The Case

by Lee Cunningham

  The three men left to go check the weights for themselves, involved in a friendly debate on whether one fish held more water than the other, and, how emptying both fish of water, might produce a more decisive result and define a clear winner.

  Shane moved in close to his dad. Patrick could always tell when something was up with Shane and asked, “So, what’s going on?”

  Shane eluded the direct question, saying, “What do you mean, dad? I haven’t even said anything yet!”

  Patrick laughed and put a strong arm around his son. He said, “I know myself pretty well after all these years, and yet, I think I know you about as well as I know myself. You always try to work into a seat next to me when you need to talk, while we’re up here in the woods. Why don’t you just ask me whatever you want, whenever it enters your mind? Why does it have to be here at the fire?”

  Shane looked incredulous. He said, firmly, “The fire pit is where the men talk about serious things. The days are for fun, and the nights for idle talk until we all go to sleep. But the fire pit is where we always talk about the problems we face in life, or what bothers us. It’s what we’ve always done!”

  Patrick smiled, and affirmed his son, saying, “Shane, you’re right. I hope you know how proud you make me. What do you want to know, son?”

  Shane asked, “What’s the “blowback” you and Kent were talking about at the lake? And what danger does our family face?”

  Patrick stared at his eldest son, trying to contain his emotions. He was proud of Shane, fearful for his family, angry that his family was in danger, and irritated that his son had to worry about danger that came from one of his own decisions, being involved with this case. But above all, he was committed to take care of his family, and keep them safe. Patrick was slow to answer, and when he did speak, his words were guarded.

  “Shane, that’s just work stuff between Kent and I…it’s really nothing for you to worry about.”

  It was a feeble attempt at best. Shane was too smart to accept such a meager explanation. He immediately looked hard at his dad, and said, “I’m not Heath. I’m not a little kid, dad. I can handle the truth, and right now the truth is what I need to know.”

  Patrick released a heavy sigh. He gathered his thoughts, and said, “The truth is that I am working on a case involving some very powerful, and very dangerous, people. Kent is working a connected case, involving some of the same people. And we’re trying to identify all the people involved, the crimes they have committed, and then decide on how to proceed. The truth is that we’re both scared, for ourselves and our families, but we will take precautions to make sure everyone stays safe. I don’t want you to have to worry about it, Shane.”

  Shane asked, “But, dad, why are you involved in this case? I mean, why did it have to be you? There are investigators and cops for all that, aren’t there?”

  The three fishermen came walking back to the fire pit, still debating about who won the bet. Patrick looked at his son, and placed a hand on his shoulder. He said, “Do you remember meeting my friend, Scott Mayfield, the Attorney General?” Shane nodded, remembering him from a party at the Beckett home earlier in the year.

  Patrick continued. “Scott asked me, as a personal favor, to take the role of special prosecutor, to review this case and identify suspects and charges for prosecution. I’m working with a small task force of very dedicated people, who have completed the preliminary investigation, and put together an introductory report. It’s pretty scary stuff, Shane, but I am working out a plan to protect us all, especially you boys.”

  Patrick thought hard for a second and continued. “And, more to your point why me…these people’s bad acts will impact all our lives, if men like Scott, and Kent and I stand idly by and do nothing. Some of these evil schemes are hard to believe, but could work, and change the way we all live…for the worse. A good man must stand up for what is right. Freedom and justice don’t come easily, or without sacrifice. If people don’t fight against evil, evil will always triumph. I hope you always remember that.”

  With that, the fishermen’s debate engulfed the campfire area, as others from the group joined the debate, having left their tents, one by one, to join the fire. In the end, it seemed that both fish, once certified as dry, still each weighed 2 pounds 7 ounces, and the pool had to be shared between the winners, after all.

  Everyone was happy, laughing and telling stories about the bigger fish that got away, except Shane. He figured he had to accept his dad’s explanation for now. He thought he would work out something he could do to help protect his family, when they got back home. His mind began to fill with images of criminals, threatening to hurt his family, and he knew he couldn’t let that happen. But he had won a victory, and had won a temporary seat next to his dad at the cherished fire pit.

  Patrick leaned over, and whispered to Shane, “I will never leave you without a plan, and hope for the future, to understand this all. I will find a way to explain it to you, when the time is right. I promise, son.” Patrick placed his hand on Shane’s shoulder. The two stared hard at each other, until a smile formed on Shane’s lips.

  “I love you, dad.”

  “I love you, too, son. I always will!”

  Shane wrested himself away from the image of his father, and the men at the campfire. This time, he literally forced himself to awaken from the dream. He didn’t want to forget the dream, as people often do when they gain full consciousness. It was still dark. Lying face up, he struggled to focus on something in the room and keep the conversation fresh in his mind. He remembered, and decided to tell Kate, to make sure he remembered for good.

  He turned toward her, knowing she was sleeping, as her head still rested on his chest. The movement dropped her head to the bed, but she didn’t move. He shook her shoulder forcefully, saying, “Kate, wake up…hurry, Kate, and wake up!”

  Kate sat up quickly, struggling to awaken from a deep sleep. She didn’t know why she was struggling, or what the reason was, but she focused on the urgency in Shane’s insistent voice. She looked quickly around the room for some perceived problem, asking, “What is it, Shane?!”

  Shane rattled off quickly, so he wouldn’t forget, “Its Kent Murray, the DEA agent, my dad’s friend, Kent Murray! I remembered the conversation. How could I have forgotten it? Kent knows about the investigation. He may have some missing pieces. We need to find Kent Murray, and if not, then Scott Mayfield’s family. Kent and dad investigated the same people. I need to ask Pete. Maybe he knows where Kent is now!” Shane got up out of bed and frantically began to dress.

  Kate said, “Shane, honey, its 4:00 in the morning. Maybe, we could let Pete and Tasha sleep a little longer…you think?” She patted the bed, after she turned back the covers for him.

  Shane looked out the window to the dark valley below, illuminated only by a moon sliver and star light. He smiled, and said, “Oh, sorry. I just got excited. I finally remembered it!” He got back into bed, as Kate smiled up at him, and immediately reached to snuggle up next to him.

  “We can’t forget it. Will you remember in the morning?”

  “I’ll remember, dear. Trust me. I’ll remember. Kent Murray...4:00 in the morning!” Kate snuggled back onto Shane’s muscular chest and melted her body into his side. Within a few minutes, she was fast asleep.

  The excitement of the revelation had jump started Shane’s system. He tried to get back to sleep for what seemed like an hour, but was only ten minutes, according to the digital clock on the nightstand. He couldn’t sleep. He held Kate for a minute longer, and asked, “Are you awake? Please, Kate. This is important. Can you be awake?”

  Kate moved up on top of Shane and kissed him deeply, her tongue finding the back of his mouth. She said, “Does that answer your question? What do you think?” She arched her back above his chest.

  The night moon and starlight in the room painted accentuating shadows onto Kate’s beautiful breasts, which now dangled enticingly down to him, her large, erect nipples brushing and te
asing his chest, ever so softly. They enjoyed another long kiss, and Shane was instantly rock hard. Shane caressed Kate’s smooth back and bottom, while his tongue continued to explore her mouth, neck and her ears. He inhaled the fragrance of her hair, until he could barely constrain his throbbing penis. He wanted to savage her, and thrust himself deep inside her beautiful, tasty, wet pussy. He restrained his entry for a little longer, as the anticipation and passion built.

  Ardent kisses became more daring, while hands caressed and explored more aggressively. Finally, Kate relaxed her legs and moved further on top of him. Shane reached down between her thighs, and stroked the pubic area she had shaved the night before. He slid two fingers inside her, smoothly, as she was already wet with anticipation. She moaned softly, with the collective voice of both angel and seductress. Shane’s body tensed as he felt his blood surging.

  “Deeper, deeper,” she groaned. “Let me come to you now,” she whispered.

  Shane kissed Kate’s neck, and used his tongue to trace her luscious body from her lips down to the breasts that called to him like sirens of the sea. She moved up on him, and presented a breast, sideways, just above his face. He seized the swollen orb in his mouth, sucking the hardened nipple. He teased and held it in his mouth, and then ran his teeth over it playfully.

  “Harder! Bite them…gently!” Kate demanded. She used her hand and pushed the breast deeper in to Shane’s mouth. She pulled the back of his head toward her to force the breast in further, while using her body to push from the other side. “Harder!” she demanded.

  He willingly complied, moving from one nipple and breast to the other, until he himself was ready to explode, but holding back. He withdrew his fingers from inside Kate, and explored her sweet spot with his fingertips, softly pressing, stroking, rubbing, using just one finger and his thumb.

  Fully aroused, their kisses became deeper, and even more intense. He suddenly drove his fingers deep inside her and began alternating thrusts and withdrawals. He settled in to an age-old rhythm, until Kate cried out, arching her back further. As her body tensed, he felt her strong orgasmic contractions grip the fingers still deep inside her. The spasms relaxed briefly, and then came again, in waves, each lasting a shorter time.

  Kate smiled down into Shane’s eyes, and then, suddenly, took control, firmly grabbing his erect penis, guiding it up inside her. She moved on top of him, undulating back and forth, up and down, grinding herself into him, until she came again, this time with more violent, but briefer, contractions. She was a woman possessed with passion, pressing down on Shane’s chest with both hands, while he strained to kiss and suckle her breasts, moving from one to the other with his tongue and hands.

  Shane tried to give equal attention to each breast, as he flicked his tongue around areola, sucked each nipple, and lightly chewed the tip. Kate’s nipples became increasingly engorged and fully erect, as both Shane and Kate became even more aroused. Finally, he held a nipple between each thumb and index finger, and gently twisted, while rubbing the tips.

  At last, with Kate riding on top of him, moving feverishly, using her last ounce of strength, he felt complete release as he exploded in a series of throbbing waves, emptying himself into her, as she came to her final and strongest orgasm.

  Their sexual movements slowed and diminished, as the both gradually relaxed. Their movements stopped, and they both enjoyed the exquisite oneness of complete fulfillment. Kate lowered her lips to meet his. They kissed softly, lingering in and over each other’s mouths for several moments. Kate lowered herself down on Shane, coming to rest on his chest. They lay quietly, breathing slowed, listening to their combined heartbeats.

  Suddenly, and completely without warning, Kate rolled over and off Shane, in one quick move that allowed her to land, out of bed, and on her feet, arms raised over her head.

  “What the hell?!” He exclaimed.

  Kate laughed, “You get me up at 4:00 in the morning, buddy…now you have to get me coffee!” With that, she ran to the bathroom, calling behind her, “And I get a “10” for the dismount!”

  Shane stretched lazily, thinking how lucky he was to have a woman like Kate. She was everything he had always wanted, and more. She was incredibly athletic, smart as a whip, talented, loyal, committed, and a passionate lover. And, she was all his. She was his…girlfriend? He smiled, and couldn’t help but think their relationship would lead to something more. “Girlfriend” sounded too...unattached, unconnected, and unimportant.

  At least, now, he allowed himself to hope for a future with her. He knew he had more to live for than ever before. He got up and gingerly pulled on his briefs, careful to avoid the slightly tender souvenir of his and Kate’s passion. He threw on a robe, and quietly descended the stairs toward the kitchen, trying to be quiet and not wake anyone in the house. To Shane’s surprise, he found all the lights on in the kitchen and heard voices as he approached. He could hear the espresso machine, as Sam and Jesse chatted in the background.

  When he turned the corner, and walked into the kitchen, Shane’s eyes met Jesse’s.

  “I can’t believe you’re up this early, too, but I’m glad!” Jesse said.

  Shane, immediately interested, asked, “What’s up?”

  Jesse answered, “Before I start to explain what we’ve found, can I get you anything?” He nodded toward the espresso machine and smiled, anxious to ply his trade.

  Shane said, “Oh, please, yes…that’s why I’m here. Could we please have two lattes, and do you have caramel?”

  Jesse said, “Shit, you’re both awake? I hope the noise we made down here didn’t get you both up!” Shane just grinned and shook his head, deterring any explanation.

  Jesse continued. “Okay, good! We do have caramel, and I’ll make two. You better get Kate, so I can tell you both what my team found!”

  Shane nodded, realizing that Jesse had some important news. He ran back up the stairs to get Kate, ascending them two at a time.

  Arriving in the room just as Kate came out of the bathroom, Shane saw that Kate’s expression was questioning, seeing there was no coffee in his hands. He said, “We’d better get dressed and go down to meet Jesse. He got up early, too. He’s making caramel lattes, and he’s found something!”

  Kate began to dress. She said coyly, “I bet he didn’t wake up like we did, though! And I’m hungry now, by the way. Just so you know, these sessions with you always make me hungry! I could even swear I smell cinnamon rolls.” She laughed. Shane just smiled, feeling a little proud of himself.

  Within a couple of minutes, they were downstairs, meeting Jesse in the new “war room.” Jesse handed them their drinks, made with whipped cream on top, supporting caramel and unsweetened dark chocolate sprinkles. He motioned to an office space his team had set up, with individual work spaces, each equipped with computers and surveillance monitoring equipment. He said, “Please, sit. I’ve got fresh cinnamon rolls there, too. Baked them this morning when I couldn’t sleep.”

  Kate teased, and said, “So that’s what woke me up! I thought I could smell fresh baked cinnamon rolls!” She cast a sly look at Shane, as she brushed his leg with her foot, and said, “It would have to be something especially sweet and tasty to get me up and going at this hour.”

  Shane reddened slightly, though he thought, or hoped, Jesse didn’t notice. He cocked an eyebrow at Kate to stop her, knowing it wouldn’t work. They both enjoyed these teasing games they played, although he wouldn’t admit it, if the question came up.

  Kate asked, “How long have you been up then?”

  Jesse answered slowly, as he sat at a machine next to a computer. “Maybe three hours now. I had to work out something that was bothering me about a file on the flash drive Shane found. I think most clearly when I cook. So, a tray of cinnamon rolls, a couple of hours and three espresso macchiatos later, Sam and I figured it out.”

  Jesse moved around the machine to an attached computer, motioning them to take two chairs to his right. He spun the screen around, so they
could see what he was reading. He explained, “We haven’t had nearly enough time to begin to digest all this information, but I found one file, in the first ten master files, that didn’t make sense. It’s Number Nine, not that I know why or if, that’s important yet. The file contains nothing but scores of quotes, mostly from famous people. There is no internal reference, or explanation, as to what relevance it might have when combined with thousands of pages of documents and investigation.”

  Jesse opened the file. The first quote was by Abraham Lincoln, and read, “In the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Jesse looked from Shane to Kate, and found only blank stares.

  He said grinning, “That’s the same thing I thought.” They all laughed.

  Jesse continued. “But then, I remembered a book I had read years ago. It was a spy novel…you know a conspiracy-theory type of story. Anyway, the main spy kept a series of quotes in a journal he used, to take notes on the case. After he was murdered, his partner studied his work to look for clues to his death. He found the quotes, and finally figured out they must be the key to the real information contained in the pages of his journal. Finding the key broke the code, which led to the discovery of the missing investigation, that solved the case. Pretty cool, huh?”

  Kate and Shane returned blank stares to a beaming Jesse. Shane raised both hands and tilted them outward, asking for an explanation.

  Jesse nodded, as he accessed software on the computer, “So, I ran the quotes through our version of EDA.”

  Jesse looked from Shane to Kate for approval and understanding, but realized he still wasn’t making progress.

  He sighed, and continued. “Many software companies have developed code breaking software. We use a version similar to what the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency use here, in the United States. It’s really just an updated version of the Enigma Decipher Algorithm, or, EDA, developed about five years ago.”