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Chapter 79
Nothing is as it seems
Sitting at the head of the large rectangular table a distinguished looking woman opens the navy blue file.
"Chief Hawkins, we have decided to interview you last. We have numerous statements concerning that horrible incident of last week."
Dressed in a charcoal outfit, the interrogator's over the knee skirt matches the formfitting suit jacket.
"Ma'am, I will answer to the best of my abilities." The seasoned SEAL spoke in a direct manner as he sat with a straight back, both hands over bent knees.
Shooting a glance to the fiftyish man to her left, a mirror in appearance to the younger short haired figure to her right except for skin color, she accepted another folder. Thinner than the one before her, the stern faced woman opened it up.
"We are here to investigate the breach of protocol concerning this highly sensitive project."
Who the hell are these guys?
The Chief sat with an expression conveying a calm and uninterested demeanor.
His thoughts told another story.
This woman is about thirty or something. Yet, the older guy in that tacky navy blue suit looks like someone I remember from the CIA.
As the Chief listens to the female interrogator ramble on about his outstanding military record his mind centers on other things.
Yeah! He is a supervisor. Concerned with Naval operations. What the hell is he sitting like an assistant to this whatever from who knows what department?
"Chief, we hold all information gathered by those involved concerning this matter suspect." She shakes her head sending the tightly pulled back ponytail swinging behind her.
"The only people that do not seem to be hiding anything are the people in the bakery."
Hawkins shows a confused look.
What is she telling me? That Nicole lied?
Then the silent agent speaks.
"Chief, I worked with Special Ops and SEALs specificity in my two years in Iraq."
Hawkins shoots a glance at the figure to her left. Less than thirty years, his light brown skin gives him the appearance of a much younger man.
So they put a brother in this witch hunt. I guess I'll spill my guts to them now.
He takes a breath, as if preparing to speak. He continues the internal review.
I don't know who I hate more. These mindless government stooges or the young enthusiastic dudes that work with them.
The seasoned veteran turns back to the stiff figure to his front.
"Ma'am, I feel honored that you expect nothing but the truth from me. Makes me feel special." A smirk rises on his ebony skin.
"Chief Hawkins, that sarcasm is unwarranted." She replies.
"Listen, you must think I am nutz. You guys in some really poor suits," he leanshis head toward the younger agent. "A young black dude dressed like some Mormon."
The younger agent shows no attempt to reply to the SEAL.
The female agent stiffens her position in the black leather office chair.
"We have three people dead and one fighting for her life. Shot in plain sight by…well we still have to understands." She continues. "And you were one of the shooters."
The older agent bends over the table. Resting on his elbows, he speaks in the direction of Hawkins.
"Local law enforcement, two unidentified individuals dead next to this Conti." He moves closer to the middle of the table-top.
"The young woman's name is Cami Fisher." Hawkins informs. "She is the niece of Ryn."
"Yes, we interviewed her." The female agent adds.
Oh, that had to be some interview. I wish I was there.
A grin rises on Hawkins after the thought.
"Mr. Henry is well aware of the deceased Driver's License." The woman adds.
With a raised voice the older agent makes his opinion known.
"You must think Ms. Hunter and I don't know what's going on in this town." A darkening complexion covers the man's face. His breathing quickens. "And that stuff with Torello. You are a highly respected member of the military. What was going on with him?"
"Mr. Henry, we'll just worry about that incident that could blow everything up in the air." Ms. Hunter reminds the incensed agent.
"Oh, so that is supposed to be your names?" Hawkins asks. "Turning toward the younger agent. "And what's yours…Smith?" A deep, laugh floats through Hawkins' chest and fills the conference room.
"Chief…enough!" The woman barks out.
"Hold your horses lady. I know how to be debriefed."
The trio to his front remain silent as he explains each and every movement of the incident.
"First, the guy with Cami is called Brother. He's a damn merman or whatever."
"A round from your M-4 was found in his chest." The younger agent explains. "Also, a round from this victim's firearm was found in this Cami." The young man sits back. "And by the way…I'm called Mr. Black."
The information draws a giggle from both African-American participants.
"Look, I understand the problem is the real live civilian shot during this melee." Hawkins said
"Damn right!" Mr. Henry stands up. His dark brown wooden chair almost tips over.
"OK, here's what happened. If it is different than what the others told you. Well you decide."
Hawkins sits back in his chair and begins.
"The Lieutenant Commander and I were following the SUV…you gotta realize. Nothing is as it seems."
The Senior Pownall residence.
"Elaine, what happened?" A flustered Ted asks. His right hand is trembling from nerves.
"Nothing of importance. We are safe." Mrs. Pownall strolls from the kitchen leaving her husband bewildered.
"Cami and that Brother are dead." Ted follows her to the living room.
"Yes, a shame." In a calm manner, she resumes. "And that ex-con guy. What's his name?"
"Conti!" Ted's voice is strong and full of strength. Something that has been lacking over the last few months. "Elaine, an innocent woman lies in the hospital."
"That's a shame. By the way." She places her hand on Ted's shoulder. "When are you going to take those stem cells?"
Ted takes a moment. He wants to be sure of the reason for the denial.
"I understand there aren't any left."
"Oh, we will have a fresh supply. Those bodies will give us enough to be together on land and under the sea." She tells him.
"What?" Are you talking about those poor people? Cami and that brother?" His mouth stays open after the questions. "You can't be that heartless. Let them rest in peace."
Claw like fingers grab Ted's chest. The gray sweatshirt and t-shirt underneath join the skin covering the pectoral as it is pulled together.
"You will do as I say. Nothing will stop me from becoming what I was meant to be." Elaine's blue eyes sparkle as her eyelids stretch upwards.
Ted can only grab her hand as he falls to his knees. Submission the only recourse.
Bristol Cove Hospital
As a doctor confers with the victim of the shooting that took place outside the bakery, a Naval guard with sidearm stands outside her door. No one is aware of the two other Naval Security personnel entering the next corridor.
As the men walk toward two other uniformed sailors, they comment on their orders.
"When we relieve these guys only the Lieutenant Commander goes in." The taller of the pair reminds his colleague.
"How is he?" He asks the guard soon to be relieved.
"He is strong. Guy is hooked up to a dozen tubes."
As the two men begin their watch, each standing one on each side of the door. They hear a whisper from the departing twosome.
"Do you think that's his code name or something?"
"I agree, I mean…what the hell kinda name is Brother?"
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