this kind of accuracy is top notch contract work. Expensive. Car crashes are not that hard to get done, but one so clean, on a random rental car and leaving absolutely no evidence behind, that’s also scary. The scariest thing remains how they knew who was against awarding the deal to the offshore vendor.
“What do you mean?” Tom asked.
“All these hits had laser precision. That means there is heavy surveillance deployed in everyone’s homes, offices, computers, phones, cars, everything. To get an op like this done you need months to prep. Makes you wonder when did it all start, really. How did DCBI get the contract at first? Was someone else blackmailed to get that contract assigned? How far up or back does this reach? Is this Electionsgate?”
“Exactly,” Sam agreed. “You think like a spy; you’ve got some serious talent, young man. You know what else we don’t know? Is this deal with the offshore company the entire game or just a piece of a bigger strategy?”
“How would we even know?” Louie asked.
“We wouldn’t,” Sam replied, “not until we find out who are the players behind this and what they’re after.”
“Tom,” Steve asked, “what did Claire say about this? What does she think?”
“She said I’m a crazy old fool, but she’ll support me and all of you in whatever we decide to do. Richard said essentially the same. If we choose to take this case he’ll help us all the way.”
Alex looked at Robert Wilton. He was sunk into his chair, pale, expressionless, staring into nothingness. She felt a wave of empathy for the man who had started his day wanting to save his wife’s life and had ended it a traitor against his country.
“Mr. Wilton, can you-”
“It’s Robert, please,” he interrupted.
“Robert, yes, can you please tell us how you feel about letting a group of strangers deal with this and hold your life in their hands?”
It was a loaded question. Robert thought a little before answering, his voice unsure and faint.
“You see, Sam brought me here. He saved my life before, you know, many years ago. He said I could trust you with my life and that he’s going to trust you with his to get this done. You see, I have come to realize I’ve done a terrible thing. Even though we don’t understand all the implications or what those people want, it’s still a terrible thing I have done. No doubt about that, and I will have to live with that for the rest of my life, no matter what happens. It’s not about me anymore. I don’t think it ever was. Even more than keeping Melanie safe, I am determined to do whatever it takes to fix this and make it right again. I am not sure we will be able to, but I am definitely hoping you will help me. If anyone can save Melanie, save us, it’s you.”
“Steve, anything else you’d like to add or ask?” Tom probed.
“I am one hundred percent in agreement that something needs to be done. Normally I’d say call the Feds and let’s be done with this because this job is just too damn risky for us to attempt on our own. It’s too risky for Alex to work this case. But if we bow out, whoever’s orchestrating this attack will succeed anyway. Not even later, when they’ll regroup and figure out their Plan B. They’ll win now, when the Feds shut down e-vote reform citing security concerns. They will win, because if that happens we will be voting on paper for the rest of our lives. They will steal our progress, our courage to change.”
Tom turned towards Robert.
“Robert, we will make a decision tonight. It will probably be a long night. Please allow us the time to think though this.”
Robert stood up and headed towards the door.
“Whatever you decide, just know that you’re a remarkable group of people. Thank you for hearing me out.”
“Absolutely. Please go straight to your room and keep in mind every move you make might be monitored. We will be in touch shortly. Try to get some sleep.”
As soon as the door closed behind him, Alex stood up and starting pacing angrily.
“Do you guys realize that he might have been set up? To begin with? He doesn’t even realize it. How did they know DCBI would have a vulnerable sourcing leader at the right time to go for this deal?”
“Oh my God,” Steve said, “are you saying his wife’s heart disease might have been