Notes:
I know that there are many people from the US and Australia who have viewed this story since chapters 14 and 15 were updated. I'd really appreciate a review of the story as this is a motivational factor for the author :D
Chapter 15: Let there be grace
I take Lisbon's leave and leave the hospital hoping that Agent Hightower will help bring this situation under control. Before I know it, I find myself standing outside her office at the CBI. A quick knock on the door and she summons me inside her office. Before saying anything, she notices my eyes – they are a bit puffy and red.
"Take a seat Agent Van Pelt. How are you holding up?"
This question takes me by surprise!
"I'm okay ma'am. How can I assist you?"
Sensing my eagerness to assist her, Agent Hightower asks me to take notes.
"Here is a list of 8 SWAT agents from Clark County, Nevada. These are the agents suggested by the lieutenant of the SWAT team there. I'd like you to do a thorough background check on these men as they are tentatively responsible for guarding the hospital in Nevada to provide security for the prisoner who was injured in the attack. Once you've done this, call these men at the office for an interview with me."
"Yes ma'am."
Van Pelt takes my leave and I begin my work of vetting the SWAT agents here in Sacramento as there's no time to be lost. I have been given a list of 10 names by the lieutenant here in Sacramento. and I need to pick 6 agents from the list.
(A few hours later..)
Grace Van Pelt comes to my office to inform me that her initial background checks on the agents are complete and that the agents are on their way to the office for their interviews with me. Meanwhile, I hand over the file of the SWAT agents from Sacramento to Grace to do a double background check on them as these agents will be stationed at the UC Davis Medical Center (where Jane is receiving treatment).
By the time I've finished the interviews it's almost 4pm. I am satisfied with what I've heard from these agents. I advise their lieutenant to give his team the go-ahead to fly to the hospital in Nevada and provide security there. I decide to call Lisbon and giver her the news.
(Lisbon's phone rings)
"Agent Hightower.."
"Lisbon, we have a team of 8 SWAT agents headed to the hospital in Nevada. They are the local team there. They will provide security at the hospital and will also fly the prisoner back here if his health is stable in due course. You may inform your agents there. I'm also texting you the contact details of their lieutenant there."
"Thank you ma'am, this is much appreciated"
I can hear her heave a sigh of relief.
"Lisbon, by tonight you will have an added layer of security for Jane as well. I'll call you when the team is ready to roll to the hospital."
"Thank you so much ma'am," says Lisbon in a choked voice.
"Don't thank me yet agent, we still have a lot of work to do."
"Y,yes ma'am. I'll wait for your call."
"How is Jane holding up?"
"His sedation has been decreased and the fever seems to have decreased a little but he hasn't yet shown signs of awakening." My voice drops as I inform Hightower about this.
"We have to be patient Teresa. It will take time as his injuries are severe."
I sense that Lisbon sounds tired, so I ask her if she has eaten anything since morning. She tells me she has had 2 cups of coffee. I remind her that she needs to take care of herself too and that she should eat something. She agrees and we hang up the call.
Back at our office here, the SWAT agents from the Sacramento office have arrived for their interviews. Out of the 10 agents, I will have to select only 6 of them. It's a tough choice I'll have to make. Agent Van Pelt joins me for this round of interviews as I'd like her input too.
(A couple of hours later..)
We've finished the interviews and now it's time for us to decide who will make up the security team here in Sacramento. Grace and I decide upon 4 men and 2 women agents. We decide to let the rest of them know that they are on standby in case anything goes wrong.
It's been a tiring day conducting these interviews back-to-back, but at least I will sleep well tonight knowing that we have the extra support we need in this situation. Before leaving the office at 7:45 pm, I call up Lisbon to share the news with her. This time I call her on Skype.
"How are you Lisbon?
"I'm alright ma'am. I have eaten something and I feel better now."
I smile at her.
"I have some good news for you." (Lisbon's face perks up)
"By 9pm you will have 6 SWAT agents at your disposal. They are from the Sacramento office. 2 women are a part of the team. I'd like you to keep one of them with you at all times. (Lisbon immediately tries protesting saying that she doesn't need the protection). No ifs and buts Agent Lisbon. I want all my agents safe. One of the female agents can take your place in Jane's room while you might need a little break. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am. Thank you so much for arranging this so quickly. We are very grateful for this."
"You're welcome. Let me know once they've reached there and you've had your briefing with them. I'm leaving for the day."
"Sure thing boss."
I finally feel a sense of relief after Hightower has given me the news that more protection is on the way. I walk towards Jane's room feeling a sense of gratitude and with the hope that Jane will start showing some signs of awakening tonight. It's going to be a long, long night.