Kate got to the CIA in Langley and was given a royal treatment. Jackson just stared at the press liaison person hoping the pest would go away. Unfortunately she did not Jackson wondered why did he ever want to stay with this organization.
"You get to shoot cool guns and stuff" Rick said out loud.
Jackson had to smile that was a pretty good reason. Then he wondered how did Rick know what he was thinking?
They were escorted with Kate still carrying the plastic bag. Even at security she would not let them have it. It was not until the press liaison scolded them on treating a Presidential Commendation winner like that they relented and let her pass. The press liaison name was Barbara Wright. She was spunky 30 something like Kate. With Red hair redder than Alexis and stood only 5'4" Kate towered over her as did both Rick and Jackson.
Rick was having animated conversations with the Red head. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
Kate on the other hand was wondering when will these endless corridors ever stop.
Finally Kate got her wish and was presented with their ending point. The name on the door simply said the lab. That was an apt description Kate thought.
Barbara opened the door but she stood outside.
"Aren't you coming in?" Rick asked.
"Oh I can not. I am not allowed. Only today do I have authorization to open this door. I can not step inside. It would be a major breech." Barbara said. "But do have a good time with out me."
Rick felt a bit of disappointment he had gotten a certain rapport with the young lady. Kate just felt relieved they were finally here. Jackson took over as guide and they winded their ways through many different labs until they reached the Electronics shop.
They all entered there were 3 techs sitting on the benches each look like the proverbial Son in the basement type. The one with the name tag of Fred looked at the new comers then typed something soon an older gentleman about the size of Jackson came out of his cubicle.
"Stephen…It's good to see you!" Jackson said.
"Jackson so this is the famous Richard Castle…Yeah I see the family resemblance…And who could not miss the only Presidential Commendation winner in what 50 no 55 years! Kate Castle. Welcome to my humble abode." Stephen said.
"He seems to know a lot about us." Rick whispered to Kate and she nodded.
"Ok let me see what you have brought us." Stephen said opening the bag after Kate was prompted to give it to him.
Stephen looked over the parts.
"So Stephen how is your Family? I ran into Mary in London." Jackson said making small talk as Stephen examined each piece.
"Oh yeah she mentioned something like that." Stephen said. "Charles Jr. is growing like a weed and so is Clara both will be having birthdays soon."
"Grand children are nice how is your son?" Jackson asked.
"Working always working on this or something else. I rarely have time to fly out to the West Coast anymore." Stephen said.
"Yeah I can kind of relate be out there on the frontline all the time. Do you think it is time for me to get a cushy job somewhere?" Jackson asked.
"Nah you'd go crazy within the month and start shooting up the place." Stephen replied. "Now this is interesting. You young lady have found not only parts of the detonator but part of the time switch too. I can say for almost exactly this bomb was made by Phillip Phillippe the noted terrorist who hangs in Paris."
Both Rick and Kate looked at each other.
"I take it you know about this bomb maker?" Jackson asked.
"Yeah Dad he is the Dragon's personal bomb maker." Rick said.
"Ah yes the Dragon interesting fellow. Those bombs have been found from Dubai to India to South America." Stephen said.
"Yeah what can you think is he in Operation Conner too?" Kate asked.
Stephen slightly fell from his chair.
"Oops old age is catching up with me. Operation Conner has 154 members all under the control of General Quinton Mast the ex brother in law of ex Senator Bracken." Stephen said.
"What I did not hear he got divorced." Jackson said.
He was thinking that was not shown on our readout. Good thing he came to Stephen he had all the answers.
"So the bomb maker was connected to Bracken and so were the people involved. This proves that Bracken indeed had this flight downed to kill me." Kate said.
"Yes hard evidence definitely says so" Stephen said.
"Thank you Stephen you have been a great help." Kate said.
"Oh before you go would you sign my book" Stephen asked. "It is a fascinating read and I can not was for the sequel."
Kate was taken back. There it was the cover and everything. It was hers and Rick's book. He must have gotten an early release. She and Rick gladly signed the book and Kate collected the evidence and placed it in her plastic bag.
"I see you do not trust us. Well we have been known to lose things from time to time" Stephen said. 'So I do not blame you."
Kate just smiled at Stephen then Stephen gave them a warning.
"These are hardened Men you are after please be careful." Stephen said.
"We will Stephen say hello to your family for me." Jackson said exiting the room.
Exiting the lab Barbara was standing there waiting with file and a photo in her hands.
"Deputy Director gave me this to hand to you. Lt. Castle." Barbara said as she was escorting them out of the building.
"Kate what is that." Rick asked as Kate face became unreadable.
"Rick this is our shooter and it is one of our taskforce members. Plus he is on the operation Conner database." Kate said.
"Agent Avery…?" Rick said. "He was working with the Dragon all this time?"
"There has to be a mistake." Kate said.
"I would not be too hasty on that Kate" Jackson said. "Read his file first before you decide."
"We need to warn Jordan." Rick said.
"Well the FBI building is close by." Jackson offered once back in the car.
"No it is after 5 they would not be there now. Besides we have to get back to New York. 4am comes awful early." Kate said.
"Yeah it can wait." Rick said thinking of them by the fire and cuddling.
\\\\\
The trip to New York was a quiet affair. Most were thinking on the ramifications of their discoveries.
Kate was reading Sgt first class Arnold Avery's file. He was only one who from a few Marines snipers who could make that shot. The only other was Gunny Sgt Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Kate knew Gibbs would never shoot the Senator even though he deserved it.
None of the other branches or anyone in the world had anyone as good enough. Only US Marine snipers could have made that shot.
Kate was thinking back in her mind. She was back at the terminal waiting to board Rick had bought a ticket just so he could wait with her. Looking back she did see Agent Avery hugging an older woman and three young children surrounded her. Kate was in a trance she heard Rick babbling but she focused on the words Avery was saying.
'Bye Nana you take good care of John , Eric and Lisa I love them so much!'
Kate came too as they landed at Teeterboro.
"Rick Jackson was right Avery is the shooter. I saw him at the terminal in Newark. He was saying good bye to his maternal Grandmother and 3 young kids most likely his. Rick They all died on the plane crash." Kate said.
"Kate you know the shooter. Do you really have to bring him to justice? The poor man had suffered enough tragedy." Rick said. "Bracken was as evil as they come look how he corrupted 84 members of your own task force."
"Rick as distasteful as it is to me too. Justice has to happen he must stand trial." Kate said.
They quickly got back to the loft then undressed and got into bed. Cuddling Rick was trying to alleviate Kate's worries. Tomorrow was press day Kate and Rick had to face Good Morning America and Live with Kate Lee. Paula had made all the arrangements. Kate was still nervous about this when they went to sleep.