A/N: Wow, two chapters in one posting. That's a record for me. Hope that you enjoy this one as much as the first. Again, special thanks go out to my wonderful beta, Clez. So read, review, and enjoy the show!
Disclaimer: Once again, if you recognize it, then I don't own it. Don't sue, it won't be worth your time. If you want to use any of my characters, please ask first.
Chapter 2: Trials and First Meetings
Agent Tom Sawyer walked slowly up the steps to the American Secret Service Headquarters in Washington D.C. . The rain that had drenched him from head to toe showed no signs of letting up, and he thought back to the day that he had spent standing around in the rain on the other side of the Atlantic. At least today he was walking and not having to stand in one spot. Once inside the building he was able to lose his rain-drenched jacket and boots, which made him feel a little dryer.
Sawyer headed upstairs to the conference room where he knew his superiors would be waiting. As soon as he had informed them of his return to the States and turned in his report he was ordered to report to his superiors first thing Monday morning. As he trudged upstairs he could only imagine what they would have to say to him.
Entering the conference room, Sawyer saw that the panel of superiors were waiting on him. "Agent Sawyer," one of them said, Edgar McDaniel, who was the head of the board. "Please, take a seat." Sawyer moved to take the seat across the table from his superiors.
"Agent Sawyer, we've been reviewing your report and frankly, we're a little confused," McDaniel said, flipping through the papers in front of him.
"Confused? Well I thought I explained my actions and what took place just fine," Sawyer replied.
"Oh now, it's not the events that occurred here that are being called into question; although there were a couple of holes in your story. What confuses us is why you are refusing to disclose the identities of this…League, you keep referring to," McDaniel paused as he closed the folder in front of him and folded his hands on top of it. "Now perhaps you can help us to understand why you insist on keeping the identities of your cohorts a secret."
Sawyer took a deep breath and shifted in his chair slightly. "Well sir, it's probably because I was taught never to betray a friend. And I gave these people my word that their identities would remain confidential."
"I see," McDaniel replied. He took a deep breath before continuing. "Well then, Agent Sawyer, perhaps you can shed some light on the facts pertaining to why you choose to disobey direct orders given to you by your superiors."
"Well as I recall sir, my orders were to help track down the Phantom," Sawyer said.
"No, Agent, your orders were to gather information on this so-called Phantom, and to return to the States for further planning. Those were the orders given to yourself and Agent Finn, were they not?"
"Yes sir."
"And it is my understanding that after Agent Finn's unfortunate death, your orders were to return to the States and to stay there. Am I correct in my understanding, Agent Sawyer?"
"Yes sir, but…"
"Then why is it that after Agent Finn's funeral, you ignored direct orders not to return to Europe before disappearing for a month and then returning only to report that you 'got' him; and by him I am referring to this 'Phantom.'"
"I didn't have a choice," Sawyer answered in a strained voice.
"You didn't have a choice?"
"No sir, I did not."
McDaniel sighed heavily. "Agent Sawyer, I'll speak honestly with you. I like you; you're a fine agent, you always have been. If I had any doubts to the contrary I wouldn't have recruited you in the first place. Now I know that you and Agent Finn were close. I know that; that's what made you two such a damn good team. And I know that his death was hard on you, but ignoring direct orders, saying you didn't have a choice…that isn't gonna cut it here. There are rules and regulation that we must follow whether we like it or not." McDaniel paused. "And it is because of those rules, that this board has decided to suspend you for six months pending a full investigation and trial of your actions. We are dismissed." McDaniel banged his gavel once and he and the other six members of the board stood and began to leave the room. Sawyer sat in his chair for a moment before standing and storming out himself.
"Damn," Sawyer said, storming out of the building and onto the rainy sidewalk outside. He paced back and forth to the side of the building for a few moments letting what had happened sink in. "Damn damn damn."
"Agent Sawyer?" a soft feminine voice asked.
"Not for long," Sawyer muttered before turning to face the speaker. Before him stood a young woman, slightly younger than himself, dressed in black dress with a burgundy sash. Her hat reminded him of the one Mina wore, and he could see the bits of auburn hair sticking out from under it. She lifted her umbrella to allow him to see more of her face. "Yes?"
The woman took a step forward, holding her gloved hand out. "My name is Abigail Quatermain. I need to speak with you."
Sawyer looked shocked. "Quatermain? But…"
Seeing his confusion, Abigail jumped in quickly. "Perhaps we can go somewhere a bit more dry?"