Paul paced the hotel room while Roger changed into his own clothes in the bathroom. John knocked on the door, and Paul let him in. John asked, “What’s up?” Paul froze. He had no idea how to start any of this.
Roger walked into the room. “Hi John. Thanks for getting here so fast. Let’s sit down for a minute. Paul and I have a little story to tell you, and I guess we will see how it goes from there.”
John looked suspicious as he took a seat. He asked, “Should I take notes?” Paul and Roger both chuckled. Roger composed himself first and started by asking John to please hear them out before he came to any conclusions. They took turns telling John the story about Ellen and the gals from the beginning. John was being polite, but they knew exactly what he was thinking. Ellen popped into the room, and John jumped. Roger said, “John, meet Ellen. When she is around mortals, she takes on the image of a black cat. She and I have a system of communicating. When she means ‘yes’, she winks at me. A ‘no’, she closes both eyes. Let me show you.” John looked at Roger like he had lost his mind.
Roger looked at Ellen, “Do you know where Devon is right now?” Ellen winked. “Will we find him soon?” Ellen winked. Roger asked, “Is this case almost over?” Ellen shut both eyes. Roger looked at John, “Ask her something”
John looked at Paul, “This is a joke right? You guys are punkin’ me.”
Paul said, “John, ask a question we wouldn’t know.”
John shook his shoulders and looked at Ellen, “Am I expecting an important phone call?” Ellen winked, and John’s phone rang. He nearly dropped it. He walked over to the corner, took the call, and returned to the table. He looked at Ellen, “Did I just get good news?” Ellen closed both eyes. John looked at Roger just as Roger’s phone rang. Roger answered. It was Kim. Kim told him to give the phone to John.
Kim said, “John, tell Roger and Paul to leave the room for exactly ten minutes and then come back.” Roger and Paul left the room.
Paul and Roger were in the hall waiting. Paul said, “What do you think is happening?”
Roger answered, “I think John is being convinced at a very personal level we don’t need to know about.”
Paul rolled his neck and smiled, “I have never laughed this much in my whole life, and we are on the worst case in FBI history!”
Roger was chuckling too. “I know, it’s crazy! We may be going mad. How would we know?”
After a couple more minutes Paul looked at Roger, “What time is it now?”
Roger took a deep breath and answered, “Time to go back in.”
They opened the door. John was on one bent knee and praying. He turned to them and stood. It looked like he might have been crying. Roger remembered how he felt when he first realized Ellen and the Gals were truly angels. Roger had been surprised by the power of the revelation. Roger asked, “Do you need some more time John?”
John swallowed and said, “No. I think they need us to do something.” John looked at Roger, “I feel so small, so privileged. I don’t want to do anything wrong and mess this up.”
Paul said, “That was the exact thing Roger said!”
Roger added, “Paul and I have found it somewhat challenging to explain how we know things. You have to be very careful.”
John piped up, “Especially with people like Thor around!” John chuckled, “Ellen did a good job convincing me this is really happening. I am a little worried they feel I need their help. I know they know things we don’t. What are we getting into?”
Ellen appeared on the table and winked at Roger. Suddenly the TV came on. Roger looked at John, “This happens too. This is something from Ellen.” They watched a man sitting at a desk marking papers. It looked like a very important office. The view was as if they were watching through a camera. Roger asked, “Does anyone know who this is?”
John answered, “That is your Director. You’ve never met him?” Roger answered no. Another man came into the picture and asked the Director something. The Director pointed to a pitcher of ice water on a credenza. The other man walked over to the pitcher. It was like the camera followed him.
Roger asked, “Who is that?”
John answered, “Your Deputy Director, William C. Thornton.” They watched Thornton pour a clear substance into the glass, add ice, and add some bottled water. The camera had zoomed in for all of it. The director took a big gulp and continued writing. Thornton was looking right at the camera with a sneer.
Suddenly the Director grabbed his chest and fell from his chair. Thornton sat on the corner of the desk and made a phone call. People started rushing into the room, and Thornton was acting like he was very concerned. Numerous times the camera caught him sneering. Paramedics arrived, hooked up IV’s, and took the Director out of the room. Thornton made everyone leave the office, and he locked the door behind him. He sat in the Director’s chair and picked up the phone.
Roger’s phone rang, he looked at the caller ID, and said, “It says Director.” Paul and John were alternately looking at the TV and Roger. Roger answered, “Yes Director.” They could see Thornton talking on the TV screen. Roger listened a few moments, and then answered, “I would like to tell you we are close to wrapping this up, but that isn’t the situation.” Roger listened while he watched Thornton smiling and talking on the screen. Roger said, “I don’t understand why this case wouldn’t be a priority any longer. My designation on this case can only be granted or revoked by the Director. I respectfully reject your analysis, and I intend to continue as the Director assigned.” Roger snapped his phone shut, and they saw Thornton wipe a pile of folders to the floor with his forearm and bang his fist on the desk. The screen went black.
Roger, Paul, and John just stared at each other. John asked, “What the hell did we just witness?”
Roger said, “Hopefully not the murder of the Director.” Roger made a call, “Find out what hospital the Director was just taken to and alert the hospital staff he has been given some kind of drug. Absolutely no visitors. I’ll explain later.”
Paul said, “Shit! How do you explain knowing that?”
Just then a glass appeared on the table in a plastic bag.
John said, “You don’t think…”
Roger said, “John, I don’t know who I can trust right now. Can you get this tested, fast?”
John said, “Yes.”
He was starting to leave when the TV came on again. They all stared. Now they had sound. They didn’t know who was speaking, but there was a man on the phone yelling, “Who authorized this? Well find out!” The man placed another call, “Did you know we were letting this Jason Sims go? He’s gone! I was told he was a protected witness. Witness for whom? Nobody is claiming responsibility. CIA won’t take my calls. I can’t even log in!”
John walked over to Roger’s laptop and hit a few keystrokes. Only to be met with a big black screen that said, Access Denied. John turned around, “It will be interesting to hear the explanation for this.”
Roger was pacing. Finally he said, “The explanation for that is Jason Sims. He has taken down CIA computers to do something. What do we have here John? William Thornton definitely wants me to get out of town.”
John said, “William C. Thornton. He’s anal that his middle initial be used.”
Paul asked, “What does the ‘C’ stand for?”
John said, “Carl.” Roger and Paul looked at each other. Roger’s mind raced. Could it be possible that the Deputy Director of the FBI was Mathew Core’s contact?
Roger explained to John, “We have some notes from Ellen’s mind reading of Mathew Core. His main contact went by the name Carl. William C. Thornton may be Mathew Core’s contact. I don’t know, but I’m not inclined to check this off as a coincidence.” Roger had walked over to the window and was speaking to no one in particular. “If he is the ‘Carl’ who is connected to Mathew Core, he would know I know who Core is and that he is in New Orleans.”
John said, “What are you saying? I guess you lost me.”
Ro
ger turned back to look at Paul and John, “We need to go over a lot of paperwork from Ellen with you.”
John was shaking his head, “I am trying to absorb all of this, but I have to admit I think I am getting lost. This doesn’t seem real.”
Paul laughed, “Oh trust us, we understand. Remember last night when you were laughing because everyone thought we were spooky?”
John’s eyes opened wide, “Oh no. Now I am one of you!” Just then Ellen appeared on his lap. John jumped, then asked her, “Are we going to figure this out eventually?” Ellen winked. John said, “Thank God.” Then he looked at Roger and Paul, “I’m talking to a cat.”
Roger said, “That’s how I found out I could trust you, John. I asked Ellen. Before you assume anything, you may want to check with her.”
John was nodding and asked, “Why did you name her Ellen?”
Roger laughed and said, “I didn’t name her. Let’s leave that story for later.” Roger gave John Kim’s number and said, “This is another way to reach Ellen if you need her.”
Roger’s phone rang, it was Agent Nelson. They were all back at the Star Ship showering off the swamp. Pablo and Jeanne went to her house. The three women were taken to the hospital and should be available to interview in an hour or so. Nelson asked if Roger wanted to join all of them across the street for lunch before they started the second half of the day. Roger knew most of the bars stayed pretty empty well into the afternoon because they were open late at night. He also wanted to touch base with the team before he dealt with the situation with the Director. He asked Paul and John if they wanted to go and told Nelson they would meet them there shortly.
John made arrangements for the delivery of the glass for testing and was in the corner with Ellen giving her names to see who he could trust. Paul saw him cross off two names on his list and rub his temples. Ellen wasn’t making him happy.
Simon and Pablo reached the door of Mickey’s Bar at about the same time and went in together. This place was perfect for lunch. Other than one small woman at the bar and one guy in a booth, the place was empty. They walked the length of the bar and took over a large table in the back. Pablo laid his gun on the table while he adjusted his shoulder harness. The man in the booth saw the gun. He quickly left his booth and headed for the door. He placed a bill near the register and waved goodbye to the bartender.
Pablo commented, “We probably aren’t very good for business.”
Simon responded, “Like I give a shit right now.”
The rest of the team filtered in. They had to pull over another table to have enough seats. The bartender told them to do anything they wanted. There wouldn’t be any real customers for hours. Dusty and Alan joined them too. Dusty had hitched a ride back into town with Pablo and Nelson. Agent Frank Mass had told Dusty he would pay him as soon as he got to town. Pablo invited Dusty to join everyone at Mickey’s for lunch, and after lunch Pablo would drive him to the field office to get his check. Alan had hitched a ride into town also, so Jeremiah didn’t have to drive him home. Alan figured Jeremiah would sleep all afternoon. Alan had a friend who could drive him back home to Slidell after lunch.
Jeanne, Roger, Paul, and John were the last to arrive. Roger looked at them all and said, “Doesn’t look like you guys spent the morning in a swamp.” Thor glanced up at the ceiling. Pablo introduced Dusty and Alan to everyone who hadn’t met them yet and explained why they were there. The bartender took their food order and brought their drinks. He placed full pitchers of cola and ice tea on their table which they were emptying as fast as he could bring them. At least four weapons were lying on the table.
Roger glanced at the weapons and the guilty parties holstered them. Roger said, “I am looking forward to the report on your morning.” He was looking at Thor. Thor looked at Jeanne, and she smiled. Roger chuckled, “Seems like you two bonded during this trip.”
Thor exclaimed, “She owes me a pair of shorts. And hey! We all learned a new sport, snake skeet shooting!” The whole table laughed.
Roger noticed Jeanne suddenly tense. She was staring at a man who had walked in and was looking down the long row of booths. As he got closer to them, his eyes drifted to their table and locked on Jeanne. He looked like he had seen a ghost. Jeanne hissed, “Devon!” She stood and her chair crashed back all in one motion. She did not draw her gun. Her jaw set. Her eyes were backlit blue lasers. Devon couldn’t look away from her. Every agent was up with their weapons aimed. Dusty and Alan dove under the table.
The bartender vaporized behind the bar and quickly crawled to the kitchen.
The little woman sitting at the bar just kind of slowly looked around. She was obviously drunk. Devon grabbed her beer bottle, broke it against the bar and pulled her off the bar stool. His forearm pinned her back against his chest. Devon held the broken bottle to her throat and screamed, “Stay Back!” Devon sneered as he pulled the woman backwards and inched his way closer to the door. His eyes were still locked on Jeanne. In Roger’s peripheral vision he could see Jeanne’s hand flexing next to her gun. She glanced at Roger. He gave a small nod. In one smooth motion she raised her arm and shot Devon between the eyes.
Devon was dead.
The woman staggered into a booth, looked at Jeanne, and said, “You go girl.”
Agent Frank Mass walked through the door with Dusty’s check just as Devon fell to the floor. Frank drew his gun; saw the table full of agents and realized whatever had happened was over. He stepped over Devon giving him a quick glance and holstered his gun. Damn good shot. Frank walked to the back, reached under the table, and handed Dusty his check.
Dusty sputtered, “Not enough man!”
Agent Mass looked at Roger. “Want me to clean that up?”
Roger answered, “Please.”
Pablo walked over to where Devon’s body was lying and spit on him. He was clenching his fists. Jeanne had her eyes closed and her head tilted back. She crossed herself and rubbed her amulet. Thor watched a single tear stream from the corner of her eye.
Agent Mass got a quick update from Paul and assured him his agents would do the paperwork. He made a phone call and said, “I have an agent with your swamp gals at the hospital. Is this guy responsible for them?”
Roger nodded, “He’s one of the guys.”
Frank smiled, “More fun to come then. I will call off the surveillance team and get CSI over to Devon’s house. Doesn’t look like he will be going back there. Anything else you need right now?”
Roger shook his head, “I appreciate everything you’ve been doing for us. This team is good, but we seem to cause some paperwork.”
Agent Mass chuckled, “That you do. I sent the Medical Examiner and one of our forensic guys out to your swamp man. The Medical Examiner called a few minutes ago to tell me they had the box of bones. They are going to the actual site where the bones were found now. There is at least one child.” Agent Mass shook his head and walked over to get a better look at Devon. The coroner arrived, and Devon’s body was removed. The janitor cleaned up the floor. The juke box started playing, “Feels like Rain,” by Buddy Guy. Back to normal in Nawlens.
The bartender meekly walked over and asked, “The cook wants to know if you guys are still eating?”
Everyone laughed, and Thor yelled, “Hell yes! What is taking so long?” The bartender looked like he had wet his pants, went running to the kitchen.
Jeanne frowned at Thor and said, “Why do you pretend to be an ass?”
Thor looked at her, “Why do you pretend to be human?” They both started laughing. Pablo looked at Simon with one eyebrow raised. Dusty and Alan had surfaced again and were sitting in their seats, very quietly.
Dusty said, “I hope you guys are paid a whole lot of money.”
Nelson answered, “Yeah, we do this for all the money.” There was a round of laughter.
Roger leaned over and asked Jeanne, “Are you okay?”
Jeanne smiled, “Yeah. Thank you for that.” Roger nodded. John was looking toward the
door. A man had come in to sit at the far end of the bar.
John whispered to Roger, “That’s Tourey.” Jeanne glanced up and raised her glass. Tourey did the same.
Roger asked, “No one is here, should I introduce myself?”
John said, “Nope. There are still employees, and someone could come in. He will pick the place to talk. He must just want to see what everyone looks like.” John called Ashley. After giving her the good news he passed the phone to Paul.
The bartender and cook both started delivering their food. Nelson made the comment he might have to move to New Orleans, as he shoved a huge spoon of jambalaya in his mouth. John Barry asked the bartender to bring him a bourbon. Thor said, “If anyone deserves a drink it’s me! You know what this guy tells me when I called to tell him I’m on a sinking boat in the middle of a snake infested swamp? Keep me posted!” Roger shook his head and chuckled. He had completely forgotten that conversation. Thor continued, “I just want to point out that we are having a dead body with every meal.” Alan and Dusty looked at each other.
Simon asked them, “You guys want to meet us for dinner?”
They both put their hands up and said, “NO!”
Thor asked Roger, “So how did you find Devon anyway?”
“We just got lucky, a couple of lucky breaks in a row.”
Thor looked at John, “What did I say? Damn spooky.” John spit out some of his bourbon, wiped his chin and glanced at Roger. Paul pushed his chin forward in his nervous twitch. Yup, this was going to be interesting.
Roger asked the group, “Who were the first ones here?” Simon and Pablo raised their hands. Roger asked, “Was anyone here that left?”
Pablo pointed across the room and said, “Yeah. Some guy that was sitting in that booth.”
Roger nodded, “Devon came here to meet someone. I bet you just saw Patterson.”
Extreme Heat Warning: A Shallow End Gals Trilogy, Book Two Page 20