Revelations
Chapter Seven
Laura continued to stare at the newspaper that she held in her hands and hardly noticed when Frank breezed by her as he made his way downstairs. Her first instinct was to panic. She knew what all of this could mean to their case, and more importantly, she knew what it could mean for Frank's safety. The newspaper editors might as well have just drawn a bullseye on Frank's back. And it wasn't just Frank's safety that they needed to worry about. At that thought, her blood ran cold. As quickly as her feet could carry her, she made her way to the bottom floor.
She saw that Frank was standing away from the others talking heatedly on his cell phone. Jake of course had already left and she deduced form the fact that she couldn't see Alex, that she had gone along with him. Cody and Dave were both pounding away on their keyboards obviously following some directive that they'd just been given and Monica was once again reviewing the suspect's file hoping to unearth some clue that they'd all somehow missed the first few hundred times.
She needed to talk to Frank, but there was no way that she was going to disturb him while he was on the phone. So she paced back and forth and kept glancing at the newspaper's front page. Oh dear God….please let this all work out well.
A few minutes later, Frank ended his call. He turned toward Laura and saw the terrified look in her eyes. He knew what she was thinking, he didn't need to hear the words actually come from her lips for him to know.
She marched up to him and said, "You have to get them out of there, Frank." He nodded and continued toward his office. But she wasn't finished with him. She grabbed his arm and attempted to halt his progress.
"I mean it Frank….we have no idea how this guy is going to react to that article. You need to make sure they're safe."
"I know. I've already made all of the necessary arrangements," he tried to assure her.
Meanwhile, Monica, Cody and Dave had all heard the exchange and were puzzled by what they were talking about.
"You need to make sure who is safe?" Cody inquired.
Laura and Frank both continued as if the question had never been posed. Cody and Monica exchanged a strange look that said 'what the hell are they talking about and why are they acting like we're not even in the room'. Frank returned to his office with Laura hot on his heels.
Frank picked up his office phone and prepared himself for the ensuing conversation. He dialed the number and waited to be connected, and as he did so, he glanced up and saw Laura intently staring at him, arms folded across her chest and looking extremely nervous. He told her quickly, "It's all right…..I'll take care of everything. Trust me." She nodded and seemed to calm down a certain amount.
Just then the phone was answered. "This is Frank Donovan…..get me Craig Stevens." As the operator forwarded his call he pulled the mouthpiece away and said, "Why don't you help Monica out? I know at this point there may not be a lot for you to do, but it'll help keep your mind occupied." She didn't really want to go, but he was right, she did need something to keep her mind off the troubles at hand, and besides, she could read the underlying subtext to his request……he didn't want her around when he talked to his boss. Understanding this, she relented and went back down the stairs.
Once again alone, he waited until his boss got on the line while at the same time trying to calm his anger and nerves.
"Frank? I didn't expect to hear from you until later today. Have you found a verifiable lead?"
"No. That's not why I called. There's been some unexpected trouble."
"Frank….what is it?"
Sighing first, he informed his boss of the latest development. "I was just presented with the morning newspaper and my picture is on the front page along with my name, position, etc."
Frank had expected to hear Craig start yelling, but instead he was met with silence. "Craig? Did you hear what I said?"
"I heard you Frank," came the controlled voice on the other end of the line. "You know what this mean, don't you?"
"Of course I do. It's compromised my ability to perform as leader of this UC team."
"It's done more than that……a hell of a lot more. By having your face on the front page of that newspaper, you are now a prime target for our suspect."
"I know all that Craig. I didn't call to have you tell me the obvious, I called to let you know that we have a major complication."
"We, Frank? And exactly how do you expect to continue to function in your current position?"
Frank froze. He didn't like where this conversation was leading. "Exactly what is that supposed to imply, Craig? That I can't do my job now?" He asked, barely able to hide the slight edge of anger that was slowly working it's way up his spine.
"Frank…..you've become part of the problem now. If we leave you where you're at, we'll have to devote manpower to protect both you and your family, not to mention that wherever you go now you'll be identified as being part of the investigation. You've become a liability instead an asset, and I can't have that."
"I understand your concern," Frank began, "I really do. But to take me away from this investigation at this crucial time would be tantamount to giving up and allowing the bomber to roam free and unimpeded."
"Frank….."
"No. Let me finish. As for my safety, let me worry about that. I've taken care of any necessary precautions. And as for presence out in the field, I still have six competent agents working under my command and combined with the police force at my disposal, I can limit the amount of time that I actually spend away from the command center."
"Sounds like you've covered all the bases," Craig replied blandly. "But I still don't think this is a good idea."
"And why is that?" Frank asked hesitantly.
"Frank……you're an outstanding agent. No one's questioning that, but what I am questioning is whether you can remain objective now that the case has taken a personal twist."
Frank thought about what he'd said for a few moments. Could he remain objective, he asked himself? If it was just a question of his own safety, he wouldn't have thought twice about it, but he had others to consider, other lives to protect.
"Craig, look at it this way. You're right, this has taken a decidedly personal turn, but that may actually work to our advantage."
"And how's that?"
"I need to be the one in charge of this investigation. I need to make sure that the ones I love are protected. Do you understand that? I need to do that, and the best way I can think of to accomplish that is to hunt down this man and end that threat."
"You sound rather determined, Agent Donovan."
"I am. Make no mistake about that. And let me just add, that if I'm taken off this case, I'll do what I can from the sidelines."
"So what you're telling me is that you'll continue this investigation with or without my authorization. Am I correct?"
Sighing heavily, Frank answered, "I hope it won't come to that, but yes."
"Very well Frank. But don't make me regret this decision."
"You won't, I promise you that. I'll call you later and discuss any further plans."
"All right, and good luck."
Visibly relaxing, Frank answered, "Thank you."
As Frank hung up, Craig Stevens switched off his own phone, and rose from the seat behind his desk. Pacing to the window, he looked out at the street below him and thought through his recent conversation. I'd say that Frank Donovan sounded pretty determined………and all it took was a push in the right direction. Smiling to himself, he thought back to another conversation he'd had with one Lt. Phil Casey of the Chicago PD just days earlier.
"I'm not saying that you should give the press any specific information about the case. I'm just suggesting that we light a fire of sorts under this investigation."
"If you don't mind me asking, but how is Frank going to react to this? I mean after all, I'm the one he's going to blame," Casey asked rather nervously.
"I can tell you exactly how Frank is going to react……Yes, he'll be upset and I'm sure some harsh words will be said. I'm sure it's nothing that a man in your position couldn't handle. And then Lt., Frank will move hell and high water to make sure that this bomber is brought to justice. He'll protect the people closest to him the only way he can, by bringing in our suspect."
"I don't know……this is like betrayal………you're sure there's no other way?"
"Lt., listen to me. This investigation has gone on longer than it ever should have. Drastic measures need to be taken. Do you understand that? This is war……and sometimes we do unpleasant things in the name of justice."
"I suppose," Casey replied. "I just wish there was some other way."
"I understand….I really do, but just remember what I said earlier. The FBI will be indebted to you for this. I understand that your department may get passed over for some federal funding. With the right words to the right people, I can change that. Wouldn't your police force benefit from having an up-to-date crime lab, new cruisers or perhaps even just being able to bring extra officers on the payroll?"
"Of course……the funding would be extremely helpful, but you already know that."
"I do. So do we have an arrangement?" Craig asked expectantly.
"I suppose we do. I'll take care of everything. I assume, of course, that this conversation never took place."
Smiling broadly, Craig replied, "I think that would be for the best. And for your troubles, think about what wonderful things can come from that federal funding."
"I understand."
"Thank you for your time, Lt. Casey. I assure you that this will be for the best."
Yes……things were going very nicely now, and Craig Stevens was sure that the results that they'd been looking for would be forthcoming as long as Frank Donovan stayed true to form.
As he returned to the paperwork in front of him, Craig began to outline the speech he would give to his superiors detailing how his involvement had helped spur on the investigation which led to the arrest of the bombing suspect. Of course, if certain details were left out, who would be the wiser? Smiling to himself, he could already picture the citation hanging on his wall.
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As Craig Stevens was imagining the glory that he thought would surely come his way, somewhere back in Chicago, a man slid behind the wheel of a beat up old Plymouth that he'd purchased with cash only 24 hours ago. Shoving the last bite of a bagel in his mouth, he picked up the newspaper he had just purchased from a corner gas station.
What he saw on the front page, nearly sent him over the edge. Not from pain, anguish, anger or jealousy, but from a nearly giddy sense of destiny. A sickening smile spread across his face as he read the article before him. Things couldn't be going better, he thought to himself. He'd wanted to get their attention, and this was undeniable proof that all was going as planned. The icing on the cake was reading about the FBI's involvement. An unexpected turn, but one he could certainly appreciate and embrace.
With one final look at the picture gracing the article, the man said, "Well, Mr. Donovan…..seems you and I shall meet some day…..some day very soon. I'll enjoy very much making you pay…….pay along with the rest of them." The wicked smile returning to his lips, he added, "And wait until you see what I have in store for you. All of that fancy academy training won't have prepared you for this."
Placing the newspaper on the passenger seat beside him, he put the car in drive and headed toward today's mission.
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After speaking with Craig Stevens, Frank had once again joined his other agents on the main floor. All of them stayed out of his way as he slowly stalked the area, waiting restlessly for Jake and Alex to return with Phil Casey. The tension in the air was almost stifling.
Laura watched Frank, and could practically see the anger emanating from every pore of his body. Knowing that Casey would be there any minute, she hesitantly decided to approach Frank, hoping she could get him alone for a few minutes in order to talk to him. If he faced Casey now in this state, she seriously feared for the man's life, not that she, herself, didn't want to beat the crap out of him. Steeling her courage, she rose from her chair and purposefully stood in Frank's way as he prowled the floor.
He looked up at her strangely when he noticed her, the look in his eyes said 'can't you see you're in my way'. "Frank, we need to talk."
He almost rolled his eyes, before he ground out, "Not now, Laura."
"Yes….now," she countered as she grabbed his arm and almost forcibly pulled him into a nearby room, closing the door behind them.
Frank turned to glare at her, not happy that she'd disturbed him from his angry trance. He folded his arms across his chest and continued to stare her down.
Sighing, she carefully chose her first words. "Frank…..you have to calm down."
"Calm down? Are you serious? That man has jeopardized this case, endangered people that I care for the most in this world, and you're seriously telling me to calm down?"
"Yes……that's exactly what I'm telling you." Before he had a chance to protest once more, she quickly continued. "Screaming, yelling, threatening…..none of those things are going to improve the situation. What we need to do now is figure out a way to end this all, and quickly. We still need the PD's assistance. The bottom line is that we still need Casey's participation."
Frank ran his hand through his hair and paced away from her. Frustrated, upset and angered beyond belief, he knew deep down inside that she was right. He wanted nothing more than to break the man in two, but he knew that that would accomplish nothing more than helping to alleviate his current stress level.
"Go ahead and say it," she commanded.
He looked at her with a puzzled look on his face. "Say what?"
"You hate it when I'm right," she informed him as seriously as she could, trying desperately to keep a smile from her face.
He turned to look at her, and was struck by how easily she could diffuse a situation…..diffuse him. She would have made a good negotiator. Closing his eyes for a few seconds, he breathed in deeply, held that breath and then slowly exhaled, releasing some of his pent up anger. After doing so he opened his eyes once more, and stared at the woman before him. Still, he was not quite willing to let it all go.
"All right….I won't snap his neck like a twig, but that's all I'm promising."
"Frank….."
"No Laura……I'm sorry…..I can't forgive what he's done so easily. This isn't some green recruit making a rookie error. This man knowingly hurt this investigation, and in the process put innocent people in harm's way."
She looked up into his eyes and he could tell instantly that she was just as worried as he was. "What arrangements did you make," she finally asked, suddenly dropping the subject of Casey's betrayal.
"They're going to a safe house. I called a couple of other agents and they're picking them up as we speak. In fact they'll probably be here within the hour."
"You're bringing them here? Why?" she asked suddenly on edge.
"For purely personal reasons. I need to see them before they go."
Now it was Laura's turn to pace. With her arm's folded in front of her, she began lightly chewing the side of her finger, something she only did when she was very upset. Seeing that, Frank walked toward her and gently placed his hands on her upper arms.
"Look at me," he softly commanded. She sighed shakily before complying, and when she finally did turn her face up to his, he saw the tears shimmering in her eyes. "It's going to be OK, baby…….I swear it is," he nearly whispered to her as he tenderly took her into his arms.
"I know……I know……I just…….I can't be here when they arrive," she informed him as she buried her face in the crook of his neck.
Holding on to her as tightly as he could, he replied, "I think that might be for the best. Your presence here would only be upsetting." She nodded in understanding, unable to find her voice as she tried desperately not to break down into uncontrollable tears.
The two stayed that way for a few more minutes, but Laura suddenly disengaged herself from his embrace and hastily wiped any remaining tears from her face.
"If it's all right with you, I'll take my laptop and work in your office for awhile. I can tell the others that I have some personal phone calls to make," she informed him.
Shaking his head, he looked at her sadly, knowing how much this was tearing her apart.
"You have to promise me something though," she told him.
"What's that?"
"Please promise me that you're going to keep your temper when Casey gets here."
Sighing once more, he relented. "I promise, but I don't trust the man. Period. I don't know what kind of sick, twisted game he's playing, but all I'm very sure of is that I don't trust him."
Laura nodded, locked eyes with Frank for a few seconds, and said, "I love you….remember that." Before he had a chance to respond, her hand was on the doorknob and she was gone.
He sighed and turned away from the door. He wasn't quite ready to face the rest of the team and he knew that he needed to be prepared for Casey's arrival. He'd promised to keep his temper and he was going to try his darnedest to keep that promise, but he needed to send a clear unforgettable message. You look the wrong way, you breathe the wrong way, and I'll end your life without a moment's hesitation. You've fucked with the wrong man and I want you to remember that for the rest of your miserable life.
There was one more phone call he needed to make. He needed to contact the agents who were going to be taking his family to safety. Further plans needed to be made. Taking out his cell phone, he placed his call.
Twenty minutes later, the door to the warehouse opened and Alex and Jake escorted in a very shaken Phil Casey. All movement stopped, no voices could be heard and all eyes turned to stare at the man now on center stage.
Frank glared at the man and if looks could have killed, Casey would have been dust the second his feet hit the premises. Casey looked around the room, but his eyes never quite left Frank's.
"Look Frank….."
"Don't," was Frank's only reply, the meaning being clear. You start double talking and I'll bury you. Casey swallowed hard and began to actually fear for his life. Up until the point he actually saw Frank Donovan's face, he'd been reasonably sure that he could somehow schmooze his way out of this sticky situation, but now……now he could only hope that his life would be spared.
Frank continued to eyeball the man before him, not quite sure where to begin. Still deciding on the best course of action, Frank simply commanded, "Explain yourself."
Unable to face Frank's gaze any longer, Casey glanced down at the floor in front of him before he started speaking. "I really have no excuse for my actions. I've been under a lot of pressure from City Hall to try to reassure the public that steps were being taken to ensure their safety. Without giving away any specifics, I thought it might help to at least know that the FBI was involved. When the press arrived at that motel and snapped a picture of you, I figured what harm would it do to at least give them a small piece of information." Casey ceased his rambling and glanced up once more at Frank and noted that his stance, his look hadn't changed one iota. Is he buying this?
"I highly doubt that you're that ignorant," Frank began, "but just in case you are, let me fill you in on a few facts. Number 1.….you may have severely hampered this investigation by giving away our presence here. Number 2.…..by giving out my identity and position within the government, you have now given the bomber someone to hold personally responsible for the manhunt that is now being conducted in order to bring about his capture, thus putting me in personal danger. Number 3.….By putting me in danger, you've also endangered the lives of the people closest to me. And Number 4.…..I am the leader of an undercover team, a team who's presence in this town is supposed to be top secret. By allowing the press to plaster my picture across the front page of the newspaper, I can no longer continue in this position." Pacing forward slowly and stealthily, he came face-to-face with almost ashen faced Phil Casey.
Frank continued now, barely above a whisper, "Know this…..if anything should happen to my family…..there is nowhere you can hide that I won't find you. I will track you down and make sure that your life is worth nothing, but don't worry…..I won't kill you, but by the time I'm done with you, you'll wish I had."
Casey opened his mouth and some noise akin to a squeal escaped. He saw the look in Frank's eyes and knew that he wasn't bluffing. If anything happened, his life wouldn't be worth spit. Just as he was ready to spill his guts and tell him who was really behind the release of information to the press, there was a knock at the main doorway.
Everyone still stood riveted to the spot, and only Frank was able to finally tear himself away from the scene, so he went to admit their guests.
As he headed to the door, the five agents present all gave each other quick looks that said 'oh dear God….please don't let me ever piss him off'. However, when Frank returned to the room, their looks changed drastically to 'am I seeing this correctly?'. Along with Frank were two women, a boy of about 7, and a small girl who couldn't have been more than three, clinging desperately to their boss with her arms tightly wrapped around his neck.
Shock would have been an understatement at this point. No one spoke instead they all just exchanged glances. Finally breaking the silence, Frank decided to introduce their new arrivals.
"Everyone….I'd like you to meet my mother, Maria……..my son, Christopher," turning slightly so that the group could see the frightened little girl in his arms he continued, "…….this is my daughter Alicia, and this…" moving closer to the blond standing next to his mother, "….this is Lisa………my wife."
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