The Runners: Chapter 24
Chapter 24
At the top of his eyes, Woodson saw a man entering his office, but neither acknowledged nor said a word. Without looking up, Woodson kept to his end of the day routine of reviewing reports and making notes for the next day’s tasks on his handheld. Upon entering however, the man walked towards Woodson’s desk with such an audacity that it appeared as if he was in his rightful property. He took a seat in the same chair that David had just occupied prior to leaving Woodson’s office. He took out a cigarette from a thin tin box from which he had removed from his coat pocket. He lit it and drew a large puff of smoke into Woodson’s direction, across the desk. There was ominous tension in the room from the moment the stranger had entered the detective’s office.
“I thought I told you this building was off limits!” Woodson said sternly, all the while keeping his eyes lowered to the desk and continuing to write busily on his handheld.
“I report to only one man, Det. Woodson. I come and go where I am told by my superior.” The man said quietly, yet with equal firmness.
“Mr. Gretzky, do not over estimate the power of your position. Power given is never permanent.” Woodson replied and after finishing what he was writing, he finally looked in the direction of his visitor.
“Do not be confused! It brings me no pleasure in coming here. If you were capable of handling the situations cleanly, I would not have to come to see your conniving face.” Gretzky stared right back into Woodson’s eyes through his dark glasses.
“It’s under control. Your boss is over reacting to a minor inconvenience!” Woodson shot back.
“A minor inconvenience?” appalled at Woodson’s efforts to downplay the situation, Gretzky raised his voice sharply. Then, immediately lowering his tone, he continued with his thoughts.
“This operation has been in place for many years in many parts of the world, Europe, Africa, SE-Asia, and North America. We have not had an incident that was out of control like this, I suggest that you put the case back on the right track or it will be done for you!” Gretzky leaned his upper body closer to the desk from his sitting position. Placing his right elbow onto the edge of the desk and raising his forearm with closed fist, he rested his head on his hand as he delivered a quiet warning.
“It’s nothing, but a minor inconvenience. I have never failed in my missions during my tenure at UNSC and in this clandestine capacity. Why do you suppose there have never been traces of any kind in the past operations in those regions? I am the best at what I do!” Somewhat annoyed by this man that encroached into his territory unannounced, Woodson restrained himself from cursing out on this man, Gretzky. Woodson knew that Gretzky was nobody until the man’s boss took great trust in his ability to serve his master with unquestionable loyalty. Woodson respected this part of Gretzky’s character, even though he always considered Gretzky to be far beneath him.
They had a couple of run-ins in the past that had caused Woodson to develop strong dislike for Gretzky and vice-versa. As a result, Woodson felt offended at how he was spoken to and took great resentment over that. Yet, able to take a grip on his emotions, Woodson maintained his composure and continued assuring his visitor in order to deter any unwanted involvement by others.
“No one knows about your boss’ operations since any potential traces leading to them are, well…, let’s just say, permanently erased at the right moments. If you stick your nose in where it does not belong, you risk the chance of blowing the entire operation.” Woodson crossed his right leg over his left knee and locked his hands in between the fingers. Then, reclining back and resting his head onto his hands, he said, “I suggest that you and your foolish cronies stay away. Also, tell your boss that I do not appreciate such visitations in the future. Things are in motion and it is well under control! Assure him that he will remain elusive.”
“OK…, how is it under control? I am curious.” Still not completely satisfied, but somewhat taking a step back, Gretzky wanted details that he could assess for himself. More importantly, he wanted to capture any progress that he could report back to his boss. Understanding where Gretzky was coming from, Woodson decided to entertain his curiosity.
“The most recent case will sit with those cold files. We have a strong network of internal recruits for the operation in key departments within the Chicago Office as well as on the outside. They provide for extra sets of eyes, ears and the critical force needed to execute various plans. I have teams in the intelligence office, field office, Dispatch Center and even in the SWAT unit. They are all unquestionably loyal to me. As we speak, a team is out in the western suburbs for a discrete mission that will close and seal this entire case.” Woodson grinned and continued, “You see, I’ve been watching the two —”
You mean, “Chan and officer Kumar?” Gretzky interrupted.
“Not bad!” Woodson was impressed at his friend-foe’s unexpected intel.
“I have my sources as well,” replied Gretzky, grinning.
“As I was saying, my source tells me that Chan has been poking around beyond what he has led me to believe about the case and where his investigation was headed. This evening, the investigation will come to a close and be buried inside a thick block of ice along, with the other cold files…” Woodson moved closer to Gretzky and spoke ever so quietly although no one was able to hear them as long as they remained in his office.
Gretzky listened nonchalantly, but nodded intermittently in approval of Woodson’s plan to derail the two rookies at their rendezvous site. However, Gretzky maintained a mean grin on his face throughout the entire exchange.