The Runners: Chapter 21
Chapter 21
David walked in to the conference room on the 4th floor at precisely 1:30PM. A simple spacious rectangular room with tall ceiling, there weren’t any windows to speak of in the conference room. Once the door was closed, the room became perfectly sealed and not even a loud scream would escape beyond its sound proofed walls. It was one of the most secure conference rooms at the Chicago Office.
Primarily used by the intelligence department for briefings, requiring high confidentiality, Robin and her superior chose this room for their meeting. A large oval mahogany desk was placed in the center of the room with many leather arm chairs around it. The table was big enough to accommodate 40 people comfortably for full seven course dinners. That speaks volume about the size of the room. The entrance to the conference room was located at the center of the wall. At the far one end of the wall, David found a large transient display unit on it. A chest high podium stood a little off to the corner of the display unit. On the front face of the podium was the familiar seal of the Chicago Office, which was prominently being displayed.
The room was reminiscent of 21st century conference rooms, but with more executive flair. The ceiling was tin colored with number of recessed lights that mirrored the outlines of the shape of the table. The table was positioned in such a way that the recessed lights would shine on the edges of the table evenly spaced apart. A large light fixture, in the ceiling at the center, was beaming down bright spotlight directly at the middle of the table and the light transversed and spread throughout the surface of the table from the center.
David found Det. Woodson and two others, seemingly investigators, on either side of him, sitting at the center at the far side of the table. The unfamiliar faces seemed to work under Woodson, but David did not recall meeting them before. Dr. Kim, the coroner, sat opposite to Woodson. Robin was sitting at the far left end of the table along with her supervisor Dan McMichael and Dr. Dan Sutton, the head of weapons forensics, was sitting across from McMichael. Realizing that he was the last person to show up, although early for the meeting, he quickly walked around and took a seat at the far end of the table, adjacent to the investigator, who was sitting left to Woodson.
“Sorry, I’m late…” David apologized as a courtesy.
“Let’s get started, now that everyone is here. Robin?” McMichael looked over to Robin signaling her to begin her briefing without anymore delay.
“Thank you.” She rose from her chair and moved to take a position in the space behind the podium and began dimming the lights. The room went dark in an instant. The only illuminated lights were the switch panels next to the door with some numbers on it and the power lights or few small green dots on the attendees’ electronic devices. Then, with a flicker of a switch from the podium, photos of two men, Hector Williams and Derek Ragusa appeared. Soon, Robin went about rehashing what she had told David earlier in the morning. He already knew what she was going to say. So, he pretended to pay full attention while he couldn’t help, but look more into Woodson’s direction to observe his reactions to the report.
“These two men were members of the BOA or the Brotherhood of Anarchists, which operates out of Oak Brook, IL. BOA is the last remnants of the former Organization of Anarchists or the OOAs, whose roots go back over many decades. The OOA launched violent campaigns against the UN’s influences around the world. Of course, the UN had, in due time, eliminated all threats posed by the OOA. The BOA is the last remnant of the OOA, which has managed to maintain certain level of structure. They seemed to be engaged…” and Robin continued giving the background information on the BOA.
David had expected at least one question from Det. Woodson when Robin had mentioned the OOA and its annihilation of being an anti-UN organization. However, to his surprise, no questions were thrown at Robin. Perhaps, he didn’t want to appear boastful about his brilliant accomplishments in delivering the destructive blows that had sealed the fate of the OOA, David thought. After all, it was a long time ago.
David kept his eyes on Woodson, who seemed to be changing his sitting posture, trying to search for more comfortable position, perhaps. All the while, Woodson kept his eyes on the presenter and the screen. Unfortunately, David could not detect any signs of changes in Woodson’s demeanor.
“The BOA seems to be running a trafficking network for illegal substance, cocaine. But, we do not know where the raw material is coming from. Due to the climate changes, the coca plants have all become extinct similar to most of the earth’s plantations. But, some hospitals in Europe, North America, and in Asia have recently registered a handful of emergency cases, where they had found traces of cocaine in some of their patients’ blood streams.”
“Is it synthetic?” Woodson threw a question in somewhat indifferent manner.
“No sir. Tropinone, necessary to synthesize cocaine has been banned by the UN Health Organization. That was removed as an illegal substance and is not tradable at all, even by legally registered corporate entities. The substance is tracked and the authorities will come down extremely hard on anyone who is found to be trading it or simply possessing it. We have not found any record of this substance for the past five decades. We do not believe that it is a synthetic product that we are dealing with.” Robin clarified.
“Hmm… So, are you saying that it is of the natural origin?”
“We believe that to be the case here, sir.” Robin was quick to respond. Then she continued, “We have contacted the hospitals where the overdose victims were treated to see if we can speak to them. Unfortunately, the patients, shortly after being released from the hospitals, all showed up dead in vehicular or some other forms of enigmatic accidents. It seems coincidental although very suspicious. However, no crimes were ever been linked to their deaths.”
“What was the time gap between being released from the hospital and those deadly accidents?” David jumped in.
“All within 30 days period…”
“And they had determined the deaths to be accidents even with the traces of illegal, non-naturally existing substances in their blood stream, in as recent as one month prior to their deaths?” David thought it was beyond anyone’s common sense that multiple coincidences could occur consistently.
“Correct! The accident investigators found no signs of foul play nor any evidence of criminal acts associated with those deaths. They weren’t required to look beyond the causes of the immediate accidents. They weren’t cross checking the deceased medical records or anything related to their pasts.” Robin believed it was not the investigators duties to check every past accident that had occurred in other parts of the world when death was ruled an accident.
“I suppose, hindsight is always 20/20.” David conceded.
Then, the most relevant question into the briefing was raised by none other than Robin’s supervisor, Dan McMichael. “What about the silver vehicle? What is the connection to the chase the other day?” Robin hesitated for a second. David turned his head toward Robin and their eyes met briefly. But, quickly looking down at McMichael’s direction, Robin spoke. “Sir, we know that the vehicle was first spotted on I-90N. It was a late model AM 4 door sedan. Apparently, the driver engaged in the chase…” then, David turned his head and observed Woodson. He saw Woodson blinking his eyes multiple times and fixing his tie. He appeared to be showing some signs of stress and David thought that he saw a faint flash of light being reflected off of perspiration on Woodson’s forehead. David was extremely anxious to find out what Woodson’s reaction would be when Robin reveals as to whom that vehicle used to belong to.
“We have not yet located the vehicle and the driver. It was last seen in Milwaukee. We have a team searching for the vehicle right now.” David was in utter surprise. Then, he recalled his earlier conversation with Robin when she said that she “could withdraw certain information.” He didn’t think that she would withdraw this critical piece. David glanced over in Robin’s direction in surprise, but quickly brought his attention back to Woodson.
Woodson seemed to let out a sigh of relief as if he had been holding his breath for a while.
He appeared like someone who was completely focused in the anticipation of the climax scene from a movie to come to pass. Then, he appeared relaxed as he wiped his forehead. At this time, David felt a sudden aura of mystery, danger, and occult ambiance surrounding Woodson. David has, now, begun suspecting that somehow Woodson could be involved with this whole thing. It was now David’s turn to feel anxious.
“Who is looking for the vehicle?” Woodson asked sitting up taller than before.
“We have contacted the satellite office in Milwaukee for their support. They have activated their surveillance network in response to our request to search for the vehicle, sir.” Robin responded and briefly stared in David’s direction.
“The driver of the silver vehicle shot the birdie, is that correct Ms. Kumar?” McMichael asked, now directing Robin’s attention to the driver.
“Yes. We found the birdie, but failed to find any traces of bullet fragments. Mr. Chan also witnessed the shooting of the birdie by the driver of the vehicle—”
“That’s right. With the adrenaline running high and focusing my attention on the SUV, I did not get a good look at the shooter.” David interjected wondering who is playing what role at this juncture. He was getting very confused about the discussion that he has had with Robin earlier as well as what was happening in this very briefing.
“Are Robin and McMichael part of the conspiracy?” David wondered silently.
“Why did McMichael change the subject so abruptly? Had he been briefed by Robin about their rendezvous this morning…?” David believed that he had to take extreme caution from this point on.
“As far as the bullets and their casings go, my team had scoured the area for any traces of bullet fragments. Unfortunately, there simply wasn’t anything significant at the scene.” Dr. Sutton of the forensics remarked as if he wasn’t going be much of help.
“What do you suppose happened to the fragments of the shell casings?” Instinctively, David threw a question.
“We believe the shell casings were either picked up by the assailants or they fell back inside their vehicle. As far as the bullet fragments are concerned, they seemed to have incinerated completely.” The head of the forensics responded looking over to David.
“Sir, do you know what type of bullets exhibit such characteristics, I mean, are they still in circulation?” David wanted to get some more details as to who may have access to such ammunition.
“Decades ago, similar ammo were used by the UN Special Ops Forces in their secret assassination plots. It would eliminate the risks of leaving any traces. But, they have been decommissioned from such usage after the unification came to pass.” Rather subdued, the head of the forensics shared brief historical background.
“How did the assailants get access to such ammo and guns? I mean, if they were decommissioned, wouldn’t they be either stored away safely or destroyed?” David became curious.
“Supposedly, they were either destroyed or as you have just alluded, stored away. But, there were rumors that some of them may have been smuggled away from the UN authorities and sold in the black markets. In the lack of any physical evidence, it’s hard to backtrack. So, I think we need to focus on apprehending the two assailants that were in the silver vehicle—”
“I agree! I don’t see any point in discussing this topic without anything to go on.” McMichael said effectively shutting down further discussion on the topic. Then, he turned to Robin and ordered her.
“OK. Robin, please continue!”
McMichael’s abrupt interruption surprised David. But, he did agree that there wasn’t simply any information for anyone in the room to share other than theories and conjectures. So, he decided not to pursue the matter any longer.
“Based on the current information, I would suggest putting under cover surveillance on the BOA HQ.” Robin suggested quickly scanning the reactions of everyone in the room.
“My team will take charge of that operation since it falls under the intelligence gathering task.” McMichael followed immediately looking over to Woodson.
“Agree!” Woodson said, nodding as if it was an obvious suggestion.
“Then, if there aren’t any other questions, I would like to conclude this briefing and perhaps, schedule another one when new information is discovered.” Robin looked at McMichael seeking his conferment.
“I agree with her,” said McMichael as if he had read the unspoken signal from Robin. With that, the meeting was adjourned uneventfully.
As everyone got up to leave, Woodson went over to McMichael and they were engaged in a small conversation. Taking this as an opportunity, David met up with Robin in the hall way, just outside the room. Then, he offered to walk her to her office to which Robin accepted. They walked side by side saying nothing. They entered the elevator to go down to the 2nd level. As soon as the door closed, David said,
“That was a good presentation. However, I had expected more details—”
“Let’s just say that we are still investigating until we are sure of the identities of the suspects.” Robin cut David off in her defense and with a sense of urgency. Then, they remained silent until the door opened. After exiting the elevator, they began walking towards the intelligence department located at the back end of the building. They walked past a series of rooms on either side. When they arrived at the end of the corridor, Robin scanned her iris and the heavy glass door slid open. Quietly, they walked thru a large open area before entering an empty, but secured conference room to their left.
It was a small room with an oval shaped desk that could sit up to 8 people. She closed the door behind them and sat at the far end of the table as she pointed David to sit on the opposite side of her. David took his seat and he let out the question that he had been holding back since the end of the briefing.
“What I don’t understand is you withholding the vehicle information. That was a possible linkage to Woodson, somehow, being involved in this convoluted case. Why did you not disclose it?”
“I did not mean to keep it quiet. I was saving it towards the end of the briefing. But, the discussion of the weapons briefly distracted my train of thoughts. Also, McMichael cut me short unexpectedly. I didn’t know what to do! I have never been so nervous with my briefings like I was today. It felt like walking on thin ice over deep lake!” Robin said with sincerity as she shook her hands.
It was a miracle that she held her composure during the briefing, thought David after observing her reaction. It was also a good thing that this room had very little visibility from outside lest others would see Robin in distress. However, David pressed on.
“You should have disclosed that information. I wanted to see what Woodson was going to do or say! He was a highly decorated intelligence officer at the UN prior to his current position. He did not even mention his involvement with the OOA’s downfall!”
“Maybe, there really is an inside connection…” Robin, trying to compose herself, let out softly, but continued to visibly shake.
David tried his best to read Robin. He stared into her eyes. ‘Is she putting on an act?’ David still wasn’t sure. Robin had disclosed a lot of information to him that she claims even her direct superior did not know about. ‘Can she be trusted?’ David struggled as he had entered a world, within himself, stirred up by confusion, convolution, and concussion.
“OK. Robin, I am going to ask you for something very difficult of you,” pausing for a few seconds, he said, “can you provide me with a copy of the full report that you have on the SUV, silver vehicle, BOA, and the rest of it?” Knowing very well that it would be a tough request for Robin to hand over a confidential report, without the knowledge of her superiors, David felt strongly that he needed to test where Robin stood.
David stood up and leaned forward closer to Robin over the table. He set his hands on the surface of the table and stared down at her. It would appear to have been a threatening move, but Robin knew that David was in no position to threaten her. In fact, Robin saw in David’s eyes that it was more of a desperate move. David knew that he took a big risk by asking for an official copy of the undisclosed report. Robin also knew that David had crossed the line. It would immediately put both of them at the risk of administrative retribution within the Chicago Office for violating protocols, should this private meeting ever become a public knowledge.
Further, digging deeper into this matter could possibly put both of them in the path of physical harm, should the internal connections to these killings were to be founded. They found themselves between the rock and the hard place. No words were exchanged and the room became silent, void of any sounds, except their tense breathing.
Robin stood up slowly, crossing her arms across her chest. Then, she turned and stared at the empty wall on her side of the room. David did not move as he followed Robin with his eyes. Robin closed her eyes and put her head down in deep thoughts while David kept staring at the back of Robin’s long feminine neckline that was being exposed by her short silky hair. Suddenly, David felt a sudden regret for making this request and putting Robin in such a dilemma. It seemed an eternity for David as he lowered the sound of his breathing while waiting for Robin’s disposition.
“OK, I will do it! I will give you a copy, but not here. Tonight, meet me at Manchurian Inn in Naperville. 7 PM.” Robin decided to go against what she had been taught at the academy. She made the decision to violate the code of ethics and the intelligence department’s internal protocols. She had decided to trust David. This meant that she was putting her career on the line and placing it in David’s hands. David heard the determined response and looked up at Robin who was still facing the wall.
“Manchurian Inn, I will be there.” David confirmed. “And, thank you for trusting me.” He walked around the table and reached out to her. He gave her a gentle rub on her shoulders. Putting his lips close to her right ear, he whispered, “It will be all right. We have to trust each other. And, I will do anything to protect you at all cost.” Then, he turned and left the room.
David took the long way to return to his office. Instead of the escalator or the elevator, he decided to take the stairs. He looked down at the main hall, where many law enforcement officers were busying about. Some were pulling law breakers in handcuffs, some reading reports, some signing official documents of some sort at the lobby desk, and some talking to one another. He wondered, as he passed them by from the balcony high above, as to how many of the people in the auspices of wearing the official uniforms might be involved in illegal activities themselves. He could not help, but wonder as to how extensive a corruption would exist within these walls.
As David arrived at his office, he was visibly tired. He closed the door behind him and proceeded to sit in his chair, at which point he found a message notification on his desk. He opened the message and found Det. Woodson requesting David to complete his report of the incident and have it sent to him ASAP. David had already decided to delay his report one more day until he finds out what Robin’s full report would inform him, knowing full well that Woodson would chew him up for the delay.
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David put together a report detailing the events that had occurred in the last 24 hours, the chase of the SUV, the birdie, silver vehicle that had chased him, BOA, and a short synopsis of the meeting in the conference room. But, the report wasn’t made for Det. Woodson. He accessed a secure link with the code Omega8-7371755. Then, he transmitted the report to his new supervisor Mira Jenson. He had purposefully left out the identity of Robin and the discussion he’s had with her. Not because he didn’t trust Ms. Jenson, but because he had not validated the information that Robin had told him. He would provide another report to Ms. Jenson after his meeting with Robin this evening.
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The small clock on top of his desk struck 5 PM. David did not want to be late for his rendezvous with Robin. Since Woodson requested a report and David had not prepared one for him, he decided to stop by Woodson’s office to let him know that he would have it the first thing in the morning. He packed his things, put on his jacket and left his office in a hurry. He ran up to Woodson’s office and knocked.
“Enter!” Woodson answered.
“Sir, about that report…, I will have the report ready the first thing in the morning…” David spoke softly. As he sat down, David put his right hand on his forehead and cringed, indicating to Woodson that he was still in severe pain. Then, he sneaked in a peek in Woodson’s direction. Woodson looked into David’s eyes and spoke.
“Mr. Chan,” Woodson called him Mr. This only meant that Woodson wasn’t very pleased with the lack of timeliness.
“I already have initial reports from Ms. Kumar, the traffic department, and the coroner’s office related to the chase that you were involved in. Mind you that they are all 3rd parties to this incident.” Looking straight down at David, Woodson began lecturing him on promptness especially when his own superiors make specific requests.
“As the primary witness to the incident, your report is most critical in determining what had happened.” David sat there and said nothing because Woodson was right. He was the only one who could tell everyone the true account of what had happened as it had happened that day.
Finally, David responded apologetically.
“I am sorry, sir. My head feels like it is splitting in half and with the pain medication, I wasn’t able to focus on the report. I will have the most accurate report by tomorrow morning.” It was a lean excuse, but the best one that he could think of.
“Just this one time, no later than 7 AM, is that understood Mr. Chan?” After a short pause and surprisingly, looking down on to his wrist communication device, Woodson was letting David slide by for once. It was an unlikely reaction on Woodson’s part based on his reputation. None the less, it was a nice break for David.
“Thank you, sir,” said David, appreciatively.
“Go home and get some sleep, Mr. Chan.” Woodson said giving a quick glance at David. Taking this as a cue and since he did not want to be tardy to the meeting with Robin, David quickly got up and thanked him again.
As David walked out of Woodson’s office and turned towards the front of the building, he bumped into a man in a dark blue trench coat.
“Excuse me!” David said in an apologetic tone. In return, the man gave a quick look and simply nodded his head acknowledging David and sending a silent apology as well.
The middle aged man was wearing a dark pair of glasses with short dark hair and well tanned skin in his early 40’s, perhaps. He wasn’t fazed at all by the collision. David looked into the man’s glasses, only to see his own reflections. The man continued on his way as did David. Since David had not seen the person before, he was curious. So, he took a quick look back without stopping. To his surprise, David saw the stranger entering Det. Woodson’s office. There was no knocking or any indication that he needed a permission to enter. The stranger simply opened the door and walked in as if either Woodson was expecting him or it was his own office.
David thought that was out of the ordinary, but there was not any time to investigate. He wanted to get to Manchurian Inn to meet up with Robin. He certainly did not want to find Robin, waiting for him there.