They'll Call It Treason (27 page)
Read They'll Call It Treason Online
Authors: Jordon Greene
February 1 at 7:55
a.m.
EST
Washington, D.C. – FBI Headquarters
Outside the storm had passed. The bright warmth of the morning sun contrasted vividly against the busy snow-covered streets below.
Richard gazed out the window over the District. Snow still draped the building tops and melting icicles hung precariously from the light posts. Below, life moved busily among the plowed out paths at its normal pace, unaware of the dangers that had been afoot.
He turned to look at the television screen hanging on the wall. He watched the words scrolling on repeat below.
Ethan Shaw Innocent, FBI Mole Uncovered.
“In a stunning turn of events, a voice recording from the formerly alleged domestic terrorist, Agent Ethan Shaw, has cleared the Agent’s name of wrongdoing and shed light on a mole within the FBI, an Agent Sean Abrams.” The tall brunette news anchor explained.
Richard had already heard the news, but had been surprised when the news stations were already running the story. He would have preferred the matter be maintained and dealt with within the Bureau. Having the public eye peering in made things more problematic.
“FBI Special Agents Ethan Shaw, Grayson Whitaker, Austin Conway and Dante Mercer uncovered a domestic terrorist cell claiming to have far-reaching influence within the United States and foreign governments. Unfortunately, it took the lives of several men and women to uncover the cell, including Agents Jason Phelps and Dante Mercer.”
“Former Agent Sean Abrams explicitly admitted to the existence of the organization, known only as Cerberus, and to lulling Agents Shaw and Greer to Geor…”
Richard pressed the
OFF
button and the screen went dark. He breathed deeply, trying to fend off the desire to knock something over.
Why could Shaw not have brought them the information and let them handle it? The less media attention the matter got the less of a nuisance it would be for the Bureau. The media would expect a statement soon.
Ring. Ring.
His eyes went to the phone lying on his desk. He picked up the phone and checked the screen.
Blocked Call
.
“Dammit!” Richard exclaimed. He knew who it was. He closed his eyes and answered the call, rubbing his eyes in irritation.
“It’s me,” Richard answered, more angry than nervous.
“Your recruit failed us,” the voice was cold and synthesized. Richard had no idea whose mouth moved behind the other phone, and he had no desire to find out. “You failed us.”
“I apologize for the setback,” Richard replied. His voice remained smooth
and confident.
There was a pause, Richard wondered if the connection had dropped.
“Don’t fail us again,” then the line went dead.
July 18 at 12:25
p.m.
EST
Cary, North Carolina
“Relax Ethan,” Gray tried to steady his friend. “You look more jittery than a ten year old boy about to get his first kiss.”
Ethan smiled, “I’m trying, and it definitely won’t be my first.”
The warm summer breeze wafted through his hair. The leaves were out again, and life blossomed around them in the natural garden of oaks and pines to the east and patches of wild flowers to the north. Just beyond the grassy knoll, set among the gently rolling hills, lay a lake sparkling in the sunlight.
Ethan was dressed in a black suit with a corsage pinned to his breast. Gray stood by his side in the same attire in front of an archway decorated in white flowers that Ethan could not name.
Rows of white folding chairs lined either side of a simple grass path, each decorated with flowers and ribbon. Behind them stood Kate’s pastor, Bible in hand.
Ethan stepped to the side again, unable to remain still. His body surged with emotions. Love, anxiousness, even a remnant of fear. He loved Kate, but he feared not being enough for her, of taking such a big step.
Yet, he dreaded not being with her more than anything else in the world. He needed her just as she needed him.
Gray placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder steadying him, with a kind grin. “Hey, my ex even showed up,” he laughed, nodding toward a tall woman with blond curls cascading down her shoulder taking a seat near the back row.
“Your ex. How wonderful,” Ethan joked.
“Ah, I think we’re beginning to get along better,” Gray said as the music shifted to a classical piece that Kate loved. Cannon in D if Ethan remembered correctly.
Rhythmically the bridesmaids and groomsmen began to saunter down the aisle. Ethan raised an eyebrow and grinned as Austin made his way down with a cute red headed friend of Kate’s. Austin returned the smile and shook his head.
The wind blew gently, ruffling the nearby leaves. Ethan grinned as Kallie appeared around the bend and walked down the aisle clothed in a purple dress, tossing flowers along the path. A single tear escaped his eye. He missed her father, his friend. He pushed back the memory, knowing Jason would want him to be happy.
As Kallie took her place along the front, Ethan glanced over to Amanda and smiled. She smiled back. Finally the music changed to the familiar bridal tune. Ethan locked his eyes on the end of the aisle as everyone rose to their feet. Taking a deep breath, Ethan prepared himself.
He knew he was imagining it, but he swore there was a glow around Kate as she walked onto the path, her arm interlaced with her father’s. She was dressed in a simple white dress, her shoulders bare, her face uncovered. Her wavy brown locks hung gently behind her shoulders.
Immediately his eyes caught hers and he refused to look away. Those deep brown eyes gleamed back in all their intensity.
Oh, how he loved her.
He took Kate’s hand from her father, nodding to the older gentleman. Ethan smiled and looked into Kate's eyes.
“Hey,” it was all he could muster.
Kate giggled, “Hey.”
Ethan stared into Kate’s eyes as the pastor began to speak. Today was a new day.
###
Jordon Greene is a full stack web developer for the nation’s largest privately owned shoe retail company. A graduate of UNC Charlotte, he spends his time watching Star Trek, singing along with his favorite hard rock bands in the car like no one is watching and writing that next novel. He lives in Concord, NC with his cats, Shiloh and Data.
Visit Jordon’s Social Network