First Target

by Robin Mahle

  “Mr. Fitzgerald, please come in.”

  Axell entered the room while the guard closed the door on his way out. “Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Cheng.”

  “I’m happy to oblige our friends in the USAID. Mr. Abrams is a good man.” He offered his hand.

  “He is, sir. Thank you.”

  Cheng returned to his desk and hoisted his trousers before sitting down. “So, Mr. Fitzgerald, what is it that I can do for you today?”

  “Given the current climate between our two nations, I’d like to discuss a possible joint venture in an effort to heal past wounds and reestablish the economic ties we once shared.”

  “Well, that could prove quite difficult considering the restrictions your government has placed on mine regarding investment in US corporations.”

  “I believe I might have a solution that would be in both of our interests.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “As you know, the Dalian Company, based in Virginia, has been the source of great controversy since it sold off the majority share to an American investor.” Axell tried to gauge a reaction, but Cheng remained deadpan. “I would like to suggest Beijing offer backing in another US venture here in your country. In fact, as you require US businesses to partner with a Chinese investor, we would like to partner with Dalian, at their headquarters here, on this same venture. This will show both the United States and China that the two countries are willing to work on rebuilding the relationships. And what better way to do so than to choose Dalian as a partner?”

  Axell had done his research, studying the trade wars with the US, and most recently, the sanctions. His hope was that Cheng would jump at the chance to tell his premier and president that the US wanted to move past the sanctions and rebuild. He needed Cheng to accept the proposition so Axell could understand the extent of the ties he had with Shen Yang and Casper Janz.

  “You offer an interesting proposition, Mr. Fitzgerald. And I am surprised your government has authorized you to speak on the issue. You must be a very important figure.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far. I would simply say that I have been authorized to present such a deal and have worked with those who hold higher positions and want to keep their distance, as it were, in the event the deal doesn’t pan out.”

  “I see. And do you have a plan in writing that I may take to my superiors, should we move forward?”

  “I will have one sent to you this afternoon.” Axell had no such plan but figured his friend in USAID could provide something on short notice. Something verifiable.

  “Very well.” He rose and again offered his hand. “I appreciate you coming in and presenting. I will be in touch. How long will you remain in Beijing?”

  “As long as you need me to.”

  “An extended stay won’t be required. From this point forward, I can discuss this with Mr. Abrams. No point in keeping you here longer than necessary.”

  Axell stood. “Of course. Is there someone at the Dalian Company here who could facilitate our coordination efforts in the US?”

  The man eyed Axell for a moment. “Let me make a few calls first. Then we can discuss future meetings.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Cheng. I sincerely appreciate your time.” He returned the handshake. “I’m staying at the Hilton not far from here in the event you’d like to discuss anything else. Or perhaps I could invite you to dinner this evening?”

  “I’ll have my assistant get with you if my schedule is clear. I’m afraid I don’t know what’s on my agenda for today as of yet.” He began to escort Axell to the door. “Thank you again, Mr. Fitzgerald. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

  As Axell left Cheng’s office, he returned to his desk and picked up the phone. “I need you to follow Mr. Fitzgerald back to his hotel and keep an eye on him for the time being. Keep me informed of his whereabouts while in Beijing.”

  Axell returned to his hotel room and immediately pulled off his tie before pouring a well-deserved drink. Disappointed, he’d hoped Cheng would take the bait and start dropping names, ideally Yang and Janz, but no mention of either. Meaning he hadn’t trusted what Axell was presenting, or planned on vetting him before disclosing anything that might come back to haunt him. The latter was likely the case and now all Axell could do was bide his time.

  His bona fides would withstand some scrutiny, but it wasn’t intended to be a long-term solution. And if the truth came out, Axell would need to get the hell out of Dodge. If Janz was working with Cheng, as evidence seemed to point, he would also be able to identify Axell in a heartbeat.

  For a moment, he believed he’d risked too much for so little. No new information. No confirmation Dalian was bought and paid for by the Ministry’s shell companies, presumably operated by Janz.

  “Damn it. There has to be another way in.” He pressed his hand against the frame of the sliding glass door and peered out over the city. “I either just motivated him on the deal or prompted him to put me under surveillance.”

  He was certain Dalian was being fronted by the Chinese government. And had been of this mindset when Lei Jian was in the picture, though they denied he was anything except a rogue agent. What he now knew of Bureau 17, they had to have set up a shell company or had a US investor in their pocket. These were the only ways Dalian could remain in the US. That Yang could remain in the US. But what was Janz’s motivation behind mentioning his association with Beijing when they met at the bar? Specifically, telling him they were keeping Yang on a short leash?

  An unexpected guest knocked on the door and sounded off alarm bells for Axell as he reached for his gun, which was no longer on his waist. He, of course, couldn’t travel with his weapon and had nothing in his reach to defend himself. Axell walked to the door and peered through the security lens. He didn’t recognize the individual and waited.

  “Trevor Axell, I believe you know Camden Meeks. You need to let me in now.”

  He pulled back. “What the hell?” The mention of Camden Meeks suggested whoever this was knew him. And, this person was an American.

  “I know you were at the Ministry. We need to talk—now.”

  “Who are you?”

  “You’re aware of Honey Badger?”

  Honey Badger? Axell hadn’t heard that term in a long time. It was an operation back a few years ago when CIA agents operating in Beijing were disappearing. Between 2010 and 2012, it was believed China executed some eighteen-plus CIA spies. Honey Badger was the operation initiated to find the mole inside the clandestine organization who offered up its agents for execution. And while Axell was aware of current operatives working here now, this man was not one he knew, but he opened the door anyway.

  “We need to talk, Agent Axell. You’ve ruffled some very important feathers and I need to know why.” He entered the room and stood in the middle of it, arms folded at his chest. “By the way, I am sorry about Meeks.”

  “Thank you. I’d ask how you knew him, but it appears we must travel in some of the same circles. Did I piss off one of the higher-ups? To be honest, I had no idea how long I’d be here. The deal was for me to get in and get out. I didn’t think it would be a problem for you.”

  “I’m one of the few of us left here, Agent Axell. And it’s been a challenge rebuilding our sources. I’m here because you might’ve raised a red flag with someone in the Ministry. One of our colleagues reached out to me. We can’t afford for you to jeopardize our efforts here.”

  “That wasn’t my intent. I’m here regarding Shen Yang and a man who goes by Matthew Greiner, but who I know to be Casper Janz, former CIA. I believe he’s working with the MSS.”

  “We’re aware of Janz. We followed him on his last visit here to Beijing a week or so ago. He had dinner with Mr. Cheng of Bureau 17.”

  “I believe he’s helping to conceal the identity of the American investor who allowed the Dalian Company to maintain its operations in the US, regardless of the sanctions. Or, he is the investor,” Axell said.

  “You h
ave anything to drink around here? I guess I should introduce myself. I’m Caleb Shaw.”

  “Got some whiskey over there.” Axell walked to the side table and poured them both a shot. “Here.”

  “Thanks.” He knocked back the shot. “Look, we all know these sanctions are complete bullshit. They’ll fall by the wayside as more US jobs are lost and the economy continues to tank. The US can’t afford for China to keep dumping its Treasury stocks.”

  “China can’t afford it either. Their currency has already taken a nose-dive.”

  “It has, but they’ll continue to manipulate its value. Listen, Axell, whatever you’re trying to prove, it can’t be done here. You have to go home.”

  “Not until I get answers. It’s my job to find the source of the money and I will.”

  “Your job?”

  “That’s right.”

  “And when you find this investor, what then?”

  “Then we get Dalian the hell out of our country.”

  Shaw pursed his lips. “That will never be allowed to happen.”

  “Care to enlighten me as to why?”

  “Because Yang is too important. To our government and this one. They’re watching him.”

  Axell set his glass down and considered Shaw. “Why?”

  “We have an agreement with Beijing for us to keep tabs on Yang because of his ties to the Uyghur Separatist Movement.”

  “And what are we getting out of this deal?”

  “A behind-the-scenes effort to ease sanctions so China will stop unloading stock. An agreement that will reduce our trade deficit by allowing more US imports into the country.”

  “Jesus.” Axell poured another shot. “More back door deals. This is bullshit. I was tasked with keeping foreign entities in check, preventing the kind of manipulation you’re talking about. The administration wants all its bases covered in the event of another attack. It’s not just radical terrorist groups anymore.”

  “I get that, but there’s so much more at play than you can imagine.”

  “Then why haven’t I been briefed?”

  Shaw walked closer to Axell. “I made a few calls. I know your team. I know what you’ve all done for our country.” He shook his head. “But you need to be looking elsewhere for the real reason you’re here.”

  CIA Agent Martin Delgado, former adversary turned friend, seemed surprised to find Lacy Merrick standing in his doorway in the early morning hour. “Merrick.” He stood from his chair. “Very nice to see you again. How are you?”

  Lacy entered his office, greeting him with a wide smile. “Doing well, thank you. It’s good to see you too, Martin. How have you been?”

  “Good. Good. Come in and have a seat. So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

  “Sorry to just drop by, but I have good reason and, well, I was hoping to keep my visit off the books.”

  “Okay. Tell me what’s going on.”

  “You aren’t working on anything right now?” she asked.

  “Not yet, no. They’re considering me for a couple of things, but you know, classified and all that.”

  “Sure.” The smile she wore faded. “Trevor’s in Beijing. Due to fly back this morning, I believe. Our time.”

  “Oh? What’s he doing there?”

  “It’s a long story but I didn’t really come here to talk about that. I came here to ask you about something else. Someone else, more specifically.”

  Delgado leaned back in his chair and waited for her to continue.

  “I figured since Trevor is out of pocket at the moment, I could get some advice from you regarding a matter I know you’re familiar with. I’d like to talk to you about Wendell Turner.”

  “He was murdered on the courthouse steps several days ago.”

  “Right. The reason I ask is, when they brought me in—after the speech. I suggested the president order an investigation into the State Department. Because, as you know, there was a strong possibility Turner might not have acted alone, what with his expediting Sajwani’s visa. We never quite figured out the reason for that.”

  “Right. From what I understand, the investigation is still ongoing. So forgive me when I ask, what’s the problem?”

  “I can’t figure out why Turner would’ve been assassinated moments before he was due to testify in court regarding the allegations of treason. And to be honest, we’ve heard nothing in regard to the status of the State Department investigation.”

  “These are two separate issues. And you’re with the Bureau. Why aren’t you asking them these questions? What can I do that you can’t? Not to mention the fact that I’m CIA. Not my jurisdiction.”

  She eyed him. “Really? You’re going to use that?”

  “Fair point, but that doesn’t change the fact that I couldn’t begin to know what investigations the Bureau is running and if any of them involve the State Department. Now, as far as the Turner case, well.” He shook his head. “Could’ve been any nut job off the street. What he did, or rather, covered up pissed off a lot of people. There’s a lot of animosity toward not just the Chinese government, but our own for their lack of oversight. Lack of concern about what was happening in the current administration. The president has a lot of making up to do toward the American people. I wouldn’t be surprised if some idiot took that shot at Turner and got lucky.” He studied her for a moment. “Lacy, why don’t you tell me why you’re really here? You’ve got plenty of resources to get answers to the questions you’re asking me right now. What is it that you want me to do?”

  “You were close to Camden Meeks.”

  Grief masked his face. “Yes. I was.”

  “And you know we searched for evidence that pointed to Turner. You and I both know he played a hand in his death.”

  “Right.”

  “There’s someone I was hoping you could look into for me. We’ve found a name, a short history, but we’re stuck. Nothing else at our disposal anyway. And at this point, I need to know if he had any knowledge of or knew anyone connected to Meeks. I’d like to find out if he had any connection at all to the deputy secretary. This could also lead us in another direction, but for now, I’d like to know if he might have had Turner in his sights.”

  “Give me a name. I’ll see what I can do.”

  “I think he might be one of yours. I know he’s not FBI. I checked that myself. His name is Casper Janz. He’s currently going by the alias Matthew Greiner. And right now, he appears to be Shen Yang’s right-hand man.”

  “Of Dalian?”

  “Yes. And since you were embedded with Yang for a long time, I thought you might know of him.”

  “Name doesn’t ring a bell. He must’ve come on later. But like I said, I’ll see what I can do.” He regarded her with concern. “Is there a reason you’re not asking Axell to do this?”

  “As I said, he’s in Beijing and there’s not much he can do for us from there. And, I’d like to have something for him on his return.” She spun the lie with ease. Axell all but ordered them not to talk to anyone regarding Janz until his return. But there were times when the itch needed to be scratched. This was one of those times.

  “Okay, then. I’ll get back to you if and when I find anything.”

  “Thank you, Martin. And, you know, maybe don’t mention I was here.”

  “Whatever you say.”

  Chapter 12

  The request came down from Cyber Division’s department head. Regional Supervisor Lacy Merrick must submit her team’s analysis regarding the increase in anti-Asian websites that had seen an uptick in internet traffic. And the steps necessary to remove said websites. It was a fine line between first amendment rights and actual, viable threats to other people. And lines had already been crossed.

  The concern was that groups had emerged that had the propensity and funding to plan retaliation efforts for the Fairfax mall attack last summer. Her region had yet to submit its report, thanks in part to the time Lacy had spent with the task force and her own covert efforts t
o get to the bottom of nagging concerns that lingered in the back of her mind. Concerns she was reluctant to share with the rest of the task force. Namely, her boss.

  “Hey, Lacy?” Michelle stood in her doorway. “You have a minute?”

  She glanced away from her computer. “Sure. Come in.”

  “You got that request from SSA Banks?”

  “I did. I’m working on it now. I just had to write the summary of the team’s results. I’ll have it on her desk by the end of today.”

  “Okay. Good.” Michelle appeared reticent. “Look, I understand you’ve been through a lot recently. More than most of us, that’s for sure.”

  Lacy interrupted before Michelle could continue. “I know what you’re about to say. And I won’t disagree. I’ve been slacking off on my duties here, what with Brian leaving. I need to find a replacement for him. And I need to stay on top of these troubling events that seem to be developing in the wake of the sanctions.”

  “I’m not going to lie, Lacy. You have been distracted. Is there anything at all I can do to help?”

  “No. Thank you, Michelle. This is on me. I’ll get it worked out. I promise you. I know my job is a reflection on you too and I won’t let you down.”

  “We’ve got a very disconcerting problem brewing and we’re all scrambling for answers. No one wants an attack on the Asian community. We need all hands on deck to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  “I understand.”

  “Okay.” She turned to leave, but stopped short. “I can help you find a replacement for Brian, if need be. In fact, I’ll send you some promising resumes I’ve had on my hands for a while.”

  “I’d appreciate that. Thank you.” Lacy watched Michelle leave, knowing she was letting her down. Not getting to the source of the task force’s problem, which was finding the money behind Dalian Company. She was letting everyone down, including herself.

  Lacy returned to her report, putting on the final touches before sending it up the chain when she spotted Will enter her office.