“You’re in a shit storm again, Nick. It turns out there’s been chatter picked up on by CIA, HS, and the FBI. Although vague, the chatter would have led to where you are now if we had all shared. We didn’t. You wouldn’t have a suggestion for your old buddy, would you? I don’t care if you want to outfit the Seattle police department in Batman costumes.”
Nick chuckled. “Not necessary, but thanks. The Unholy Trio already dealt with Gerald Kensky. I think we’ll play it straight, but I’m bringing in people I trust not to make waves while I deal with this. Tim and Grace are still in the area. I’ll use Gus and John as my partners to meet the Albanians. The girl I told you about has agreed to help lure the Albanians into a meeting. With federal help in the form of my US Marshal cohorts, I’ll take the Albanians for a talk. If I can get my hands on this Jahannam clown, I may be able to find out what they planned to do with all the heist money.”
“That’s a damn sight better plan of action than I have. What do you need?”
“Can you have a very nice word with the detectives I’m paling around with, letting them know how thankful you are for their help? Then you can tell them because of national security, I and my Marshal friends will be dealing with the Albanians’ taken into custody.”
“Done deal. I’ve already alerted the mayor we have a threat on a national basis centered in Seattle. I will call him again to fix everything locally. I’ll talk to the detectives personally to let them know the mayor is on board with our intervention. Thanks for taking this on so short a notice, Nick. I know piddling around in local affairs gives you a buzz sometimes. You’ll have full cover on this, including any adjustments made on any scale.”
“I know which country we psychos need to hang on to, brother. I’ll take care of things on this end. Wait one while I get my detective buddies out here for a quick chat with you.”
“Will do.”
Nick ducked his head in and waved for the detectives to join him. They did so without comment. Nick put his iPhone on speaker. “Go ahead Director. I have Detectives Samson and Donatello here with me.”
The CIA Director identified himself, outlined the talk he would have with the mayor to confirm what was happening, and promised to have the mayor call them personally. “Thank you both for this outstanding cooperation. CIA does not work on home soil, but I have consultants like Marshal McCarty to help coordinate a quick strike force in cases like this. I also appreciate you keeping a curtain of silence surrounding this until we can stop this threat.”
“Count on it, Director,” Floyd said with Tony echoing his affirmation.
After Paul disconnected, Donatello held out his hand. “I don’t know what all you do, Nick, but one thing’s for sure, you’re on the right side of it all. Sorry about doubting you earlier.”
“No problem, Tony. Once the mayor calls to confirm, if you guys can get Lisa released into my custody, I’ll get my plan into action. The moment this threat is fixed, I will call and let you both know the outcome.”
Floyd also shook his hand. “If we can help, call.”
“I will do so. The Director would like this handled outside of local police jurisdiction, because he’s not sure of what response we’ll have to make to this threat. I appreciate the offer. If I need help, I’ll call for sure. Otherwise, I will call you with an update. I know you guys will be worried about the city. I will let you know by tomorrow if the threat is ongoing or not.”
“Good enough, Nick. Thanks.”
*
Nick escorted Lisa out of the building to meet Gus and John. They gave no indication of surprise when called out to another terrorist threat. He did hear Rachel though, and she was not happy. He smiled. Paul was right. Nick accepted the fact he loved these happenings while being caught in the middle of them. His mind mulled over scenarios at lightning speed. Every dangerous challenge could be solved. Whether it was solved inside or outside the law always intrigued Nick. He would bring Tim and Grace into the mix right now. They could very well be unwilling witnesses to some violent outside the law solutions.
“You’re a killer,” Lisa stated. “How did you ever get a Marshal’s badge?”
As they passed outside the precinct building Nick felt it was the right time to get some things straight with Lisa. He paused, turning to face her. “Listen to me closely, kid. This will be the only time you ever get a warning. You’re right. I am a killer. The important thing for you to remember is no matter what you see happen on this terrorist case, you keep your mouth shut. This isn’t a movie on the family channel. If you cross me in any way, I will come for you in the night, carve you up, and everything you ever loved. I killed your boyfriend and his buddies without a thought. People like me stop terrorists and other killers. I’ll deliver on my promise to you, but after we’re through with our business, I better never run across your name again. I’ll give you a story to tell everyone. Stick to it and we won’t have a problem. Is that clear enough for you?”
Lisa stared into the killer’s eyes, licked her lips, and nodded.
“I want to hear it, Lisa!”