internet. Quickly following the steps outlined by JR, he identified the access point as the San Mateo area in California.
Kruger was in Portland, and Clark in San Mateo. He grabbed his phone and called Kruger. The call was answered immediately.
“Sean, Ortega just accessed the internet in San Mateo. He's after Griffin.”
“Damn.” He paused. “Let Ryan know. I'll head that way on the next shuttle. Thanks, Charlie, good work.”
***
Clark’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the caller ID while Griffin was explaining his itinerary to a San Francisco FBI agent. Excusing himself from the meeting, he answered the call as soon as he was out of Griffin's home office.
“Ryan, it’s Charlie. Ortega just accessed the internet there in San Mateo. I've called Sean, and he’s catching a flight as quickly as he can.”
Clark was silent for a few seconds.
“Okay, Charlie, pass the word to Seltzer. I'm going to ask for more teams on Griffin.”
As soon as he ended the call with Charlie, his phone vibrated again. It was Kruger. He accepted the call. “I just heard. When does your plane land?”
“Around midnight. I've already contacted the SAC in San Francisco and told him the situation. He's an old friend of mine and agreed to send an additional team to your location. You’ll have six agents to secure the property. Stay there and keep the congressman inside the house until I arrive.”
“Got it. See you in a few hours.”
***
Ortega was puzzled. Billy had responded faster than normal, he was still in Virginia, and his contact in Dallas was still online. He had not mentioned the presence of the FBI in his communications, just in case one of them had been compromised. Because neither asked him for details on his location or activities, he didn’t believe either of them were the leak.
The big question now was how the FBI knew about Griffin. His supply contacts didn’t know any details of the operation; they just supplied materials. They knew who he was, but not his location. Somehow the FBI was following his movements. One possibility might be his computer, but since he changed Wi-Fi locations all the time, it was not likely. But to be on the safe side, he would use his computer sparingly. If they were tracking his movements, it wouldn’t matter in a few days. The mission would be completed.
He searched Congressman Griffin's website and found no references to any appearances scheduled for California. The only announcement was his return to Washington on June 1st. A Google search on the congressman produced the same results, with no references to any public appearances or events. On the third page of the search, Ortega found a link to the obituary of the congressman's mother-in-law. Within the obituary was the mention of a public memorial service. The notice gave the location, the date and the time of the service. It was the opportunity he needed.
***
The congressman stood his ground.
“Agent Clark, I will not hide like a coward. I haven’t been in Congress long enough for someone to get mad enough to try and kill me. I can't and will not crawl into a hole just to avoid being out in public. My wife and I have a commitment to attend the service on Wednesday, and we will not break that commitment. Besides, I'm delivering a tribute to a great lady. She believed in me and I will not betray her trust. There will be no further discussion.”
“Yes, sir, I understand your commitment. If we can't convince you to cancel your appearance, then I would respectfully request your agreement for our teams to accompany you to the service. We’ll provide as much protection as possible.”
“You really believe there is a man out there trying to kill me, don't you?”
“Yes sir, I do. When my partner arrives, he’ll give you more details.
Griffin was silent for several moments. Looking at Clark, finally he said, “Okay, I'll cancel all my appointments, except the memorial service. It's important to my wife and me.”
“Thank you, sir. Hopefully we’ll be able to locate this individual before the service and you can go on without us. But until then, we have a better chance of protecting you if you limit your outside activities.”
The congressman stood, “I need to discuss this development with my wife. She hates Washington, D.C., with a passion and I’m sure this news will only reinforce her attitude.”
Chapter 36
San Mateo, CA
Tuesday
As soon as Clark drove Kruger past Grace Cathedral, both men realized immediately they had a challenge facing them. The church was a traditional large metropolitan worship center surrounded by high rise apartments and office buildings. The cathedral’s main floor was twenty-five feet above street level with four levels of concrete steps ascending to the sanctuary doors. There were at least seven tall buildings within 600 yards, providing ample opportunities for sniper hides. Kruger didn't have the manpower, time or authority to check each one. His only hope was Ortega didn't know about the memorial service.
After walking around the church several times, they decided on a strategy and left to meet with Charlie Brewer, the Special Agent in Charge of San Francisco, and an old friend of Kruger's. After introducing Ryan Clark to Brewer, Kruger said, “I haven't seen you since your promotion, congratulations.”
Brewer shook Kruger's hand and said, “If I knew how busy I would be out here, I'm not sure I would have accepted. Understand you’re in line for the KC position.”
“A vicious rumor. Apparently Seltzer’s let his promotion go to his head.”
Brewer chuckled. “Yeah, he told me to encourage you to accept the promotion. Something about your new-found status as Director Stumpf’s wonder boy. I stopped listening when he said that.”
“Seltzer's delusional.” They both laughed, then Kruger grew serious. “Charlie, I need a favo
r.”
“I'll do what I can; what's up?”
“You're aware of the threat to Congressman Griffin, right?”
Brewer nodded.
“Well, he's the main speaker at a memorial service for his late mother-in-law tomorrow at Grace Cathedral. Even with the six agents you assigned us, I'm not sure we can protect him at such an exposed location. I could use a couple of snipers on the rooftops surrounding the church.”
“Well, I normally wouldn't hesitate, but all my guys are training in San Diego this week. How about the locals? The San Francisco PD has several excellent sniper teams. My guys say they're some of the best on the west coast.”
Kruger smiled. “I would really appreciate anything you could arrange. Getting him in and out of that church tomorrow will be tricky at best.”
“Let me make a phone call. I've had lunch with the police chief several times since I’ve been here. He seems to be someone who will work with us when needed.”
Brewer made the call while Kruger stepped out of Brewer’s office and called JR. When he answered, Kruger said, “Any updates on Ortega?”
“We haven’t seen any activity since last night, Sean. He accessed the internet three times around the San Mateo area utilizing a different Wi-Fi spot each time. He hasn’t established a pattern Charlie and I can determine, so it's hard to guess where he’s staying.”
“I was afraid of that. He's being cautious after St. Louis. We may have a problem tomorrow. I need to have as much information on him as possible. I’ll touch base with you later.” Kruger ended the call and stepped back into Brewer’s office just as he was returning the handset to the phone.
“My analysis of the Chief was correct,” Brewer said. “He's assigning three teams to assist you tomorrow around Grace Cathedral. He said they’ve practiced this scenario at the cathedral several times and know where to set up. I gave him your contact information and told him you were the agent in charge.”