**ANTONY SANTOS**. I stirred in my sleep. What's with that incessant ringing that won't go away?Jerking awake, the sound tuned in better.It was an alarm. A blaring alarm not the kind used in waking people up, it's the type usuallyconnected to schools and offices in case of fire hazards.It meant danger.Tracy.My first thought was of her safety, I jumped out of bed and made for the door.It was an idea to sleep, God knows what's happening."You said you'll wake me up if anything happens."I whispered, closing my mouth while trying to get the words out."I was just about to. I promise.""I don't believe you all too well now. What happened? Why is the alarm going off?""That's to get all the personnel here.""Why?"Michael is speaking as though I work here and I'm familiar with all their codes and signals."That's because they might be needed.""Please get to the point Michael. Should I be worried about something?""Not
**AGENT MICHAEL**"Tracy, please don't cry. I never meant to make you cry, you just got out of a kidnapping, you can't be crying."I reached out for her hand. She didn't flinch, I gave it a little squeeze and her tears reduced to sobs then finally light sniffles."You are a strong woman Tracy.""Oh yeah? I do not feel very strong."She could barely speak without shaking or shuddering."You are. You survived two psychotic men and scaled through without any trauma.""Right, just several concussions."She said sarcastically."Well there can't be wars without injuries, I just need you to know that you are very strong. Others would have faltered and broken down, but you didn't. You're standing strong and you're still here. You just gave us a clue that will help the case. That's a lot.""Yes I know. I'm strong, bold, and confident. That'sall I've been told to do my entire life, that's how I was brought up and although it might seem strange, that was my life."She choked on a sob."Then it
**ANTONY SANTOS**. Focus. For Tracy. For her and only her. I may never get a thank you or an appreciation letter, I might not get anything, but she will be alive.Remember that Antony ."I can do this, my emotions will not get in the way, I assure you."I said definitively."I'm not bothering myself with talks about if you're feeling fine or up to it, you're not. You're going through shitty stops well aren't we all? suck it up and save the woman you care about or let that man right there, in that other room at the end of that corridor get out on the streets once again and take her from you. It's your choice."He crossed his arms."How are we keeping me away from the public eye or it's finally time to clean about my false death and Tracy's come back. If she's in the open, it'll be hard for someone to plan an attack.""I believe it's best that Tracy remains here but the director will be addressing the press. It's America, s
**ANTONY SANTOS**. "Level with me Antony , I need to know what you're thinking. It's the only way I can help."I paced around the car."They must have had an extraction point. An airplane or something. His men might be there as well. If we can get to them on time, then they can lead us to the next bunker. I'm sure that's where he'll be headed to and I bet inside there'll be lots of incriminating evidence against him."I snapped my fingers."That's not a bad idea at all, but would they still be there if Antonov didn't make it. It's been hours.""They'll be acting under his orders for sure and he's been inside a holding cell. The only call he's made was to his...""Lawyer."I gulped."That's why his lawyer was in a hurry to see him. Antonov gave him the coordinates to tie that end!"I rushed back to our car."Wait, Antony , you're losing me now. What are you talking about?""I think Antonov called Mr Howard, not for any le
**AGENT MICHAEL**"I think it's illegal to point your weapon at a civilian simply because you're an officer of the law."He gritted his teeth. I took the safety off."Alright. Call my bluff and move, I'll shoot you in just the place that'll hurt you but still keep you breathing long enough to throw your ass in jail."I was assured.Antony rushed back to me.After speaking with him, he went back to the restaurant. My instincts told me to check them first, if I listened to them instead we wouldn't have six people dead and one in critical condition.Ugh. Anyway, it's done now and what I can do is look towards the future. The simple future that entails nailing this bastard for all he's done."I guess you heard him. We have confirmation of you walking out from a restaurant that six people died in. Those gloves might mean we won't find your prints on them, but you're going to have a field day explaining why you were there, I'm sure if that man survives he'll testify that you are responsibl
**ANTONY SANTOS**. THE NEXT MORNING.Today must be day twelve. I've lost count since the abduction is over, Half of it at least. Tracy is back and safely recuperating in the hospital.I'm going to pretend like that bastard isn't still by her side and focus on the good side of things. Tracy is getting better. She will be fine. She'll return home soon.By soon I mean in a few hours.I'm holding off on leaving, I just want a glance at her before I do.The director is outside giving the press conference now, he's explaining ever so vaguely how things are going now.Once he's done, the reporters will swarm him with tons of questions. While they are preoccupied, Tracy and I are supposed to leave the building.In separate cars.I took a shower then changed into a fresh set of Clothes. Now I'm standing by the side and waiting for her to come out.Mr Scott arrived early this morning, he's taking her home and while this might be th
**AGENT MICHAEL**"There is no more to tell, I mean that's all there is. He kept secret communications between him and some of the men he hired. That's all."I scoffed and got up."No. You don't understand, it's golden. It's important, just wait and listen to me so I can explain.""Anyone can send text messages if you are going to get any deal at all, it has to turn into something Worthy since we want to add to the already solid case we have. It's clear you have nothing like that.""No. You don't understand, those conversations will help. They contain specific times and orders which date back to years ago. He maintains one type of communication and you would have access to all the people he's had taken care of and they are quite a number. You might even find proof when they were the important kinds."I held the chair, acting as though I would leave. He can't figure out that I'm in dire need of this.After a two seconds gap, I returned to the seat with the file pressed over the table.
**AGENT MICHAEL**"What do you mean the subpoena wasn't granted?"I slammed the file across the deskThe lower agent winced at my tone. He better be playing a very bad joke on me or is talking about the wrong file because the district attorney will get an earful from me if it turns out that the subpoena was indeed declined.A breakthrough in this case, I'm not about to let anyone come into this and ruin it."You can go."I waved him off and grabbed the nearby phone.Punching in the number, I placed it over my ears listening to its ring and awaiting a voice."This is Agent Michael from the FBI, I'd like to speak with the district attorney. Tell him it's urgent."I tapped repeatedly over my desk. There was a short delay, I hope she's switching it to his line."He'll take you now."She announced, there was a beep then another voice sounded."Agent Michael of the FBI, to what do I owe this phone call."He chirped, his tone not giving me any bad vibes, but he's also not signing off on the