Chapter 8
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"Are you sure he's here to see Martin? Martin Fitzgerald?" Danny asked the escorting agent while eyeing Edward 'Eddie' Molina standing in the waiting area near the elevator. He was about sixty years old, had long brown hair with gray streaks that were tied into a ponytail and a scarred face with a thin mustache. Molina had a strong muscular build and numerous tattoos that were visible even with his shirt sleeves coming down to his elbows. Danny quickly sized him up and decided that this man has done hard time.
"Yeah, Agent Fitzgerald even had his name down on the authorized list," the escorting agent replied. "So do you have him or should I hang around until Agent Fitzgerald gets back?"
"Yeah, I got him. Thanks," Danny replied as the agent walked away. He walked up to the menacing looking man and put on his best federal agent grin and said, "Hello, I'm special agent Danny Taylor. I understand you are here to see Martin Fitzgerald."
Eddie gave him an annoyed look and replied, "Yeah. Is he here yet?"
He shook his head and said, "No, he's in a meeting. Maybe I can..."
"I'll just wait for Martin thanks." Eddie sat down on one of the chairs and leaned back as he stared at the elevator doors.
Danny licked his lips and gestured to the family room down the hall. "Perhaps you'll be more comfortable waiting…"
"I'm fine, thanks," Eddie curtly replied.
He stuck his hands in his pants pockets and tried another tactic. "Can I ask how you know Agent Fitzgerald?"
Eddie cocked one eyebrow and eyed him like he was a nuisance, "College."
Danny could see he was getting no where with Eddie when the elevator doors slid open and Jack and Sam walked out. They looked at Eddie and then at Danny questioningly. "Jack, Sam, this is Edward Molina. He's a friend of Martin's."
Sam smiled and nodded while Jack extended his hand and greeted, "I'm Special Agent in Charge Jack Malone, nice to meet you. This is special agent Spade."
Eddie stood up and shook hands with the agents. "Hello."
Danny could see as Jack quickly appraised Eddie before turning to him and asking, "Where's Martin?"
Danny scratched his neck and said, "He had a meeting with Lisa this morning."
"Right," Jack replied with a nod. He looked at Eddie and in a friendly tone asked, "Mr. Molina, since Martin's going to be awhile, perhaps we can help you."
Eddie shook his head. "Thanks but I'd rather wait for Martin."
"Okay, well, have a seat and let us know if you need anything. Martin shouldn't be much longer." Jack turned and said, "Danny, can I see you in my office?"
"Sure." Danny got into step with Jack and Sam as they walked to Jack's office trying to look casual.
"Does this guy check out?" Jack asked as soon as they reached his office.
"I haven't had a chance to check him out yet but according to the escorting agent Martin had put his name down on the admit list." Danny glanced out Jack's window to see Eddie still sitting with a hard look on his face. He looked over at Sam and asked, "Did Martin ever mention him to you?"
"No," Sam replied as she stood alongside Danny to get a better look at Eddie.
"Just to be safe, Sam, run down to Lisa's office and try to catch him on his way up." Jack ordered as he logged onto his computer to start checking on Eddie.
"Too late, he just got off the elevator," Danny replied as he watched Eddie jump out of his seat and head straight for Martin.
