Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one. I'm just writing them as I want to see them.
Beta Love goes out the PalmettoBlue!
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Before this information was able to sink into their brains, the door opened and a woman in a crisp suit was shown into the room. "Hetty Lang?" She asked looking directly at the small woman.
"Yes?" Hetty confirmed.
"I'm Rachel Thornton from the State Department. We understand that you are detaining several foreign nationals."
"That's correct. We're trying to figure out who they are."
"I'm here to secure their release as several have diplomatic immunity. I understand some of them have even told you that. And yet, they're still here." Ms. Thornton said with an edge to her voice.
"Ms. Thornton, we don't just release foreign nationals because they claim immunity. Those claims have to be verified first; which we have been unable to do."
"That's why I'm here. They have diplomatic immunity and you are to release them immediately."
"And who might those people be?"
Thornton looked at the other people in the room with a slight look of confusion on her face. "The people we have been talking about of course."
Hetty gave her an intense look but had a barracuda smile on her face. She recognized an opportunity when she saw it. "Ms. Thornton, at this point there are several people in custody that we have not been able to identify. Would you care to assist us in this so we can release the correct people?"
Thornton narrowed her eyes at the older woman and took a moment to try and figure out what game she was playing. "As I said, Ms. Lang, that's why I'm here."
"Please, call me Hetty. This is LAPD Detective Marty Deeks." She indicated a long haired scruffy man in sweats to her left, "He can assist you in your task." Deeks stood up and was given a doubtful look by the State Department official. Hetty didn't miss the look. "He is very..um...capable in navigating the intricacies of the LAPD system especially when it comes to the release of foreign nationals. The paperwork involved can be a nightmare. Without his help you could be here for days." Hetty kept eye contact with Thornton and smiled her most disarming smile.
"It will be my pleasure to help." Deeks had grasped what Hetty wanted and knew how to make the LAPD system work to his advantage.
The hapless Thornton followed Deeks from the room, unable to discern exactly what was happening. She could only speculate as Hetty had been nothing but helpful.
After the door closed Hetty spoke into her coms so Deeks could hear her. "Mr. Deeks, since you won't go home, I'm going to use you. Identify everyone you can. But do take your time with it.
"Eric?"
"Here, Hetty."
"Have someone monitor Mr. Deeks' conversation. If there is any information that would be pertinent such as who people are, please make sure that information gets passed on to us."
"On it."
With that task underway, Callen broke the silence, "Do we know where the people coming from Kaz actually started or how many there were?" He had everyone's attention. "The starting address in Kaz has to be used like a launching point or a safe house. But where did they come from before that?"
Sam followed the thread, "He's from Kazakhstan, has ties to Uzbekistan and works in the United States. Uzbekistan borders several countries with fairly porous borders. With people in the right places you can move people in and out of the region fairly easily. Anybody."
The realization of what they had stumbled into hit each person in the heart and head. Each person's tell of the magnitude they faced was as distinctive as the person. Kensi took in a sharp breath and her entire body stiffened; Callen's face become as cold as granite and Sam looked disgusted. Nell and Eric were silent yet busily punching things on their tablets and Hetty was silent and looking down at the floor.
Hetty let everyone absorb their situation for a few moments before pushing them back into action. "Mr. Beale, Ms. Jones we must know who came over, when they came over and where they are now. We also must find out who went over there and why. Pull in as many people as you need to help you: Homeland, ICE, FBI, TSA, hell, the entire alphabet if necessary. This is a top priority. If anyone gives you trouble about it, direct them to me.
"Ms Blye, do you believe we have all the information we need from Mr. Masters?"
"I believe so. He just did what he was told so he could get paid. I don't think he even cared about his fighter."
Hetty nodded her head. "Agreed. Please arrange to release him & Mr. Jacoby from our custody. The CIA rep should be here shortly hopefully with additional information." Hetty checked her watch, "It's going to be sunrise soon, let's try to figure this all out before we see a second sunrise. I need to update Director Vance then have another chat with Bolat. After which, if all goes as I think it will, Mr. Callen, you and Sam need to interview Nuro Ivanvo. See what information if any you can get from him."
"Hetty, he's just going to clam up. He has immunity and knows it." Sam reasoned.
"I hope to rectify that before you speak with him."
Hetty briefed Director Vance and he took the new information exactly as she had expected: poorly. Not one to waste time, she returned to speak with Bolat.
"Are you sure?" he asked, stunned.
"Yes. What I need from you now is to have his immunity waived. If we release him he could disappear and we will never have another opportunity to end this trafficking."
"I will have to talk to...I'm not even sure who I should talk to at this point." He took a deep breath, "I will call the Ambassador to verify this but as the senior representative for the Kazakhstan Government currently available and with the information you have provided, I agree that he should remain in custody for the time being. I am not waiving his immunity; I don't think I have the authority to do so, but I agree he needs to stay in custody. I also must insist on being present for any more questioning."
"Thank you, Bolat." Hetty smiled at him. It wasn't what she had hoped for but under the circumstances she could work with it. "Of course you will be present at his questioning." She paused to check her watch. "I must go as I have another meeting. I promise someone will come and get you before we interview Ivanvo. Shall I ask them to send you coffee or tea?"
Bolat had been rubbing his eyes but a smile broke out. "Yes, coffee please. Something strong and black would be wonderful."
Hetty chuckled, "This is LA, Bolat; I'll see what I can find but I make no guarantees." Bolat smiled wanly at her rejoinder.
Hetty re-joined her team and was introduced to CIA Agent Justin Berg.
Justin Berg was exactly what one would expect in a CIA Agent and nothing that movies like James Bond would lead one to believe. He was on the small side of average with no distinguishing features such as a large or pointed nose, beady eyes or even a pleasant smile. He was completely forgettable therefore perfect for the CIA Hetty thought until he spoke.
Hetty's fame preceded her. The young agent stuttered, "Ms. Lang, it's an honor to meet me...I mean you! It's an honor to meet you! You are a legend! I mean you started with the government before I was even born!"
She responded with a direct stare and small smile, "Indeed. Well, shall we begin?"
"Of course. I'm not sure how much you know but," he stopped and pulled a thin manilla folder from his satchel and started reading, "a Bowllate Neeyazoff contacted the local office regarding some unusual activity he noticed involving travel documents…"
While Berg continued to read from the briefing, Callen and Sam looked at each other wondering who and what was happening. Hetty kept a constant watch on the CIA agent until finally "Mr. Berg, if I may interrupt you for a moment?"
"Of course."
Hetty held her hand out for the folder that contained the briefing. "First the gentleman's name is Bolat Niyazov. Second we know why the agency was contacted. What we need to know is who these gentlemen are and what part they play," she pointed to the screen and the pictures of the unidentified men appeared. She waved her hand again to get his attention and to silently request the folder again.
Berg, who had been distracted by the information on the screen, blushed and handed over the briefing.
Hetty accepted the folder. "Thank you, Mr. Berg." She paused, eyebrows raised. "And what can you tell us about these men?"
He looked at their faces, "I don't know them but I've only been with the agency for a little over a year. I'm sure there are people I haven't met yet."
Callen and Sam where smothering smiles and laughter at the young agent. "Thank you Mr. Berg, I think we can take it from here. I will inform your director about how helpful you've been." Her smile was kind but the dismissal was not missed by anyone in the room yet he didn't leave. "Was there something else, Mr. Berg?"
"Agency policy. I can't leave without the briefing," he gestured towards the folder tucked under Hetty's arm.
Hetty smiled at him. "Of course. Perhaps you could wait in the lobby for it. I will need some time to read it after all."
He nodded his head and left to cool his heels in the outer room while Hetty continued to read. It didn't take her long to finish, close the folder, and hold it out to Callen. He accepted it and flipped it open, "Anything of value in here?" he asked.
"Just confirmation that everything we thought was correct. In fact, I think we could add substantially to this briefing for the CIA. The interesting part is why the Chinese are involved."
Callen found the section and read. He quickly paraphrased the information into one question, "The Chinese thought the US was complacent in these activities?"
"Mmmm. It's my guess that's why the State Department is here; smooth over the tension as much as possible. And we will let them do their jobs.
"Eric, please inform Mr. Deeks that he should move the release process forward as quickly as he can. Let's not keep them any longer than we have."
"On it."
Callen had finished reading the briefing, snapped it closed, and dropped it on the table, "now what?"
"Now, Mr. Callen, we talk with Mr. Ivanvo. Sam, please escort Bolat into the interview room with Mr. Ivanvo."
Mr. Nuro Ivanvo had been sitting in the same room for several hours. Ever since he was brought here. He knew he was in trouble but he was depending on his immunity to keep him safe from the Americans. It might be the end of their little enterprise...for now, but he wasn't actually worried. He was more worried about being sent back to Kazakhstan without being able to clean out his bank account here. That money would keep him and his family well-heeled for a long time. And that didn't include the amount that was already in a bank in the Cayman Islands out of reach of everyone.
He continued to ponder what to do when they came to question him. He still hadn't figured out how to play it several hours later when the door opened to admit four others. One he recognized as Bolat Niyazov, but the other three were a mystery.
The older woman who reminded him of an elf spoke first, "Mr. Ivanvo, I'm Hetty Lang. These are Agents Callen and Hanna. I believe you already know Mr. Bolat Niyazov."
Ivanvo sat, impassive and stone-faced. After all, what could he say or do? No one had asked him a question yet, so he just inclined his head at each person she indicated. He was still trying to decide how to proceed.
There were a few moments of tense silence. "Mr. Ivanvo I have some questions for you about visas that you approved."
"I don't have to talk to you. I have diplomatic immunity."
Bolat spoke next, "You would do well to cooperate; your immunity is in jeopardy. Your answers could save you."
"You can't do that!" He exclaimed, stunned.
"You're correct: I can't. But the Ambassador can. I advise you to cooperate with the Americans. It's your best option." Bolat shot back.
Suddenly he had a moment of bravdo, "Go ahead, waive my immunity. I request a lawyer." He smirked at them all.
"You watch a lot of television don't you?" Hetty asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Ivanvo queried.
"You are a foreign national on American soil being held on suspicion of human trafficking and terrorist activities. We have a bit more leeway than you may think." Hetty smiled at him. "I'm also certain that Interpol as well as your own government will be...ahh...interested in your activities." Hetty just smiled.
Ivanvo found her smile more predatory than charming. "Now Mr. Ivanvo, is there anything you would like to tell us?" She rested her arms on the table between them with her hands clasped together. The smile never faltered.
"I...uh...I don't know…" The look in Hetty's eyes sharpened. "No terrorist! I have never been terrorist!"
Callen slid the thin file folder from the CIA on to the table in front of her. Hetty picked it up so Ivanvo couldn't see what was inside. "Mr. Ivanvo we have the documents that you signed allowing people to travel between Kazakhstan and the United States. We have bank records and financial statements showing that you received a lot of money for this service." She closed the file. "What we want to know is who they are, where they came from and where did they go."
He didn't respond to her so she continued, "Mr. Ivanvo until we can determine who these people are and what they are doing, we have no choice but to assume they are terrorists and act accordingly. What that means is if your immunity is waived we can and will prosecute you under every applicable law of this country and then we will turn you over to any other country that has a vested interested in you including China, Russia, and of course your own."
The color drained from Ivanvo's face. "My government will never waive my immunity."
"Perhaps, perhaps not. But are you willing to take that chance?" Hetty paused and looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'm not entirely sure what the punishment is for trafficking terrorists in Kazakhstan. Mr. Niyazov, where do you think he will get the fairest treatment for what he's done? Here? China? Russia, perhaps?" She asked.
"You cannot do that! You have laws!" Ivanvo shouted.
"The laws of this country are designed and written to protect the citizens of this country. Not foreign nationals who threaten that security." She took a moment to take a deep breath before she continued, "I think you are correct Mr. Ivanvo. You should return to Kazakhstan and face your country's justice system." She stood up and was prepared to walk out the door but was stopped when a third voice joined the verbal fray.
Bolat spoke up, "Сіз шынымен, ақымақ емес пе? Сіз ол сіз жасадық қандай кетуге болады деп ойлайсыз ба? Сіз осы елдің қарым-қатынасымызды ауырып тұр. Сондықтан мен Америка Құрама Штаттары сізді қудалау мүмкін емес, егер, Мен көз біз жасаймыз ... біздің заңдар максимум деңгейіне дейін құрайды уәде. Мен сізге және сіздің отбасы әрбір мүшесі түрме уақыт тұрғанын тексеріңіз болады. Біз сіздің барлық ақша, сіздің барлық мүлкін, бәрін тәркілеуге барамыз! Яғни ештеңе көшеде емес түрмеде сіздің кез келген отбасы мүшелерін жүзеге қалдырады!"*
Ivanvo's face turned hard but he was a little paler. He said something in Kazakh that everyone understood the meaning of without knowing the language.
Hetty, Bolat, Sam, and Callen left Ivanvo to stew and returned to the room they had taken over. Kensi and Deeks were waiting for them. "Mr. Deeks, everything is done, I take it."
"Yes, ma'am." Deeks played his information close to the vest waiting for a cue from Hetty on whether or not to tell everything.
"Continue Mr. Deeks. Bolat is well versed in most of the other aspects of tonight."
"Yea, ok. The Chinese contingent has been released and feathers soothed as well as could be. The others we couldn't identify have been identified and their release was 'requested' so they are in the process of being released as well. They were who we thought they were."
"MMMM. CIA." Hetty looked at Bolat and they shared a smile. "Ms. Blye?"
"All done, Hetty. Anyone connected directly with the fight has been dealt with appropriately." she said, eyes glinting with determination.
"Excellent. Good work team. Mr. Niyazov, do you think his immunity will be waived?"
"No," he answered quickly.
Hetty nodded, "I don't think so either. We'll be seizing all his funds and any property he has in this country. Please arrange for his return to Kazakhstan."
"We will do the same at home, seize everything. I promise you this, Hetty, I will do my best to make sure he faces justice. Any information we get from him regarding those people will be passed on."
"Thank you Bolat. We'll do the same." Hetty smiled at him. He shook the hands everyone and turned to leave. "A moment, Bolat. Mr. Deeks? Is Ms. Thornton still around?"
"I believe so." He checked the clock on the wall, "She should be done with all the paperwork in about, ahh, twenty minutes, I'd say."
"Excellent. Bolat, ask at the front desk for her. She'll help you with everything you need to get Ivanvo released into your custody. Your release has already been secured...hours ago." Hetty smirked at Bolat. He smiled, shook his head, and left.
The room was quiet as a tomb. Exhaustion was etched on their faces; they'd been up for over twenty-four hours, and the adrenaline rushes and crashes had sapped what was left of their energy. Deeks' spontaneous yawn was echoed around the room by every member of the team save Hetty.
"Alright, people. Home for each of you. Get some sleep. Reports are due on my desk first thing tomorrow...afternoon. I'd say we all earned a little extra sleep." Hetty informed them. "That goes for you and Mr. Beale as well, Ms. Jones."
"Thank you Hetty but I think I need -" Nell began.
"Go home, Ms. Jones. That's an order. If you feel the need, assign your work to another." She looked around, challenging anyone to gainsay her. No one dared. "Mr. Beale, make sure she leaves when you do. Also, that's an order."
"You got it Hetty," he answered, smirking.
They all gathered their bags and prepared to leave, but Deeks stopped, "Why do I feel like... I don't know. Like we don't have all the answers yet. Like it's over, but we haven't finished yet."
Hetty sighed heavily. The lines around her eyes just seemed to be carved a bit deeper in her face after the marathon investigation. "Ms. Blye, I trust that you can get Mr. Deeks safely home at this point? Feel free to handcuff him if you need to."
Deeks smiled at Kensi but wasn't deterred, "I'm just bothered that they'll walk away without punishment from what they did to Polson."
Eric was the one to answer him on this, "Oh, we might not be able to pin anything on them, but they will get some type of punishment. I ah, I gave over all the information about the illegal fights, the fixed fight and their mail order DVD business to everyone who might want to investigate. The IRS brought down Capone, why not Jacoby? And if not them, then there's the gaming commissions of several different states and my personal favorite: The United States Postal Inspectors. After all, those illegal DVDs were shipped via the mail."
Everyone laughed. "I'm glad. Polson's a good guy even if he got us into this mess to begin with." Deeks said.
"It wasn't just Polson, Deeks. It was you too. Keeping secrets from the team again." Sam stared him down.
"Yea Deeks. Not another one of these for at least a couple of years." Callen added.
"Oh, Mr. Callen, I wouldn't speak to far out of turn. I would like to have a word with you. That word is "harridan." Really, harridan?" Hetty eyed her senior agent as she took up the CIA's folder to return to Mr. Berg.
The team picked up the pace leaving hoping not to get caught in any cross fire.
***Less than a month later***
Eric asked Hetty to join him in OPs. "Mr. Beale?"
"Hetty, we got some information regarding that Kazakhstan issue. We got a hit from the Beaver Creek, OH PD. Apparently this girl," he put a picture of a young woman barely out of her teens on the screen, "collapsed outside a coffee shop. When she was examined at the hospital they thought she had gastroenteritis but her level of pain was too high so they did an x-ray. The x-ray showed objects in her G.I. tract. Apparently one of the objects got lodged and caused her bowel to twist around. Turns out they were balloons filled with high grade heroin."
"A drug mule." She paused, "The influx of heroin from Afghanistan has been an ongoing problem. The fighting has decimated the economy. Heroin brings in a lot of money to the region and at the same time it destroys us from within. Just when they think they stopped it being shipped one way, the drug traffickers find another way." Hetty thought for a moment before she continued, "Mr. Beale is this our only hit?"
"So far, yes."
"Considering the number of documents signed by Mr. Ivanvo, I can't believe they were all drug mules. Keep digging Mr. Beale. Keep digging, we need answers." She left ops and Eric spun his chair back to his bank of computers.
*You really are stupid, aren't you? Do you think you will get away with whatever it is you have done? You have strained our relationship with this country. So I promise you if the United States can't prosecute you, I will make sure we do...to the maximum level of our laws. I will make sure you and every member of your family faces prison time. We are going to confiscate all your money, all your property, everything! That will leave any members of your family not in prison out on the street with nothing!
Author's Note:
What a trip! I'm sorry this chapter took so long. I had many many problems with it until, through a conversation with PalmentoBlue, I realized that I trying to put more in when it wasn't needed and would only muddy the story. Basically, I was looking at some trees and saw only a complicated interlocking mass of branches. Not the simplicity and beauty of the tree themselves. If that makes any sense. So a HUGE THANK YOU to PB for all the help. She even put off writing her own story to help me! What a friend indeed.
I know that leaving it here might upset some of you so sorry about that. Feel free to let know your thoughts on the story.
Now for the last note, Joni, you know who you are and what you did to help this story along. Thank you.
*fade to black*