VI
After taking the subway downtown Rosalind, a.k.a. the Jackhammer, hops on a bus bound for Baltimore. Once there she then uses one of her fake ID's to rent a car and drives northeast. Having set her watch to countdown the next twelve hours from the moment she last spoke to her brother, Rosalind checks her watch as she approaches the city limits of Boston. Reading just under three hours to go until her next contact she decides to pick up a few things at a supply cache she has stashed for safekeeping. She returns the rental car first then takes a taxi to a storage center on the west side of town.
Once the cab is out of sight she dials in the combination on the padlock and opens the door. She switches on the interior light and pulls the tarp off of the '96 BMW. She grabs the key off of the left rear tire and unlocks the trunk; she lifts it no more than an inch as she disables the booby trap connected to the shape charge mounted on the inside. Once clear she opens the trunk all the way and opens the black duffel bag inside. First and foremost she grabs the Heckler & Koch P7, checks that it is loaded and stuffs it in the small of her back under her jacket. Then she grabs one of three license plates inside the bag and grabs the coordinating ID that's registered with the plate number and puts it in her pocket, swapping it for the ID's she's been carrying. Next she retrieves an electric screwdriver from the bag and attaches the plate to the car then tosses the bag in the backseat. She pulls the car out of the shed then closes the door, checking to make sure no one is nearby she pulls out a handkerchief and wipes down the door handles.
She drives downtown and checks into a four star hotel wearing a blonde wig to match that of her current ID, once inside her room she orders a late dinner through room service as she waits to make contact with her brother. She turns on the television and watches the news wondering if the police or feds have listed her as a suspect. At midnight she boots up her computer to contact her brother.
Are you okay? Asks her sibling first and foremost.
Yes, what the hell happened? I was just about to execute the plan when the place went up.
I'm not sure but I'd guess that the target had explosives strapped to his chest.
A suicide bomber? As Rosalind tries to process the thought of Khalid coming all the way to the states to kill her in a suicidal rage she gets a new message online. She opens the message and somehow isn't surprised to find it is Khalid himself!
You lying son of a bitch! Now I know you killed Aziri, did you really think I would show?
Rosalind hesitates unsure how to respond for a moment. Realizing that even though Khalid obviously sent a decoy in his place how would he possibly know whether or not the Jackhammer was caught in the explosion! She goes back to the connection to her brother and types, It was a decoy, Khalid just sent me a message.
Doesn't surprise me, there was no way to know if it was really him to begin with, given that we don't even have a picture of the man. What did he say?
She copies Khalid's message into the chat line with her brother then asks if she should attempt to get a picture of him.
That's too dangerous.
Then you could get it; you have the connections. Rosalind replies.
Possibly but equally dangerous, besides it's not a priority right now. Her brother replies just as another threatening message comes in from Khalid.
Okay this isn't making any sense, Khalid just said that he knows I blew up the restaurant in an attempt to get to him!? Rosalind types reading the message.
He's obviously lying; I wonder what his angle is.
Should I even respond to him?
I'd advise against it for now. Lay low for a while, I'll contact you in a few days, if you feel any heat then relocate but stay on the coast.
Stone finally heads home that night at half past ten, on his way to the elevators he receives the final fatality count for the bombing from Hudson.
"Thirty-seven." Hudson informs him.
Stone's heart just sinks at the tragedy of the today's events. "Okay, assemble your team in Shadow ops tomorrow at nine. We're gonna get to work on Hadid and this faction of his."
"You got it. Get some rest and we'll see ya tomorrow." Hudson replies.
When Stone arrives home he receives a long hug from Robin, he then pulls back and kisses her very large belly. "How's my baby?" He says as if asking the child itself.
"We're fine, how are you doing?"
"Thirty-seven, thirty-seven people died today." He replies solemnly.
"I know I've been watching it on the news since I got home." Robin replies.
After throwing his jacket over a chair Stone grabs and apple from the fruit bowl on the bar and begins slicing it with a knife. "This is insane, first the Oklahoma bombing then September 11th and now this." Stone says popping an apple slice into his mouth. "I mean granted today wasn't nearly as bad as either of those events and I'm thankful for that, but it's not good either."
"I know, do you want turkey or ham?" Robin asks already making him a sandwich.
"Ham." Stone responds as he gets up from the table to grab a bag of chips and a beer from the fridge.
"Do you have any idea who did it?" she asks setting the plate down on the table as she takes a seat next to him.
"Iranians were behind it we know that much, police found a gun on one of the survivors. We ran his prints and found he's connected to militant faction of the Iranian army." He says taking a large bite out of the ham and cheese.
"That can't be good, do you think we'll send troops over there now?"
"Too soon to tell but we're a step away from going to war with them as it is so I wouldn't be surprised. Although I don't think anything will happen until we finish our investigation."
Robin notices him slip into a deep line of thought for a moment and then decides to change the subject to get his mind off it. "We have another doctor's appointment tomorrow, do you think you'll be able to go with me?"
"What time?" he asks finishing off the apple.
"Ten."
"Hmm, I told Will to assemble his team tomorrow for debriefing but I can push it back, it'll give him time to continue investigating."
"You sure, I understand if you can't get away with everything that happened today. I know you'll be needed." Robin adds.
"It's no problem sweetie." He says finishing off the sandwich as he washes it down with the rest of the beer. "Do we have any ice cream left?"
With a smile Robin nods as she begins to get out of her seat but Stone advises her to stay put as he gets the dessert himself. They talk a bit more about various topics as Stone eats his ice cream, once done he puts away the dirty dishes then helps Robin out of her chair and follows her upstairs. A few minutes later he climbs into bed with her, kisses her stomach and then her before laying his head down on the pillow. He exhales a long deep breath as Robin cuddles up next to him, he holds her in his arms and within moments falls fast asleep.
The next morning during breakfast Stone calls Hudson informing him that he won't be in until after the doctor appointment. He drops Robin off at work after the appointment and heads downtown. Once inside headquarters he walks straight to Shadow ops where the team is already hip deep into their investigation.
"Sorry I'm late everyone the doctor's office was running behind today."
"Are you not feeling well sir?" Sage asks.
"No I'm fine, my wife is eight months pregnant."
"Oh congratulations, when is she due?"
"April twenty-fifth, but they say your first pregnancy is usually really late." Stone replies.
"Have you picked out any names yet?" Anderson asks.
As excited as he is for his best friend Hudson interrupts the chatter reminding everyone they have work to do. While also excited about the prospect of being a father, as well as discussing it, Stone agrees with Hudson.
"No we're still working on that." Stone says giving Anderson an answer. "So what do we got?"
"Abu Hadid." Hudson says as he points to Hadid's mug shots from his arrest yesterday on the screen. "Known member and associate of Samon Khalid, head of the faction Fear the Wrath. Samon is a Major in the Iranian army and the older brother of Ali Khalid that you captured in Turkey back in August."
"Have we gotten anywhere with his interrogation?" Stone asks.
"He didn't say much, of course I think he was in shock after the bombing." Anderson says. "However when asked what he was doing in the states he just kept repeating the same phrase in Arabic."
Before Stone can ask about the translation Anderson gives him the answer. "I'm just the decoy."
"The decoy for whom?" Stone asks curiously.
"Could be his superior."
"You mean this Major Samon Khalid." Stone replies.
"You never know." Anderson replies.
"So let's backtrack, we intercepted a tip that Ali Khalid was buying U.S. weapons in Istanbul." Stone says.
"Right, then Drake sends a two-man sniper/recon team to follow one Taliq Aziri whom we suspected was also trying to buy U.S. weapons. However if you recall Drake's men disappeared and turned up dead once a second team was sent in to find them. That same team then finds Aziri's body burned to a crisp outside Minsk." Hudson explains.
"Someone got to him before we did?" Sage asks being unfamiliar with the case.
"Affirmative, so now we've got a third suspect under Khalid's command. What was he doing in the states?" Hudson adds.
"Not to mention how'd he get in to begin with?" Watts puts in.
"That's past tense, I'm more concerned with what he was doing here." Stone replies. "Do we have any reason to suspect he was planning on buying weapons here?"
"I doubt it." Hudson says as he grabs a file. He continues to explain that the forensics report on the van crew that was found blown to bits identified at least two of the corpses found inside. Two of which connections were made linking them to the same faction. Hudson elaborates further explaining that all four of the van crew had been in the states for at least three month or more each.
"So what's your theory?" Stone asks.
"He was there to abduct someone." Hudson replies.
"Hence the van." Stone says.
"Right, they were definitely positioned for a snatch and grab, not to mention this tidbit about Hadid serving as the bait."
"And we can rule out that he was the bomber for two reasons." O'Bryan says volunteering a file to Stone as he explains that a shape charge was found inside the restaurant.
"And the second?" Stone asks.
"Why would he be there if he was gonna blow the place, since he obviously wasn't a suicide bomber." O'Bryan replies pointing out the obvious.
"So what we still don't know is who was he looking for." Hudson chimes in.
"Not to mention who set off the bomb and why." Anderson adds.
"Who else would have planted it, he's part of an Iranian terrorist group. Isn't it possible he meant to blow the restaurant to cover his escape?" Sage adds.
"Possibly." Hudson replies.
"Could be the same person who killed Aziri." Stone suggests.
"The arms dealer." Anderson adds.
"That's what we thought back then but we had no leads to follow through." Hudson says.
"Why would they take our their customers, no one else would do business with them with that kind of reputation." Sage says.
"If it is the arms dealer then there's gotta be an ulterior motive involved." Hudson replies.
"If we had a name I could run a search." Watts adds.
"If only, but we questioned Khalid months ago and he wouldn't give us anything." Hudson adds.
"What if . . . ." McCabe says suddenly formulating a plan. ". . . Khalid thought his brother was killed in the bombing yesterday. You think maybe then he would talk?"
"That's not really thinking outside the box Andrew, not to mention it's just a bluff." Hudson says.
"What other options have we, I mean it's worth a try isn't it?"
"He's right it is." Stone adds realizing they don't have any other options at this point.
"What about Hadid?" Hudson asks. "I think we need to do a more thorough interrogation on this guy before we go reaching out for a branch that isn't there."
"We will but if he was truly just the bait then how much Intel could he really possess? I'm betting that Khalid will have what we really need." Stone adds.
"Alright McCabe it's your idea, let's go." Hudson says.
"I'm going too, I want to get a read on this guy." Stone says.
"You think that's wise, being that you brought him in." Hudson asks.
"I'll stay out of sight until necessary."
After the briefing Stone accompanies Hudson and McCabe to the federal prison where Ali Khalid is being held. As usual they are forced to check their weapons before being allowed access inside.
"You guys got everything you need?" Stone asks.
"Yeah we're good." McCabe replies.
"Okay, I'll be watching." Stone says as he enters the observation room.
Hudson and McCabe walk into the interrogation room as they wait for the guards to retrieve the prisoner. The guards bring in Khalid who after seven months of incarceration is still awaiting his trial.
"Greetings Ali, remember us?" Hudson says as the guards put the prisoner in the chair.
"Getting desperate I see." Khalid says openly speaking to the federal agents this time. "Do you really think after seven months I've changed my mind?"
"No but we do have some news for you, figured you might be more inclined after you hear what we have to say." Hudson replies.
On Hudson's queue McCabe sets a copy of this mornings paper on the table in front of the prisoner, the headline depicting the scene of the restaurant bombing yesterday.
"Some of your friends were in town yesterday." Hudson says giving him a moment to let the information sink in.
"Even if I were so inclined, as you put it, how would I know anything about this operation being that I've been locked up in here for seven months." Khalid replies.
Realizing that Khalid himself believes his faction was responsible for the bomb Hudson holds off his next question for a moment and runs with a new line of thought. "So this wasn't something you and your brother had in the works a while back." Hudson represses his smile as the mention of his brother garners a reaction from Khalid.
"What do you know of my brother?"
"Major Samon Khalid, head of Iranian army faction Fear the Wrath." Hudson replies. "So you're saying this wasn't something you guys had setup down the pipeline."
Khalid hesitates a moment. "No."
"That's good to know and what's even better is that we agree with you. In fact we know Fear the Wrath wasn't behind this." Hudson says embellishing the truth a bit.
Curious as to where the agent is going with this Khalid decides to play along for a moment. "And how is that?"
"Because your brother was one of the survivors pulled out of the rubble." McCabe says chiming in for effect.
Although the statement gets Khalid's attention he doesn't buy it claiming his brother wouldn't be so foolish to come to the states. "There's no tactical advantage to blowing up some bistro."
"Well that's where you're wrong Ali." Hudson says taking the floor. "He was there to meet someone, he had a crew waiting in a van behind the restaurant ready to snatch someone on the fly. Read the file, you'll see a known Iranian terrorist was found armed at the scene; plus the fact that the van his team was in was blown to bits from the explosion. The media hasn't released any names yet but it was your brother."
"I still don't believe you, there's only one possible reason I can fathom that my brother would operate within the U.S. and even then he still wouldn't come himself."
"Would that reason have anything to do with the Stingers you were trying to buy in Istanbul." McCabe asks having done his homework on the prisoner.
Khalid simply sits back in his chair with his arms crossed in response to the question; expressing his continued intention to not divulge any information regarding his faction's plans.
Finally Hudson tries to take a different approach. "Alright Khalid, I'll level with you. You're right; it wasn't your brother who was arrested yesterday. It was this man." Hudson says putting the mug shot of Abu Hadid on the table in front of him. "We know who he is and we know he works for your brother."
"So you think just because you're trying to take the high road and be honest with me that now I'll talk." Khalid spits.
"It's worth a shot, when he was questioned he told us he was just a decoy. We know he was there to grab someone; do you have any idea who he was looking for." Hudson asks.
After another moment of silence Khalid calls for the guard to take him back to his cell. Hudson waves off the guard for a second and decides to take a shot in the dark.
"He serves as the decoy for your brother doesn't he?"
Although it's the slightest reaction Hudson knows he struck gold as Khalid struggles to remain in control of his reflexes. Sensing the same thing Hudson does Stone takes his cue and enters the interrogation room, the guard meanwhile returning to his station outside the door. Khalid instantly recognizes the one who took him into custody in Istanbul as Stone sits in the chair across from him.
"If you think I'll talk to you then you're all insane."
"Let's skip the bull shall we Khalid, you don't like us and we don't much like you. As far as the majority of our two peoples, pretty much the same goes but I'm not willing to go to war with your country because some third party out there has their own agenda." Stone says. "Now I don't blame you for not talking, if I were in your position I'd be doing the same thing. I know you don't trust us; we're the enemy and again the same goes if the situation were reversed. But we've got someone out there that has a serious issue with you and your brother."
"I don't know what you're brother's decoy was doing here yesterday and honestly; if he was just here to abduct whoever been dogging you guys I wouldn't have a big issue with that. However thirty-seven people died yesterday because someone wanted your brother out of the picture . . . . and that pisses me off!" Stone says raising his voice as he fixes Khalid with a cold stare. "Now I'm willing to bet you've got an idea about who that someone might be. I understand your silence when it comes to questions about your friends and family. You're protecting them I get it but why protect these people that are after you. What do you owe them that keeps you from helping us put a stop to all this?" Stone asks curiously.
After exhaling a long deep breath Khalid finally responds. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"Damn straight." Stone replies.
"What do want to know?"
Behind him Hudson and McCabe look at each other smiling as they eagerly take a seat next to Stone.
"The arms dealer you and your brother were doing business with, you think he's the one setting you up don't you?" Stone asks.
Khalid hesitates a few moments before answering. "Yes."
"We think he's responsible for Aziri's death, heck he could have even been the one who gave us the tip about your deal in Istanbul." Stone says just now realizing that possibility.
Khalid says nothing for a moment or two thinking about what he is being told. "His name is the Jackhammer."
Khalid proceeds to answer any questions regarding the mysterious arms dealer; however anytime the agents inquire further about the operations of Hadid or Aziri he remains silent. Even though Stone explains that knowing more about what the two Iranians were up to could assist in tracking the Jackhammer Khalid says nothing. After another half hour they finally allow Khalid to return to his cell. The three agents remain in the interrogation room for a moment as they discuss their progress.
"Well at least we got a name to go on." Hudson says.
"Yeah, put Watts on that right away." Stone orders.
"We're still going to pay a visit to Hadid aren't we?" McCabe asks.
"Absolutely." Hudson replies.
Stone asks if he's still being held in police custody but discovers that he was transferred to the federal prison this morning.
"He's here?"
"You bet, he's in the north wing though." Hudson replies.
"Away from Khalid, good man." Stone says.
A few minutes later the three of them find themselves in another room similar to the first as the guards bring in Abu Hadid still bearing the bandages on his face.
"Can we get you anything, coffee, cigarettes?" Hudson asks before they begin.
"Tea, hot." Replies Hadid.
Surprised by the prisoner's willingness to even speak to them Hudson asks the prison personnel to grant the request. They open their interrogation by asking him to confirm that he serves as Samon Khalid's personal decoy. When Hadid doesn't answer right away they press him further by informing him that his entire crew were vaporized as a result of whoever tried to kill him in the bombing. Eventually Hadid comes to his senses and confirms his position.
"We think this arms dealer, the Jackhammer, is trying to take out your faction one member at a time." Hudson says.
At the mention of his target's name Hadid's eyes widen in disbelief. "How do you know that name?"
"Ali Khalid gave it to us." McCabe answers.
"No he didn't."
"Believe what you will but I can tell by your reaction to his name that we're on the right track. Is that who you were sent here to meet?" Hudson says.
Reluctantly Hadid nods his head; eagerly Hudson asks him for details regarding their meet. Unfortunately Hadid has limited information on the arms dealer, matching Khalid's information, since all communications are made online. However he does go on to inform them that Major Khalid suspected the Jackhammer is involved in the death of Aziri and the capture of his younger brother.
"That's why he sent me in his place, the major and the Jackhammer agreed to meet to sort out the situation." Hadid explains.
"Why here, in the U.S?" Hudson asks.
"The Jackhammer chose the location, not us."
"Do you know where he gets the weapons he was going to sell you?" McCabe asks.
"No." Hadid replies.
"Was Aziri going to Minsk to take delivery of another shipment?" McCabe says following up on his previous question.
"Yes."
"Did your faction ever successfully complete a transaction with the Jackhammer?" Hudson asks curiously.
"Yes, two." Hadid replies as a guard enters with his tea in a foam cup. He takes the cup from the guard and takes a long sip.
"Where?" Hudson presses.
"Cairo and Trieste."
"Trieste, that's quite a ways from Tehran." McCabe says.
"So is the United States."
"Are you saying you had an arrangement to purchase weapons from the Jackhammer on U.S. soil?" McCabe asks shuddering at the thought.
"No, my objective was to capture the man and bring him to Tehran to my superior."
"Then what?" Hudson asks.
"Find out what he knew about Aziri and the Major's brother and then kill him." Hadid replies.
"Tell me about the meeting, what kind of arrangements were made?" Hudson asks.
After Hadid explains the details of the meet including the name the Jackhammer listed the reservation under.
"Bellafont, you say?" Hudson says writing the name down.
"What was the merchandise on the two transactions you made successfully?" Stone asks.
"One of them were more Stingers, the other I don't know."
After a few more questions Hudson realizes there's not much more information that Hadid can give them and decides to leave.
"Thank you for your cooperation, if you think of anything else that might help us track this guy down let the guards know and they will get in contact with us." Hudson says.
He and McCabe walk into the anteroom where Stone has been watching behind the two-way mirror the entire time.
"You think he's telling the truth?" Stone asks.
"I think so, what I can't figure out is why he even spoke to us at all. I mean we didn't have to twist his arm like Khalid in the least." Hudson replies.
"He's smart." McCabe says venturing his opinion.
"How do you figure that?" Hudson asks curiously.
"Even if they could or would, he knows there's no way in hell his buddies would attempt to break him out." McCabe explains. "He's hoping his cooperation will make things easier on him, even in the slightest bit."
Before Stone or Hudson can respond one of the guards walks in addressing Stone.
"Deputy Director Stone, there's another party that is requesting to see the prisoner."
Curious Stone asks the guard if the party has identified themselves.
"They're CIA sir."
"CIA?" Hudson says confused.
"Oh please tell me this isn't Foley." Stone says leading the men to the foyer.
The three make their way back to the guard station, collect their sidearms from lockup and walk into the foyer where Stone's suspicions are confirmed as he spots CIA Section Chief John Foley and two of his subordinates.
Foley immediately notices Stone exiting the guard station and walks over to intercept him. "Deputy Director Stone, it's good to see you again but you weren't speaking to my suspect without authorization were you?"
Although both are equally shocked by Foley's arrogance it is Hudson who responds first to the bold assumption.
"Your suspect!?" Hudson says. "How is he your suspect it was my team that took him into custody at the site of the bombing."
"Correction, Georgetown Police took him into custody. You assumed command when you arrived after the fact." Foley counters.
"Exactly, O.S. was on the scene before the FBI, therefore it's our case. The CIA only operates abroad, how do justify your claim that's Hadid is your suspect?" Hudson says.
"Calm down Will." Stone says interrupting. "What's all this about Foley, what's your angle?"
"No angle, as Section Chief of Middle Eastern operations I have the authority to interrogate the prisoner myself. I've been working on catching this Iranian cell for months."
"Oh I bet you have but there's no way in hell you're talking to our suspect." Stone says firmly.
Foley takes a step closer towards Stone and says. "If you step up to the plate Michael you'd better be ready to play hardball."
"Hardball? I'm not gonna sit here and measure dicks with you John. You don't have the authority and until I see or hear authorization from someone higher than you, you're not getting in to see Hadid." Stone says.
"Fine you want authorization, let's see what Director Adams has to say about this." Foley says pulling out his cell phone.
Stone senses the bluff and rips the cell phone right out of Foley's hand!
"Hey!" Foley says reaching for the phone as Hudson holds him back with a firm outstretched hand.
Stone looks at the phone and realizes his suspicions were right; Foley hadn't even hit the call button. "You must be a terrible poker player Foley." He says a huge grin on his face. "You know what, you wanted hardball; well I'm game. Let's see what CIA Director Adams really thinks about our little situation here." Stone says dialing the number from memory.
After a few moments he's connected to Director Adams and he identifies himself. Director Adams exchanges a few pleasantries with Stone stating that he's been looking forward to meeting him as well as the good things he's heard from Hayes about him.
"Thank you sir, the reason I called is I'm here at the federal prison with one of your agents who seems the think he has authorization to interrogate my suspect from yesterday's bombing." Stone explains.
"That's Section Chief, Stone!" Foley says angered that he was described as an agent.
"Would that be John Foley?" Director Adams says on the phone.
Stone grins from ear to ear as he can sense the displeasure in Director Adams' voice.
"Yes sir that would be correct. On a side note I'm curious, was that an educated guess or did you just notice the caller ID?" Stone says realizing he may have gone too far with that one. However Adams simply avoids the question as he asks to speak with Foley. "Your boss would like a word with you John." He says tossing the phone back to Foley.
Although he can't hear the other end of the conversation Stone assumes it isn't a pleasant one as he notices Foley fuming in response.
"Yes Director, I'll be there right away." Foley says before ending the call. "It appears you've won this time Stone but I warn you, don't get in my way again."
"I'm petrified Foley." Stone replies coolly as Foley and his men head for the exit. "We ought to get together for cards some night, I'd be happy to take some of your money from you."
Foley says nothing as he exits the building.
"You're not gonna measure dicks with him?" Hudson says curiously.
"Well his hardball bit sounded like a dick line if there ever was one, don't you think?" Stone replies with a grin.
"The Jackhammer? What's with these names, the Jackhammer, the Talon, Fear the Wrath. What's next the Joker and Penguin?" Hayes exclaims after Stone gives her an update.
"I hope not, anyway I've got Watts doing a search on the name right now as well as the name Bellafont." Stone replies. "Oh and guess who I ran into down at the prison?"
Hayes takes a moment to read Stone's face then says. "Foley."
Stone nods in response. "He was trying to gain access to see Hadid."
"Did he?"
"No way, I called his bluff when he fake called Director Adams and called him myself."
"You're kidding." Hayes asks.
"Nope, I figure Adams is ripping him a new one right about now?"
"Hopefully Adams will place him on suspension."
"Might want to give him a call later." Stone suggests.
"Are you kidding, I'll probably hear from him first. Good job by the way, let me know what Hudson and his team find out."
"Yes ma'am." Stone replies as he heads back to his office.
Boston, Massachusetts – To keep up appearances as a tourist Rosalind, AKA the Jackhammer, spends her first day shopping in downtown Boston. That afternoon while having lunch at a dockside restaurant she receives a call on her cell phone from an encrypted number.
"I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon." She says knowing it's her brother on the other end.
"I know but we may have a problem."
"The feds have made a connection to me?" Rosalind replies as she quickly scans the perimeter of the restaurant looking for signs of trouble as well as nearby exits.
"No, not a chance. Besides it's not the feds we need to worry about, they're not even on the case." Replies her brother.
"Who is then?" Rosalind replies relaxing a little as she pops another shrimp in her mouth.
"Not important right now, I have an assignment for you."
"Where am I headed?"
"You can stay put for this one, as long as you feel comfortable that is, I need you to hack into Khalid's computer files and monitor his communications." Explains her brother.
"What for?" Rosalind replies curiously.
"I need to know if he still has an active cell in play on the east coast. If so then I'd need you to bypass his security codes and communicate directly with the cell, posing as Khalid himself. Can it be done?"
"Yeah it can be done but only while Khalid himself is sending live messages to the cell."
"I don't understand, why?"
"Well first of all we don't know what kind of security measures they've got setup, whether verbal or otherwise. Not to mention I don't have an IP address for the cell; so I can hack into Khalid's end and wait for him to establish a connection with the cell. Using a ghost server I'd wait until after they identify each other then intercept incoming messages from both parties and in turn send the messages out that we desire." Rosalind explains.
"Basically posing as the cell to Khalid as well as vice versa."
"Exactly, what orders do you want me to give to the cell?"
"Hack into Khalid's side then call me."
"I'm on it."
Within an hour after returning to her hotel room Rosalind successfully hacks into Samon Khalid's server. She calls her brother right away informing him that she's in and asks for instructions. Before he answers he advises her to check her email, she opens a new window and finds a new message from an unknown sender in her inbox. She opens the file and after a minute of downloading two images with detailed information appears on the screen.
"Deputy Director Michael Stone of Omega Sector." Rosalind says looking at the first picture, she scrolls down to look at the second. "CIA Section Chief John Foley."
"Once Khalid makes contact with his unit, if there still is one on the east coast, order them to terminate these targets." Her brother says.
"Are you sure?"
There's no response for a moment or two. "Yes."
"Consider it done. Is there anything else?"
"Yes." Her brother replies as they discuss further details.
Richmond, Virginia – Shortly after hearing about the Georgetown restaurant bombing the four man backup unit Khalid had sent to Washington evacuated the area with all haste. With previous orders to extract in the event something went wrong, the team headed south and waited twenty-four hours before attempting to make contact with their superior.
They connect with Khalid online; unbeknownst to them the Jackhammer is monitoring the entire conversation. After authenticating each other through a simple code phrase the Jackhammer goes to work, intercepting the messages one party sends to the other and inserting her own in response. After reporting their location and the events of yesterday Khalid informs his team to stay put to await further orders. However his message is never received. Rosalind replies to Khalid incognito that the team acknowledges his order then types in a message to the cell under the guise of Khalid himself.
Go back to Washington; I have a new assignment for you.
Yes sir, are we still tracking the Jackhammer? Responds the cell leader.
No, we don't have any leads on him at the moment. Rosalind replies. This assignment involves two federal agents who are assigned to the case; they pose a threat to us. You should have the target package in your email now. I want you to split up your team, two men per target. Make the hit tonight at midnight sharp and make sure you engage both targets in unison. If you don't then you won't have the element of surprise on the second. Contact me when your mission is complete.
Yes Major Khalid, it will be done.
That night the cell drives back to the D.C. area in two separate vehicles arriving in Alexandria just after eleven. They split up as instructed and head for the individual targets, at a quarter 'til midnight they contact each other to make sure they're in position and synchronize their watches to make their assaults at the exact same time.
Silver Spring, Maryland – A few minutes before midnight John Foley is sitting in his study of his three-bedroom home located in the northern D.C. suburb. All the lights in the house are off except for the desk lamp in the study as he looks over some files from work while trying to evade sleep. Suddenly he hears a loud noise that rouses him from his stupor. Realizing someone has just kicked in his front door he turns off the desk lamp and reaches into the desk drawer retrieving a 9mm Sig Sauer. He quickly rises from the desk and hides in the corner of the study aiming the gun at the doorway. He hears the sounds of the intruder moving about the living room and realizes there are two of them. A second later he spots a figure covered by shadows appear in the doorway with is back to him.
"You picked the wrong house buddy!" Foley says firing his weapons twice.
He moves towards the body and spots the second intruder running for the front door. He sidesteps out of the study and fires again; the second intruder falls dead to the floor just two feet from the front door!
Alexandria, Virginia – Meanwhile across town Stone and Robin, who have been asleep for over an hour, are awakened by the sounds of a home invasion!
"What was that?" Robin says frightened by the noise.
Stone looks up at the security system console on the wall next to the bed and realizes the silent alarm is going off! "Someone is in the house!" he says as a single beep is emitted from the console. When he and Robin bought the house he had Jack Weiss install a high tech, state of the art security system. Not only does the alarm system alert local police but it is tied into Omega Sector's database informing them as well.
Stone springs from the bed reaching into his nightstand drawer retrieving his 9mm Beretta. "Get in the closet, the police will be here soon." Once she's inside Stone kneels by the closet door keeping his gun trained on the bedroom door. A moment later he hears hurried footsteps coming down the hall towards their bedroom. The moment the door is thrown open he fires two rounds hitting the intruder square in the chest! "Stay in the closet sweetie, I'm gonna check the house."
"Be careful." She replies. Suddenly Robin notices she's hiding next to Stone's gun cabinet.
Six years ago while they were still dating Stone trained Robin how to operate a handgun. She had had some experience with firearms before and was even somewhat against the idea. However Stone insisted claiming it was something she ought to be proficient at if the need ever arose. This was one night she was glad she didn't refuse him; she reaches in and takes the 9mm Glock from the cabinet. Then she grabs a magazine, slides it into the handle and pulls back on the barrel chambering a round.
Stone slowly moves out of the bedroom wearing only his boxer-briefs. Once he clears the upstairs rooms he moves downstairs cautiously keeping his gun at the ready. When he gets to the bottom of the stairs at the foyer he's rushed from the kitchen by another intruder. Before he can turn and fire he is tackled. He loses his grip on his gun as they go down, which he knows is a costly mistake, however the intruder loses his weapon as well. The wrestle around on the cold tile floor for a moment until Stone gets his opponent in a headlock.
"Who the hell are you!?" Stone says through gritted teeth switching to a chokehold on the intruder. "Talk or I'll snap your neck in two!"
As the intruder struggles to get out of the hold he utters something in a foreign language; a language Stone doesn't understand but immediately recognizes.
"You're Iranian aren't you? Did Samon Khalid send you here to kill me!?" Stone yells increasing the pressure on the chokehold as he gets to his feet. "Answer me!"
The intruder starts to cough but finally finds his voice, although strained as it is, and says. "Yes, yes!"
Realizing the man only has seconds of air left in his lungs Stone throws him down to the ground and picks up his Beretta as he kicks his assailant's weapon across the foyer.
"Robin get out here?" he says as he backs up a few steps while keeping his Beretta trained on the Iranian.
When she hears her husband calling Robin slowly walks over the dead body laying halfway in their bedroom. She keeps the Glock aimed on the body just in case as she walks to the railing. A moment later Stone glances up seeing her as she looks over the railing with his Glock in her hand.
"Call Hudson and tell him to get over her ASAP, also toss me down some clothes and my ID."
She simply nods in response and walks back to the bedroom as fast as possible to do as instructed. She puts the Glock down and grabs the pair of slacks Stone was wearing when he came home, a T-shirt as well as his ID. She grabs the cordless phone from its mount on the nightstand as she waddles back to the hallway; with the baby she's carrying she realizes she can't move as fast as she would prefer. She tosses down the clothes and ID and then dials Hudson's number.
Within minutes the first squad car arrives outside as two officers approach the house with guns drawn. Stone puts down his gun immediately showing his ID as he points out the intruder on the floor. The first officer cuffs the Iranian as the second checks Stone's ID while he puts on the clothes Robin threw down.
"You're a federal agent?" the officer says handing the ID back.
"Yeah, this is my wife." Stone says noticing Robin working her way slowly down the stairs. "And there's another intruder upstairs dead. They were sent here to kill me."
"How do you know that?"
"He told me." Stone says gesturing to the second assailant. "My men will be by your precinct tomorrow to take him into custody." Just as Stone finishes the sentence Robin hands him the phone with Hudson on the other end. He takes the phone as he notices another squad car arrives out front, Stone explains what happened and in return is told about the similar assault on John Foley's home. "You're kidding!"
"When your alarm went off Dyson began monitoring 911 calls in the area. She heard the police being dispatched to Foley's house and called me to let me know about both of you. Foley shot and killed both of the intruders.
"I'm guessing the intruders were both Iranian?" Stone asks.
"I don't know yet." Hudson replies. "Either way I assume you're thinking this was not a coincidence right?"
"Yeah." Suddenly Stone realizes a frightening possibility! "Will, get some men over to Kim's house right away!
Across town Hayes is awakened by a phone call from her Deputy Director.
"Kim, are you alright?"
"Except for the fact that you woke me up." Hayes says a little annoyed.
Stone explains the reason for his call informing her about the assault on his house. Realizing the situation Hayes immediately retrieves a handgun from behind her nightstand.
"I've got men en route to your house as we speak, they'll stay there throughout the night." Stone says.
"Is Robin okay?"
"Yeah she's fine, we're all fine. Get this though, there was a hit on Foley's house too."
"Great, that will really set him off." Hayes says as she hears a knock at her door. She puts on her robe as she walks to the door with her pistol still in hand.
"Director Hayes, are you alright?"
She instantly recognizes the voice of Agent Anderson of Shadow team as she opens the door and finds O'Bryan standing next to him.
"Hi guys, I'm fine there's nothing happening here."
"Glad to hear it ma'am, if it's all the same to you Hudson ordered us to clear the house inside and out." Anderson replies.
"Have at it boys." Hayes says opening the door all the way. "Gage and Patrick just got here." She says turning her attention back to Stone on the phone.
"Good, try and go back to sleep. I'll check in with you tomorrow." Stone says.
"Easier said then done, I'm glad you two are alright though."
After a thorough search of the house and its perimeter Anderson informs Hayes that Hudson ordered them to stand watch outside until morning.
"That'll be fine, if you want you can stay in the living room." Hayes offers. "I'm going back to bed."
"Thank you ma'am, we'll do that. Try and get some rest." Anderson says just as O'Bryan calls Hudson to inform him everything is okay.
Back at Stone's house Agents McCabe and Sage arrive to stand watch just as the coroner is removing the body of the first intruder.
"Andrew, Sara. This is my wife Robin." Stone says introducing the two newest agents of Shadow team.
"Glad to meet you Mrs. Stone, I wish it were under different circumstances though." McCabe says.
"I bet you're about ready to pop huh?" Sage says to Robin.
"Just about." Robin replies caressing her belly.
"Guys check the rest of the house and the backyard for me please, when your done you can make yourselves comfortable on the couch. "We're gonna try and get some sleep."
"We're on it sir." Sage says.
Stone and Robin head back upstairs, when they get to their bedroom Robin shudders at the sight of the haunting bloodstain on the carpet. Stone holds her comfortingly and suggests they sleep in the guest room for the night.
"Yeah that's a good idea." She replies.
"I'll work from home tomorrow, we'll get the bedroom re-carpeted and the front door fixed." Stone says. He kisses his wife then lays his head down thinking of the fury he's going to bring down upon Samon Khalid!
The next morning before showering, Stone puts on his robe and goes downstairs to check on McCabe and Sage. He keeps his gun to his side just as a precaution, when he gets halfway down the stairs he notices McCabe sitting in the recliner greeting him from the living room.
"Morning sir."
Stone looks over at the couch to find Sage asleep. "You two been taking turns?"
"Yeah, I was supposed to wake her an hour ago but I was still wide awake so I let her sleep." McCabe replies.
"My wife will be down in a bit, you two are welcome to have breakfast with us."
"Thank you sir."
"Well I'm gonna get cleaned up, there's a bathroom down the hall if you need to wash up." Stone says.
"Yes sir, I found it earlier." McCabe replies.
As Stone gets to the top of the stairs he notices Robin walking out of the guest room. He stuffs the Beretta in his robe pocket and meets her halfway.
"Morning sweetie." He says.
She simply hugs him realizing last night's event was not a dream. Stone showers first and goes downstairs dressed in jeans and a casual dress shirt. He begins making eggs for everyone just as he hears a car pulling up to his driveway. From the sounds of the loud stereo system he realizes it is Hudson.
"Hello." Hudson says announcing his entrance through the broken doorframe.
"C'mon in Will." Stone says from the kitchen as pours the eggs into the frying pan.
"At least this didn't happen during the winter, you two would have frozen." Hudson says to McCabe noticing that Sage is still sound asleep on the sofa. "Why don't you wake her so you two can get outta here."
"Belay that order Will, I told McCabe that they could have some breakfast."
"Does that include me?"
"No sir, it's just for us agents that camped out in his living room all night on watch." McCabe says jokingly.
Hudson shoots him a sarcastic glare but knows the young agent was kidding. Finally realizing Sage has yet to wake up he walks over to the sofa and smacks his hands together in a solitary loud clap! The noise rouses Sage from her sleep and she instantly reaches for her weapon still snug in her shoulder holster. Luckily Hudson's reflexes are faster; he grabs Sage's wrist halting her movement as the weapon is pointed upstairs just as Robin is coming downstairs!
The noise and the sudden movements resulting in a gun being pointed at her frightens Robin as she stops dead in her tracks. "Dammit William, I've had enough excitement for one night!"
Sage releases her wrist from Hudson's grip and puts away the weapon just as Stone walks into the living room to see what's going on. Realizing the prank was a mistake Hudson bashfully takes responsibility for his actions. Sage meanwhile rises from the sofa and offers her own apologies to Robin but she waves it off knowing it wasn't anything she did.
"Are you alright?" Stone asks his wife.
"Been better." She says walking into the kitchen to help with breakfast.
As Sage walks down the hall to the bathroom Stone walks over to Hudson.
"What's wrong with you?" he whispers so McCabe doesn't overhear.
"I dunno what came over me." Hudson says.
"That behavior's not befitting of my alpha team leader."
"I know, I'm sorry."
"Alright well eggs are almost ready, c'mon." Stone says.
Hudson follows him into the kitchen with McCabe trailing him. "I'm really sorry Redbird." Hudson says.
"What's Redbird?" Sage says entering the kitchen from the hallway.
"Hudson's nickname for me, inside story." Robin says. "You're forgiven William but I've got enough going on with last night not to mention this watermelon inside me so I don't need any more excitement understand."
"Yes ma'am."
Stone can't help but laugh quietly to himself as his wife comes down on Hudson like a child.
A few minutes later all five of them sit down to a breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast. Halfway through the meal Stone's attention is drawn to a news report coming from the living room television. He puts down his glass of orange juice and walks into the living room to watch the report.
"Hudson you'd better see this."
Hudson gets up and walks into the living room followed by Sage and McCabe as the news reports the story of an attack last night on the home of CIA Agent John Foley. The reporter states that two unknown men broke into Foley's home and were shot and killed in self-defense. The reporter goes on to say that Foley denied an interview but did give the news crew a statement.
"Agent Foley stated that the two gunmen were of Iranian decent and he believes they were sent to kill him. However he did not give any information as to the assailant's identities or motive."
"I'm surprised he didn't walk out and correct them on the air." Stone says.
"What?" Sage says.
"At the prison he was seething when I didn't use his correct title on the phone with Director Adams." Stone explains.
"The media doesn't care what his title is, agent sounds more exciting on TV anyway." Hudson points out.
Suddenly Stone's mind begins to wander as he walks back to the kitchen table and sits down. "It's weird isn't it?"
"What's that?" Hudson replies.
"Why the media isn't reporting our attack?"
"Maybe someone tipped off the press." McCabe suggests.
"The more likely answer is that one of his neighbors called it in." Sage counters.
"Or maybe Foley called it in himself." Stone adds.
"Why would he do that, he's a high ranking CIA agent." McCabe asks.
"Uh uh, Section Chief." Hudson says making fun of Foley.
"Of Middle Eastern operations." Stone adds.
Meanwhile Robin who has been listening intently restates the question why Foley would call the press himself.
"Publicity." Stone says as if the answer just simply came to him.
"What no way, like McCabe said he's a CIA Section Chief. Publicity is the last thing he wants." Hudson says.
"Is it?" Stone says.
Hudson suddenly gets the feeling Stone is not telling him something. "Do you know something I don't?"
Stone avoids the question as he finishes off his breakfast, he then tells Hudson and the rest of Shadow team to meet back here at one sharp.
"Why here?"
"I'm gonna stay home today, I've gotta to arrange to get our door fixed and our bedroom re-carpeted. We can work in my study, tell Watts to make sure and bring his computer." Stone orders.
"Michael, when does Watts ever not have his computer with him?" Hudson says sarcastically.
"Good point." Stone replies turning to McCabe and Sage. "You two ought to head home and get a few hours of sleep. I'll see you all back here at one."
"Thanks for the breakfast sir, Mrs. Stone." McCabe says rising from his chair.
"Yes I appreciate it. See you at one." Sage adds as the two show themselves out.
"You should relay that same order to Gage and Patrick." Stone says to Hudson.
"Will do, anything else you need?"
"Get on top of Foley's intruders, I want to know for certain if they Iranian and if they have any ties to Fear the Wrath." Stone orders. "Also have my suspect questioned immediately. I want to know everything he knows about Samon Khalid and this faction of his."
"You got it, see you later." Hudson replies.
After Hudson leaves Stone gets out the phone book and contacts a carpet store. The manager says they are booked for the day but Stone offers him a hundred dollar bonus if he can get it done today. The manager quickly changes his mind stating he can be by within a half hour to get a sample and then he can arrange a crew to be there around two to install it. He makes another call to have someone come out to install a new steel framed front door. Luckily the business has a crew available that day. Then he goes upstairs and begins moving all of the furniture out of the bedroom into the guest room so the new carpet can be installed later.
"I wish I could be of some help." Robin says as Stone begins disassembling the bed frame.
"Don't worry about it sweetie."
At one o'clock Hudson and Shadow team arrive via two separate O.S. issued unmarked cars. Stone shows everyone into his study where they can work. He begins by telling the others who were absent this morning about the news report covering the attack on Foley's home. Shortly after breakfast Stone made a call to Hayes informing her that he would be working from home today due to the events of last night. He also requested her permission to divulge the information regarding Foley's past which she passed on to him months ago. While Hayes was initially against the request once she heard Stone's reasoning behind it she gave her approval with the understanding that only key personnel be informed on a need to know basis.
"Okay what have we got?" Stone asks taking a seat behind his desk.
"Well since the others were home sleeping, Watts and I got to work on what you asked for this morning." Hudson says.
Watts takes the floor first starting off with the fact that both of Foley's assailants were identified as Iranian immigrants whom were granted U.S. citizenship within the last twelve months. Hudson picks up after that informing the group that Stone's own attacker, the one he killed, was also an immigrant from Iran.
"Also a recent U.S. citizen I assume?" Stone asks.
"Yep, same goes for the one you caught." Hudson says.
"Great, so they've been here for at least a year. Doing what waiting for orders to kill me and Foley?" Stone says.
"Not specifically you and Foley but waiting for orders, I would assume so." Hudson says picking up on his line of thought.
"Right so there's no telling what else they had in the works; the hit must have been short notice."
"I know it's not a pleasant thought." Hudson adds.
"That means, what that we're getting close to Khalid? The last weapons shipment that we know of was when Aziri was killed." Anderson points out.
"What about the guy I caught, what do we have on him?" Stone asks.
"Achmed Yasser, also granted citizenship within the last twelve months, when our interrogators put the pressure on him he sung like a bird." Watts explains pulling up a map on this laptop. "He states Samon Khalid is commander of a small outpost in the desert outside Tehran. But his private estate is in Tehran itself, here." He says pointing it out on the map.
"When asked what orders his cell expected to receive once activated he said it wasn't to make a hit on two intelligence officers." Hudson states. "He also said that until the restaurant bomb took out the other cell, he didn't expect to be activated anytime soon."
Stone thinks for a moment to let his mind process this information as the team discusses some of the details of the situation among themselves. With the nature of the orders surprising the cell members as well as the unexpected timing Stone wonders in what capacity could they be closing in on Khalid and his operation. It's then when his thoughts drift back to Foley. Finally Stone breaks the conversation up as he poses a question to the team.
"Do we happen to know if Foley was asleep when his home was attacked last night?"
"Didn't the news report this morning say he was working in his study at the time?" McCabe says trying to recall the report from memory.
"Watts?" Stone says.
Within seconds Watts finds the report from this morning online via the news channel's website. He turns the computer around so everyone can see as he hits play. After watching the report a second time the reporter does indeed state, per Foley's statement, that he was working in his study when he heard the door being kicked in.
"What are you getting at sir, you think he was ready for it?" Sage asks curiously.
"What if he was?" Stone replies.
"Michael, you seemed to be focused on Foley this morning too. Honestly I don't quite see where you're coming from on this." Hudson says probing for an answer.
"Something just feels off when it comes to Foley, I mean he did try to interrogate Hadid when he had no clearance." Stone pauses for a moment. "Let's just call it a hunch for the moment. O'Bryan, Sage, I want you to go to the news station and find out who tipped them off to the story and follow up the lead from there, do that now."
"You got it." O'Bryan says rising from his seat on the sofa. "Let's go Sara."
Within seconds they are out the front door and jumping into one of the unmarked cars.
"Anderson, McCabe, I want you two to oversee Yasser's transfer into federal custody, then rundown the plates on the vehicles the cell used last night. Work as far backwards as you can, I want to know where these guys have been, what they've been up to the works, go!" Stone orders.
McCabe follows Anderson out the door as they leave the house in the second vehicle to begin their assignment. With the room a little less crowded Stone invites Watts to take one of the chairs facing the desk.
Hudson, whom has been occupying the other one, looks at his superior intently realizing there is definitely something Stone has been withholding. "Michael what is it?"
"Okay, what I am about to tell you two is strictly classified, understand?"
After receiving nods from both Hudson and Watts Stone begins to tell them about Foley's younger brother who was killed on United 93 on September 11th. He continues informing them about Foley's intention to send a team to Iraq to abduct Saddam Hussein as well as the attempted assassination attempt on him once he was captured.
"So he's biased when it comes to the Middle East." Hudson says.
"It goes way beyond being biased Will, the man's irrational. I think he wants to wipe Iran off the map." Stone replies. "I think he's pushing for war."
"Sir with all due respect he's not the only person in this country who hates the Middle East." Watts points out.
"He's right Michael, a lot of people have felt the same way since September 11th. Heck we already rolled through Baghdad and cleaned out the last of Hussein's Republican Guard and some say we should just move down the map. Now that doesn't mean we should do it just for kicks but that still doesn't make Foley guilty of anything." Hudson adds.
"I understand that Will but something about him just feels wrong."
"Whether or not your hunch is right sir unfortunately we have no way of proving Foley was involved with any of these situations." Watts points out. "We need something to go on."
"That's exactly right Kyle, that's why I want you to do a complete workup on him." Stone orders. "I want to know everything there is to know about John Foley. His past, his connections, what he's currently working on with the CIA, what he does in his free time, where he goes and whom he does it with."
As Watts begins punching commands into his laptop Stone gets up from behind the desk and starts pacing the room now that its not so crowded. A moment later he feels a pair of eyes on him as he turns to notice Hudson is watching him.
"I'm sorry Will, I don't mean to be taking over your command."
"You're not, you are my superior remember. Besides there were times when Kim was dishing out individual assignments to our agents."
"I remember; I hated it." Stone says smiling.
Hudson returns the smile and says. "I don't, it's like your still part of the team."
Just then Robin enters knocking on the open door. "Would anyone like a soda or some . . . . whoa, where did everyone go?" she says noticing four less people in the room
"Assignments." Stone replies.
"I'll take one, Dr Pepper if you have it." Watts says without taking his eyes off his computer screen.
"It's like fuel to him." Hudson says to Robin jokingly.
"Okay I've got some basics on Foley." Watts says after Robin leaves the room.
"That was fast." Stone replies.
"It's just his vital statistics thus far." Watts replies.
"Let's have it then." Hudson says.
"John A Foley, born August 4th, 1962 in Richmond, Virginia to parents Edward and Linda Foley. After graduating Magna Cum Laude at Princeton with a degree in Political Science he joined the Marine Corps. Served eight years in the corps, the last five of which he worked in counter intelligence and was recruited by the CIA and been with them ever since." Watts explains.
"What's his service record look like both with the corps and the CIA?" Stone asks.
"Several commendations early on but after the failed assassination attempt on Saddam Hussein while in U.S. custody he was put on suspension while a formal investigation was launched. Everyone knew he was biased since his brother was one of the victims on 9/11." Watts says looking up from the computer for a moment. "The assassin was a former member of Foley's unit but never identified him as being involved on the hit. Eventually he was cleared and returned to active duty."
"Give us the details on his family." Hudson orders.
"Well the parents Edward and Linda, were married in '61 and had Foley a year later but they had two other kids after that. The brother you know about, Joseph Edward Foley, died on 9/11. He was born in '74, got his Bachelor's degree from a community college in Richmond and worked in an office and loved to travel. In fact he was heading to San Francisco, United 93's intended destination, to meet some friends for vacation."
"Then there's a sister, Rose Linda Foley, born in '69 and moved to France with her mother when the parents divorced in '76. The boys remained in the U.S. and were raised by their father. Both parents currently deceased, mother died of leukemia in Paris in '97." Watts explains.
"And the father?" Stone asks.
"Car wreck near Norfolk in 2000." Stone suddenly a notice as Watts' face turns pale.
"What is it Kyle?"
"Killed by a drunk driver, a Syrian immigrant."
"What do we know about the immigrant?" Stone asks.
"If you mean was he a terrorist the answer is no, immigrated to the United States in 1983. Received citizenship two years later and was a law abiding one until that night." Watts explains.
"I'm starting to see why he hates the Middle East so much." Hudson says.
"Losing three loved ones in four years has gotta be hard enough. But having two of them killed by Middle Eastern immigrants, I can understand why he's prejudiced." Stone says. "That still doesn't make him right but I understand it."
Watts finishes the report with no possible leads appearing from the file that they can see. "Like I said it's just his basic statistics and background."
"Can you access his case files?" Stone asks.
"Those would be classified, we're talking a major breach of security." Watts replies as he notices the look on Stone's face. "I'll see what I can do."
"We gotta remember here that Foley's in the Central Intelligence Agency, if he's hiding something it's not going to be easily found. Perhaps even by Kyle here." Hudson points out.
"There's also the possibility sir that I can't get through their firewalls without being detected." Watts adds.
Stone think for a moment then says. "Do what you can for now, safely."
Forty-five minutes later O'Bryan and Sage return from their assignment. They inform Stone that the media received an anonymous tip on the invasion of Foley's home.
"We accessed their switchboard and got the exact time the call was received, I was able to determine it was made from a landline." O'Bryan explains.
"How did you do that?" Hudson asks curiously.
"Obi-Wan here has taught me well." O'Bryan says gesturing to Watts who has a big grin on his face. "Anyway so we went to the phone company and had them play the call back for us."
"And?" Stone asks waiting for an answer.
"Well it is heavily muffled but it's a woman's voice, we got a recording of the call but I think we'll need to have it cleaned up."
"Good job, I'm assuming the phone company didn't trace the call when it came in did they? Hudson says.
"No but I was hoping the master here could." He says referring to Watts again.
"Well let's hear the recording as is." Stone orders.
Sage pulls out the disc and hands it to Stone who puts it in the stereo behind his desk. As stated the voice is heavily muffled, almost intentionally Stone suspects, but there's nothing in the recording that gives them any further leads. The disc automatically loops back to the beginning and plays again just as Anderson and McCabe return from the prison transfer. Stone immediately notices McCabe looking somewhat tense.
"Andrew, you okay?"
McCabe hesitates a moment before answering. "I, I think I know that voice."
Suddenly everyone's attention is directed towards McCabe.
"You know who made that call?" Hudson asks.
"I didn't say that."
"You just said you know that voice." Hudson says.
"I said I think, it's sound familiar I just can't place it but I definitely recognize it from somewhere." McCabe explains.
Stone pauses for a moment as he ejects the disc from the player. "Hudson, get this to one of our audio techs and see if they can clean it up then maybe McCabe can identify the voice for us."
"You got it." Hudson replies as he turns to McCabe. "I'll have them forward a digital copy directly to you when they are done with it."
"McCabe once you get that back I want you keep it on you at all times. Listen to it a hundred times a day if you have to until you can identify it." Stone says.
"Yes sir."
An hour later everyone leaves to return to headquarters for further investigating. As Stone escorts them out he pulls Hudson aside. "Will I need a couple of favors."
"Sure, name it."
"First I need two of our guys to pull another shift on guard duty tonight, outside the house though."
"No problem, Robin pretty freaked out?" Hudson asks seeing the concern on his friend's face.
"Yeah well me too somewhat. I mean Robin can pull a trigger but she's eight months pregnant and I don't want to take any chances. I hate to putting our men on this but I don't want to leave it to some local beat cop."
"I gotcha, it's no problem." Hudson says reassuring him. "What's the other one?"
"As discreetly as possible have Watts get me detailed plans for the outpost that Khalid is in charge of as well as his personal estate."
"You thinking about sending us in?" Hudson asks.
"I'm not sure yet, I want the plans first then we'll see." Stone replies.
"You got it, what do we do about Foley in the meantime?"
Hudson notices a bold look form across Stone's face, Stone then tells him he plans to go visit him at his home tonight.
"You want me to go with you?" Hudson asks.
"Not necessary, just get me those plans and we'll talk tomorrow."
"You'll have them."
Hudson walks out the door and gets in the back seat of the car he came in with McCabe and Sage.
"Sara, you and I are going to pull guard duty tonight outside the Deputy Director's house. You can punch out for the afternoon as soon as we get back to headquarters, come pick me up at eleven." Hudson orders.
"Yes sir." Sage replies.
That night after dropping Robin off at his cousin Amberly's house for a visit Stone drives north to Silver Spring, Maryland to pay a visit to Foley's home. Dressed casually he gets out of his Blazer and walks up to the house to knock on the door.
"Deputy Director Stone this is a surprise, what can I do for you?" Foley says standing in the doorway.
Stone asks if he may come in and Foley hesitates a moment, he then stands aside opening the door all the way. Foley closes the door behind him and offers him a drink to which Stone politely declines.
"So what brings you over Deputy Director." Foley says as he leads Stone into the sitting room and gestures for him to have a seat.
"Thank you, uh just Stone will do. Deputy Director is a little drawn out when addressing someone repeatedly."
"That's your title though." Foley says pouring himself a scotch from the liquor cabinet. .
"You sure take a lot of pride in your position don't you?" Stone asks a little boldly.
"Should I not be, I worked hard to get where I am Stone."
"Right, anyway the reason I came over is I heard about your little incident here last night." Stone says having already noticed the four-foot square section of carpet cut out of the doorway to what looks to be a study.
"Little is an understatement Stone, I'd sure like to know how two Iranian terrorists knew where I lived and why they tried to kill me." Foley replies.
"How did you know they were Iranian?" Stone asks probingly to see what kind of a reaction Foley will have.
"C'mon Stone don't play stupid with me. You know very well that when there's an attempt on the life of a government agent that an immediate investigation is launched. My men identified the assailants within twelve hours; of course we both know you're team got there first." Foley says eyeing Stone intently. "Why are you investigating this Stone?"
"Perhaps you didn't hear but my home was under attack last night as well."
Foley's expression doesn't change a bit. "You don't say."
"Two Iranian's in my case as well, go figure. What are the chances that two teams of Iranian hitmen attack two high-ranking intelligence officers from separate agencies in one night?" When Foley says nothing Stone continues. "Funny thing is our intelligence says that Iran still has no knowledge of Omega Sector's existence."
Foley takes a drink of his scotch, which Stone interprets as a symbol of his apathy, then says. "What are you getting at Stone?"
Stone struggles to keep his cool as his mind drifts towards the weight of the Glock tucked in the small of his back. "Who's after us? Is it Samon Khalid?"
"How should I know, it was your agency that intercepted that weapons deal in Turkey. Look inside your own ranks for a change Stone."
Gotcha! Stone thinks to himself repressing a smile, he pauses for a moment then asks. "Why did you want to question Hadid?"
"That's classified." Foley replies.
"The hell it is. Classified like our sting op in Turkey, classified like how you knew about Hadid in the first place." Stone says leaning forward in his seat.
"I see where this is going." Foley says rising from his seat to top off his scotch. "I'm guessing Grant told you his conspiracy theory about me before he died. Despite what you might think I had nothing to do with that assassination attempt on Hussein while he was in custody. That was just some crazy idea from an old fool!"
This time Stone fails to remain in control of his emotions but due to nature of Foley's comment he doesn't care.
"Don't you dare speak about James Grant that way!" he says rising to meet Foley face to face. "I will not let you dishonor his memory." Stone says heading for the door.
"Don't worry Stone, we obviously both survived last night unscathed." Foley says downing the last of his scotch.
Stone stops at the door as he turns around to glare at Foley. "Did I tell you my wife is pregnant with our first child?" The words hang in the air as nothing but silence comes from Foley. "I don't know what your involvement is with this case but I warn you, if you cross the line we will take you down. On a more personal note, God help any man who tries to hurt my family!" Stone turns to walk out the door then decides to throw a curveball at Foley. "Oh one last thing, I caught one of my attackers alive last night." Expecting Foley to appear shocked or even worried Stone hides his own reaction when Foley's expression doesn't falter one bit!
Foley closes the door behind Stone then walks into his study and turns on the monitor to his computer. He clicks on the message window and types the following message.
Sorry I had a visitor; it was Stone. I think he's on to us sister.
So he survived last night's attack. Replies Rosalind AKA the Jackhammer. How is that possible that he's on to us, everything we've done is to place blame on Khalid.
I don't know but he doesn't have any proof, just theories. Otherwise he would have arrested me just now.
Maybe tipping off the media wasn't such a good idea. Replies Rosalind.
It doesn't matter; Stone captured one of his attackers last night so he should have another lead pointing him towards Khalid.
Are you saying he's going to send a team to Iran? I thought our main objective was to get the military to invade. Rosalind asks.
Either way it will work to our advantage. If Stone's men were to be captured or killed during a mission can you imagine how far the situation would escalate? It will surely throw us into war and once our forces move in they'll wipe out every last one of those sand diggin' sons-o-bitches off the map!