A/N- No excuse for the very long delay, just know that I am 100% committed to finishing this story- In fact it is all written, just some chapters still being betad. Thanks to all who have stuck with me on this long journey. Comments are ALWAYS welcomed and appreciated. RB
Chapter Fifty
After the third straight day of depositions I stood in the hallway of HQ, along with Staff Sergeants Karjens and Nolan, Sergeant Blanchard and CIA Agent Gonzales. Glancing at my watch, I realized that we'd been released from our afternoon depositions five minutes early, but Regina had not, so we waited.
"Man, I can't wait for chow tonight." Gonzales broke the silence. "It's build your own taco bar. Spicy beef, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, olives. Mm! All the fixings. Sorry you guys have to eat MRE's again." She loudly laughed.
"Yeah." I deadpanned. "It gets old." I thought of the BBQ ribs that Ruby was making for supper. Along with coleslaw, potato salad and chocolate cake for dessert. Definitely not MRE's, but I decided to let the agent think we were suffering in exile.
"You should get there early though." I advised her. "The taco shells go pretty quickly, then you're stuck with pieces of broken chips."
"Oh, I plan to sweetie. Just as soon as Kathryn is done meeting with Mills, she and I are heading there." And then she winked at me.
I cocked my head and tried to decide if they were just colleagues or if she was implying something more between them.
Her husky laughter filled the air. "All you can eat tacos tonight, oh yeah. Midas and I are definitely going to hit that hard."
I rolled my eyes at her double entendre and turned to my oblivious fellow soldiers. "So who has guard duty tonight?" I asked, intentionally changing the subject.
"Blanchard and I do." Nolan spoke. "Looks like you get yet another night off, Swan." His tone was teasing, but it still cut me. I was tired of being considered injured; my leg was feeling almost normal and the hearing in my ear had returned, well…mostly returned. Well enough that I could hear Gonzales still chuckling at her comments.
Down the hall a door opened and male CIA agent stepped out and called for Gonzales to join him.
"I don't like that man." Blanchard's face looked like she had sucked on a lemon. "He was terribly rude to me."
"Yeah, I think he takes pleasure out of torturing his interviewees." I agreed, since he had been kind of a ass to me as well.
"He was fine to me." David chimed in.
"That's because you're a man." Gonzales answered as she returned down the hallway. "Agent Davies is a sexist prick, to be honest. But, good news; none of you are required to do any more depositions."
I felt a burden lift from my shoulders. "I could kiss you right now, Maria." I grinned at the blush that spread across the agent's cheeks. Seems she could dish it out, but not so smooth at taking it.
I heard the door close again as Agent Davies walked down the hall towards us, giving a cursory glance at us. "We're done here Gonzales." He said as he walked past us and out the main door of HQ.
"Like I said, he's a prick." Gonzales shrugged and then cocked her head to look down the hallway. "Guys, It's going to be awhile." Something was up; I don't know if it was her serious tone or just what, but I had a gut feeling."
"I looked again at my watch." Nolan, if you and Blanchard want to head back with some of Karjens team, I don't mind waiting here with Agent Gonzales."
"That's not fair Master Sergeant. We can wait with you." Nolan was chivalrous as always.
"It's fine, I swear. Karjens, do you mind waiting with me?"
"Of course not, Swan." She radioed her team and then walked the two soldiers out the door. I took advantage of her momentary absence.
"Okay, level with me, Maria. What's going on?"
"I wish I could answer that, I really do. But I honestly don't know the details." She shook her head.
I gave her a grin, hoping to convince her. "No use asking you to guess?"
"Sorry, Chica." She clapped me on the shoulder. We've got rules, same as you."
One hour previous…..
Regina sighed as Agent Davies pulled out another sheet of questions for the deposition. She had answered the same questions over and over for the past three days and she was tired. Not just physically, but emotionally worn as the interviewers rehashed her company's felonious activities. On top of all that she was also still processing the news of her mother's death. She had nearly snapped at the Agent when he asked, once again, if she had previous knowledge of the transactions between Mills Combat Vestments and Personal Protection Incorporated. She had held her tongue, barely.
The sound of tapping on the large dark window confirmed her theory that it was actually a one-way window. The Agent stood, straightened his tie, and buttoned his suit jacket button. "Excuse me." He muttered before he stepped out of the room.
"How are you doing?" Kathryn's brought a fresh cup of tea to Regina.
"I was just thinking that in three days of depositions, this is the first time we've been interrupted." Regina sipped the warm beverage. "Did you know it was a one-way mirror?"
"I assumed it was." Her lawyer sat back down next to her. "Hopefully this means we're done and you're free to go."
"I think you're being to optimistic." Regina frowned. "It's never that easy."
Kathryn smiled and patted the brunette's arm. "I know, but I was trying to cheer you up."
They both focused their attention to the door as it reopened and Agent Davies stepped back inside, this time holding a thick manila envelope. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down across the table from them.
"Ladies, I hope to keep this short." He opened the envelope and slid a stack of papers to Kathryn. I have a very generous offer that I strongly recommend you accept."
Kathryn's hand stilled on Regina's arm as she began reading the document.
Agent Davies continued. "You plead guilty to insider trading, which we have a solid case against your company and you, as the Chief Operating Officer."
Regina inhaled sharply.
"In exchange for your guilty plea we agree to six months in prison, and we graciously drop any and all other charges against you, your company and your employees, including your father. We also agree to clear Master Sergeant Swan, Staff Sergeant Nolan, and Sergeants Blanchard and Graham of any wrongdoing. Any case we do have against them will be dropped and they will be allowed to continue their honorable service in the Republic's Army."
Regina could feel the adrenaline rising from her stomach and stopping in her throat, rendering her unable to respond.
Fortunately Kathryn was able to converse on behalf of her client. "Miss Mills and I are going to need some time and someplace more private to talk."
"Of course." He nodded. "There is another room on the other side of the window. Everyone has left for the day and you can freely converse there."
"Are there any taping devices or other ways our conversation may be overheard?" Kathryn pinned him with a steely glare.
He just smirked. "Nope, all the recording bugs and wires are in this room. The other side is clear."
"Very well." Kathryn stood and turned to Regina. "Miss Mills, please come with me."
Regina numbly followed Kathryn to the darkened adjacent room and sat down at the small table, her mind abuzz.
"Okay, Regina, I need you to focus." Kathryn softly clicked the door shut and sat down with the packet of papers.
Regina shook her head and licked her dry lips. "Of course, I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize, I'm sure it's a shock to the system." Kathryn empathized.
The brunette could feel the tears rolling down her face and hastily wiped them away with the back of her jacket sleeve. "What are the details?" She nodded at the papers.
"Here, we can both read them." Kathryn offered her the first sheet and began reading the next one. For the next thirty minutes both lawyers poured over the seventeen page document, reading the plea bargain that was offered and the terms of the agreement. Pen marks appeared in both their writing as they marked the pages up as they went.
Regina slowly reread every page, focusing on the specific charges against her, her father and MCV that Agent Davies assured would be dropped if she accepted their offer. Money Laundering, Treason, Mail Fraud, Sabotage against Military Personnel, Murder-First degree for the death of Sergeant Graham, Republic Army. Racketeering and Piracy. 'You were right, Emma; I am a war pirate.' She thought sadly.
Once Regina had reread the last page for the third time she blew out a long breath and sat back. "What do you think?" Regina inquired.
"Before I give you my advice, tell me what you're thinking." Kathryn gently rebutted.
It took a few seconds for Regina to voice her thoughts. She tapped the document with her fingernail, noticing that they really were in need of a good manicure. "Okay, first off, I agree with Agent Davies that the FBI has a tight case of insider trading against Mills Combat Vestments, and Mills Global Corporation, especially seeing that Mills Global also owns the company PPI." She rubbed her forehead with her fingers, trying to stave off the dull headache behind her eyes.
"And even though I personally wasn't aware of any of these dealings, I was the COO, so if anyone is the proper scapegoat it's me." She gave a tight smile. "And this agreement lets me protect my father's innocence."
Kathryn opened her mouth to speak, but Regina held up her hand and continued. "However, there were people in the company who were aware of the duplicitous actions. My mother is already dead, so she's taken care of; but Sydney Glass, Jefferson Hatter both need to be held accountable for their part in my mother's schemes. So, that's one sticking point to the agreement."
Regina flipped to the third page of the offer before looking Kathryn in the eyes. "And all these other charges? My God, Kathryn. They want to try me for murder."
"I honestly don't think there's enough evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you knowingly killed someone." Kathryn assured her. 'They're just trying to scare you.'
"Well they succeeded. Even if they can't prove murder, they might try me on a lesser charge of manslaughter. That still carries a hell of a sentence and would put me in prison with violent offenders."
'"I want you to remember one thing, Regina. This was your mother's doing, not yours. Would you have knowingly allowed Sergeant Graham to come to Freylache if you were aware that he was wearing substandard armor?"
"Of course not!" Regina protested, as tears leaked from her eyes and trickled down her cheeks.
"But your mother did. And, she knew you, and all of Master Sergeant Swan's team were equally at risk for injury or death. Your mother, not you. And you shouldn't have to atone for her sins, Regina." Kathryn passionately implored.
They sat in silence for a long moment. "You're right." Regina acquiesced, wiping her eyes. "Alright, then my main priority right now is to ensure that any military members, besides those who knowingly colluded with General King or my mother, are cleared of all charges and face no consequences. If my going to prison for six months guarantees that, then that is a price I am willing to pay."
Kathryn waited, making sure Regina was finished speaking. "Okay, I can see your points; but I think that we can make a counter offer and see what they say." Kathryn gathered the document into a stack. "Let's not throw away your life and reputation so quickly. I'd recommend we counter with a plea of No Contest to the charge of insider trading, with the agreement that they can go after specific employees that you recommend. We'll also ask for a shorter prison sentence, considering all the reparations you have been doing to make good on your company's snafu. I mean Martha Stewart did prison time for the same crime and her brand name is still strong. Yours can be, too."
"And if they don't accept?" Regina frowned.
"Then we see if the original offer is still on the table, and if it's not, we take our chances in a court of law. Of course there's always the option to join the military in lieu of prison". Kathryn tucked the papers back into the Manila folder. "We'll ask for a night to consider their offer and as your lawyer I will go along with whichever decision you make. But there's no reason for you to fall on your sword to save everyone else, no matter how noble it sounds."
"I'm not sure what to do." Regina painfully admitted.
"Take tonight, I'm sure you'll come to the right decision."
Current time….
I turned at the sound of Regina's voice. She and her lawyer walked down the hallway and I watched the businesswoman as they strolled towards us. Her well-cut suit was wrinkled, shadows were dark beneath her eyes and her normally perfect hair was slightly mussed. She mustered a small smile for us as she approached me and Gonzales. "You ready, Master Sergeant?"
"Of course." I instinctually went to offer her my arm, but caught myself and awkwardly pulled it back. "I sent Nolan and Blanchard ahead."
"Good, I'm glad not all of you had to wait for me." She turned to Kathryn. "Thank you again for everything."
The blonde smiled. "My pleasure. Just promise me you'll think about what I said."
Regina touched the Lawyer's forearm. "I will." She nodded. "I just need some time to process everything."
"You know how to reach me if you need anything." Kathryn replied.
It seemed like we stood there in silence forever before Maria not so subtly cleared her throat and Kathryn laughed. "Yes, Agent Gonzales, I know, I know, taco bar awaits us."
Regina and I returned to the Oasis, safely escorted by Master Sergeant Karjens and Corporal Billy. Lieutenant Mulan and Private Phillips were cleaning up dinner and doing the dishes in two bins on the picnic table.
"Dang, we missed supper, didn't we?" I was seriously sad about that. I had been waiting all afternoon for BBQ ribs."
"Oh, no worries, Master Sergeant." Aurora smiled. "Corporal Hood made sure to save enough for the two of you. Your dinners are in the fridge downstairs."
"Awesome." I gave the Private a thumbs up. "Then it's definitely chow time!" I turned to Regina. "You want me to heat yours up, too?"
She had been unusually quiet on the ride back from Camp Azor to the Outpost. I mean she's not really talkative as it is, but she was more somber than usual. She gave me a small nod. "I would greatly appreciate that, Master Sergeant."
I hated the fact that we were back on more formal terms now. I mean, after answering 'No" to the same 'Do you have any type of relationship with Miss Mills?" question a hundred times in deposition, I understood why we had to put a stop to our…well, whatever our relationship was. But it didn't mean my feelings for her had gone away. At all. I mustered a smile and assured her that dinner would be ready in fifteen minutes, once I got the chance to change out of my dress uniform and back into more comfortable BDUs.
I turned the knob on my bedroom door, but it was locked. So I knocked and waited.
"Hey!" A disheveled Belle, her hair mussed and her shirt untucked, answered the door.
I could feel the heat in my cheeks when I recognized Ruby's giggle from behind the door. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I need to change out of my dress uniform."
"Oh, I meant to tell you." Belle grinned. "You are cleared for full duty."
'Great." I was very pleased with the news. "I'll just get changed into my BDUs."
I heard Ruby's voice behind the door. "We moved your stuff to my old room." She laughed as Belle playfully swatted at her.
It took me a moment to realize that I was now bunking in Regina's room. "Got it, so my gear is in there?" I pointed to the door across the hallway.
Belle blushed, the red flush covering her neck and face. "We assumed you wouldn't mind."
"No, I'll just...you know, go there now. Have fun." I managed to squeak out as the door closed in my face.
I walked into my new room and quickly turned around to leave.
"Master Sergeant, wait." I stilled at Regina's command. "You may turn around, Emma."
I did so, grateful she had thrown a shirt on over her lacy bra. I watched as she quickly closed up her BDU pants and sat down on her bunk to tie her boot laces. "Is dinner ready? That was quick." She stood and started braiding her dark hair.
"Not yet, I still need to change." I scratched the back of my neck. "Um, I think I'm your new roommate. I hope that's okay."
Regina waved her hand at the top bunk. "Well that explains why everything is so neat." I saw that just my full duffle bag and pillow were sitting on the bed. "Of course it's okay. I'll get out of your way so you can change."
"You don't have to leave." I tugged off my dress uniform jacket, trying to make this as least awkward as possible.
She slowly eyed me from head to toe and in a raspy voice replied. "I think it's best if I do."
My breath hitched as she brushed by me and ran her hand up my arm and across my shoulder and then sighed. "I wish things could be different." She murmured.
The tingling remained on my skin even after she had closed the door behind her. "Me too." I whispered, swearing that woman would be the death of me.
I changed into my workout clothes, wanting to test my body's endurance as well as taking the opportunity to burn of some pent-up tension. As the team leader, I felt I needed to be back at the top of my game as soon as possible, so I headed outside to the small fitness area tucked behind the cabana.
I stretched out, feeling the tightness in every part of my body and cursed myself for doing too much sitting and not enough moving the past few days. The interrogations had interrupted my routine and I definitely felt it, especially in my hamstrings. I was determined to run through five sets of my "push-pull-core" routine; 15 right handed push-ups, 15 left handed push-ups , 50 sit-ups, 25 pull-ups, 25 bicycle crunches, and one minute of planks.
The first two sets were no problem, but by the middle of my third set I was feeling betrayed by my muscles as they get an twitching in protest. I gritted my teeth and reminded myself that 'pain was just weakness leaving the body.'
"Fuck!" I was pissed when, in the fourth set, I felt my left hamstring start to cramp as it reached its apex of the bicycle crunch. I grabbed my leg and briskly rubbed the traitorous muscle. "Come on, Swan!" I berated myself and forced my body to complete the exercise.
"Need a workout buddy?" Ruby jogged up to me, and mirrored my plank position. "Let's do this!"
I took a deep breath and nodded my 'thanks' as we held the position for one minute and then both dropped into push-up position. She followed me into every exercise, encouraging me her strong presence.
"Keep it up." She cheered as we finished the last two pull-ups and switched to the dreaded bicycle crunches. "You've got this." She cheered and I glanced over and gave her a small smile. We finished the last minute of planks before I collapsed to the ground, exhausted but victorious. "Awesome job, Emma." Ruby gave me a wolffish smile as she tossed a water bottle to me. "But you definitely need a shower." She laughed before jogging away. I lied there in my sweaty glory, grinning like an idiot.
