AN: okay, this is it. The final part of Part 1 of 2. Thanks for hanging on. i promise we'll come back to this with a bang.
Constitution Ave.
Washington D.C.
Riding in the passenger seat of Booth's SUV. Abbie was getting irritated with the phone call to her children's school district.
"Look, Megan is it? I want to talk to the principal or the superintendent. I've already explained this to Mrs. Madsen a week ago when I picked them up from school that my children will not be in school for the next 90 days at the minimum. I know that it's unusual, which is why I need lesson plans, assignments, and tests for the next three months so that they won't fall behind... Who is going to teach them? A college professor... Because I can't give you that information... Because it puts my kids at risk! Turn on the evening news tonight and you'll know why... I am a United States Attorney, do you know what that means. It means that if you screw with me any more over this I'll make a phone call to the Secretary of Education and he'll run through that school like shit through a bull... Thank you, have it assembled for all three of my kids by end of business today. My assistant, Ashley Mitchell, will be over there to get it before the final bell rings... Thank you so much. Good bye."
Booth chuckled to himself as did the two other Agents in the back seat.
"Remind me to call you next time my son gets in trouble."
She looked at him. "He goes to Fairfax, right?"
He nodded. "He sure does."
She snorted. "Jeremy just had a baseball game against them."
He looked over at her. "My son Parker said they lost to Alexandria."
Abbie smiled proudly. "They sure did."
Booth lifted his chin as they pulled up to the congressional building. "And we're going to have an audience."
Abbie groaned at the media circus that had gathered on the steps. "Oh look, he's giving a speech."
Booth smiled. "Got yours prepared?"
"No, but give me a minute and I should have something."
He pulled the SUV up to the curb. "You've got thirty seconds." He checked to make sure he had the warrant in hand. "Let's go."
They all got out and moved around the news reporters making their way towards the podium. Abbie listened in while the Feds closed in.
"And as President, my promise to you will be the continuation of this campaign against illegal narcotics and to bring the force projection of the United States against these cartels, both in South America and abroad until they realize that the price of bringing their products to our homes is too high."
Booth was stopped by one of Bracken's security people. One of the feds flashed his badge and pulled out handcuffs. Seeley bypassed them and with Abbie right behind him, Booth pulled out the warrant.
"Senator William Bracken." He said sternly. "I'm Special Agent Seeley Booth of the FBI."
"Excuse me a moment." He turned to shoo the Fed, but stopped at the sight of one of the women he absolutely hated., the one that cost him his marriage. In a clear voice Booth announced, "Senator William Bracken, you are under arrest."
Brackens eyes widened, "On what charge?"
"Extortion, bribery, conspiracy to conceal crimes for the purpose of obstructing justice, money laundering, conspiracy to commit murder, murder for hire, abuse of public office and trafficking of narcotics."
The media crowd exploded with shouts and questions. Bracken narrowed his eyes at the dark haired woman. "I'm going to bury you for this Rizzoli."
Booth cuffed him right there at the podium. "Wrong person, Senator. But don't feel bad. I did it too."
Abbie narrowed her eyes and held up her badge. "My name is Assistant US Attorney Abigail Griffin. Agent Booth, Mirandize the Senator without delay."
"Senator Bracken, you have the right to remain silent, if you give up that right, anything you say can be used against you..."
Abbie listened to make sure it was done properly and once done she nodded to him. "A moment before we leave."
She looked at the frenzy of cameras flashes and recorders.
Though this was her least favorite part of her job, she stepped up to the podium. "My name is Abigail Griffin with the US Attorney's Office. Senator Bracken is not currently available for comments on the actions of the FBI and the US Attorney's Office at this time. I am unable to comment as well however US Attorney Charles Bellamy will make a statement later this afternoon. Thank you." She walked away hearing them demanding answers. As she walked back to the SUV she looked up at the Senator. "Short, sweet, and noncommittal. I hope that was to your satisfaction."
He snarled at her. "You've ended your career, detective."
Abbie snorted. "You'd better check with your attorney because I've been working on the Hill longer than Rizzoli's been a detective. I did get the chance to meet her. Needless to say the resemblance was quite the shocker." She looked at Booth, "Make sure he has a private cell, I don't want there to be any chance of something happening to jeopardize the case."
He nodded. "Rather than go to Central Booking, would the Senator prefer to be held at the Hoover Building?"
Bracken looked at him, "Call my attorney." He said nothing for a few seconds. "FBI headquarters will be fine."
Booth looked at Abbie. "That okay with you?"
"Agreed." Abbie said. "Hold him there for arraignment."
Somewhere near Washington DC.
The old colonial mansion that overlooked the Chesapeake Bay had been in his family for generations, and if the Kingmaker had anything to say about it, it would continue for generations more. No longer a young man, he knew that soon his health would require his son to return home to care for him. He didn't expect to have that care for long. Just as he had done to his father, the Kingmaker expected his son to use a nice painkiller to ease his passing after a suitable time of care.
It was just easier that way, without having distractions to keep them from doing what they did. Utilize the powers of Washington to their own gain.
His son excelled at it, just as he once did. And both lived a life of power, influence and ease. He went to the small bar in his great room and poured himself a short glass of scotch before easing his bulk into his lounge chair. He used the remote to turn on the flatscreen and switched to the news channels and sipped at his scotch.
"On Capitol Hill today, Senator William Bracken was delivering an anti-drug speech when he was arrested by the FBI-"
The Kingmaker choked on the scotch. Coughing and wheezing, he jammed his thumb on the volume control.
"-on charges of racketeering, treason and drug trafficking of all things. The New York Senator was taken into custody under the supervision of Assistant US Attorney Abigail Griffin, whom many believe will replace Head US Attorney Charles Bellamy within the next election term should he be appointed as Attorney General. Ms. Griffin made a very brief speech to members of the media during the arrest.
"My name is Abigail Griffin with the US Attorney's Office. Senator Bracken is not currently available for comments on the actions of the FBI and the US Attorney's Office at this time. I am unable to comment as well however US Attorney Charles Bellamy will make a statement later this afternoon. Thank you."
The Kingmaker glared at the screen, "What the hell is this?"
"We now go live to the US District Court of Washington DC for the press conference."
The image changed to the steps of the Courthouse as Bellamy and Griffin walked out of the main doors. Questions were shouted as Bellamy took the podium that had been set out for him. Griffin stood to his right along with a tall dark haired man in a suit who watched the crowd with hunting eyes.
He held his hands up, a grim serious expression on his face. "Ladies and gentleman of the Press, I regret to inform you that Senator of New York, William Bracken, was arrested today on charges against the United States of America. After a careful investigation and examination of evidence provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the US Attorney''s office under my instruction has secured indictments against the Senator for several capital crimes including drug trafficking and the ordered murder of several-"
The phone rang, snapping him out of his shock. He answered it quickly.
"I've been trying to reach you all day." His son said, "Have you seen the news?"
"Just now." he said angrily, "No one came forth with this?"
"The investigation was completely unreported by our sources, yours and mine."
"Unless this was fabricated, someone didn't do their job." He grumbled.
"I had the same thought, however it would appear that the investigating agent kept it very close to his chest and he didn't inform many if anyone what he was doing. My sources in the Justice Department informed me only after the judge signed the warrant and it was filed with the clerk. I didn't even have time to warn him."
"Is this genuine?" he asked, "Or is it something designed to keep him from running?"
"My belief is that it is both. Bracken is being held at the Hoover Building and has made a number of calls to our legal connection, but in light of his situation, I have not replied yet."
"Good." he said in relief. "Bracken will have to face this on his own for now."
"But under our agreement, he is entitled to legal protection." Before his father could say anything, he offered a suggestion, "I believe that Tobias is far enough removed from us and could possibly clear him of the charges."
He thought about it and nodded approvingly, "Very good. However, my concern isn't so much with Bracken as it is with his… financier."
"You're worried about retaliation from the south?"
"Wouldn't you be?" He sighed,
"I could have killed him myself for taking Escalante's money. Now that he's dead and she's in charge... "
"She had a lot invested in him," The Kingmaker rubbed his hand along his silver hair, "It may be necessary to offer her something."
"An alliance with her is the same as with Lucifer himself," his son cautioned. "The Director will not approve."
"I know that." The Kingmaker said. "But keeping her distracted will be essential to her demise."
"She's dangerous father, don't forget that. If she falls then the Director will call it business as usual, but if she survives…"
The Kingmaker shook his head, "That won't happen, he's never failed. The Raven will die far more quickly than she had ever allowed others."
"I'll make the call to Tobias."
"And I will put my sources into this. If he breathes a word about us, he'll be dead on utterance."
He hung up the phone and downed the scotch in one gulp before turning off the TV and thinking about the ramifications of Bracken''s trial. No longer were they in a position to control the Whitehouse, but there were other candidates. Sadly, he wouldn't live long enough to see one sit in the oval office. That now fell to his son and for the second time, he regretted putting his faith in William Bracken. As he walked out of his great room, he vowed that there will not be a third.
Bracken walked out of the US Courthouse furious after his arraignment. His much younger attorney walked right along side him, not behind like most would. Tobias Ball was tall, thin and dressed in a suit that was worth more than a year of tuition at Yale. Not like many attorneys, he had no fear of Bracken at all, mostly due to his standing in the Kingmaker's legal offices. He was young but the very fact that he was at Ardmore, Lincoln, and associates was proof enough of his knowledge and skills as a litigator. Still, it should have been Moss standing in there with him, not the young up and coming punk with the long spiky hair.
"Where is Ben?" The senator growled.
"Mr. Moss is overseeing other matters." Came the reply. "You should calm yourself , Senator. I give you my word that you'll have the best representation."
"A better lawyer would have stopped this at the indictment." Bracken said as Ball stopped them at a Limousine.
He opened the door for the Senator before following him in. As the car started down the street, Ball turned back to Bracken. "Let me be frank with you. No one saw this coming but I can assure you that the blame is yours in it's entirety. My understanding is that Johanna Beckett is what started this whole thing in motion. The Kingmaker told you to keep your indiscretions out of the spotlight. If you would have been killing hookers, this would be much easier, but Bellamy and Griffin are laying the murders of three civilians, five cops and two federal agents right on you with murder for hire, not to mention your south American friend and all of her actions. They are going after you with RICO to get to her because you are now the weakened link. A RICO investigation that he doesn't want climbing up his organization. You brought Simmons into this thinking he belonged to you. He always belonged to the Raven and now we are paying the price. There is more than your freedom at stake, Senator. I'll get you off these charges so that we can disown you, because your disappearance would be inconvenient. Mr. Moss instructed me to inform you that you are to follow the procedures of law to the letter or he will deal with the inconvenience."
Bracken glared at the attorney, "Do you know who the hell you're talking too?"
"A man who needs my help to get clear of the death penalty." Ball said simply. "That makes you a client and nothing more."
Bracken glared hard, "I can make a phone call and you'll be dead by the end of the day."
"And so will the only attorney from our organization who will represent you. Your assets were seized, senator. Your illegitimate accounts were frozen as well. So unless you have a sea container full of hundreds somewhere, your defense will be paid for by whatever is in your pocket. Like it or not, you asked for help and here I am, courtesy of Mr. Moss. Do exactly what I tell you and I will get you out of this."
The limousine pulled up in front of the House of Congress and Bracken frowned, "What are we doing here?"
Ball opened his briefcase and pulled out a sheet of paper, "Your impeachment hearing is next week. In order to minimize the damage, you're resigning today. Here is your speech. And we have arranged for you to have fifteen minutes to deliver it."
"I'm not going to resign!" Bracken shouted.
"Yes, senator you are." Ball said calmly and held up the sheet. "This is the best for you as well as the Kabal. Read the speech first. It's very eloquent and sensible. Deliver it well and they will understand why and will regret you leaving."
He snatched the sheet out of ball's hand and read it. He shook his head, "Well, your speech writers are better then mine are."
"Part of the business." He said. "Their waiting for you senator."
"Further developments in the events surrounding William Bracken, the New York senator announced his resignation from both the Presidential Candidacy as well as from the Senate citing that quote, "It isn't fair to the citizens of New York or the people of the United States to have elected officials in office pending criminal proceedings." The eleven year senator has also stated that quote, "I cannot in good conscience perform the duties of my office until I have proved my innocence in the court of this great country particularly after making a point of fighting corruption of our nations officials. It would be a poor example not to submit to the due process that makes America unique among the worlds powers."
Senator Bracken tendered his resignation within an hour after being arraigned on charges of treason and murder."
"Well done, Bill." The Kingmaker said to his flat screen. "Now all you need is the US Attorney to drop the charges."
"That's not going to be easy." His son said from the next chair over, "Charles Bellamy has no living family or any relationships that we can find. It may simply be easier to arrange an accident then it would be to find leverage."
"Who would take over the case?" He asked.
His son clicked a button on the remote and the news feed reversed rapidly to the US Attorney standing in front of a podium, next to him was a dark haired woman in a very lovely suit. "Abigail Griffin, Bellamy's right hand, Her husband is DHS and she has three children from him. Though we do know that she and her husband, john, have a tense relationship, if we were to threaten him. She'd put DHS on alert and keep going. The way to get to her is through her sons."
"Do we have a location on them?" He asked.
"Not at this time. Our local resources have been to her home several times over the last week and there's no one home. On a hunch I checked with their school in Alexandria and found out that Griffin has pulled them out of school and with as much as three months worth of curriculum. It would appear that she has put her children underground somewhere but our analysts have been unable to substantiate a long trip. We're combing through her financials, phone records and Emails trying to find a location but so far they've come up empty."
The Kingmaker thought about how to handle the uniqueness of the issue and within moments he had a plan. "Who would take over should Mrs. Griffin suffer the fate of her boss?"
"Best estimates would fall upon Alexandra Cabot or Kimberly Greylek." The son smiled wide. "If it's Greylek, it shouldn't be an issue since we have more than enough blackmail on her to get her to cooperate, and with a nice reward like the USA's chair, she may even be persuaded to our cause. Cabot however is a significant threat. She has connections and a spotless record but she does not share a solid family bond, as proof when she went into Witness Protection around ten years ago. I'll have to do some digging to get at her."
"Good, see to it that it gets done." He said harshly. "I want to make sure that Abigail Griffin suffers the same fate as her boss and that Cabot is out of the way for Greylek to take the case and the USAO."
"I'll see to it father."
The Kingmaker sat back and smiled, "Some good may come from this yet."
To be continued...