Page 39 of Fanatic

“No. But after what the fuck happened a year ago, shit hit the fan. The FBI, as well as RCPD and other official agencies, had submitted reports about our concerns. The White House and their yes-men shot us down. I’m not sure how much you’ve kept up to date with the news, but South Dakota and Florida have experienced a lot of upheaval. Florida also reported worries which were ignored.”

“To be honest, the war filled the airwaves, so I tried to stay away from media in the end,” I said honestly.

“Okay. To nutshell it. RCPD, National Guard, Ellsworth base, and FBI all came under fire for our roles in the war. Chief Howser stood before a disciplinary board and possible dismissal. Major General Winslow and Captain Fisher both faced court marshals by the National Guard. Colonel Jefferson was relieved of duty and court marshalled. And I was suspended.”

“Shit,” I muttered.

“Yeah. The President was looking to shove responsibility at us and have us take the fall for shit. That backfired big time and now he’s been impeached and also is being charged with various offences. Those accused got commendations and all thatbullshit, but we got to write our ticket as the nation views us as heroes.

“A little bird has told me that Winslow plans to run for president with Fisher as his aide. Finally, I can vote for someone worthwhile. With my promotion, I was waiting for a transfer to another office. Rapid City only needs a SAC, and I was too high for here. But with what happened with the Venomous Fangs, our small branch got a shitload of attention. The director ordered me to write my ideal, give her a budget, and she’d deal with it.”

“Damn, Director Landon said that? She’s tighter than Fort Knox with money,” I exclaimed, amused.

“Yeah, so we’ve a major overhaul. The new building was a tiny part of it. We’ve opened several extra divisions and are recruiting agents to them and so on. And I’ve even got a SAC to replace you because, let’s face it, you’re overqualified for your role.”

“Not sure I should be thanking you, boss. Are you moving me?” I asked with a flare of concern.

“Yeah, to this floor. This is the base of the improved Violent Crime and Major Offenders Unit. Except you’ll be doing something extra in your roles. Willow, I want you focusing on dirty MCs, unravelling their pipelines and taking down their allies. If we’d taken Santos out years ago, we could have hurt the Fangs. Not all clubs are bad. It’s just a handful, and having an ASAC in charge with intimate knowledge of who’s good and bad saves me a shitload of time.

“Hell, I don’t want a SAC running around and investigating Rage, Hellfire, or Satan’s Warriors. I know they are clean. They may meddle a little bit, they’re not the Fangs. But there are some in South Dakota who are dirtier than a man leaving a mineshaft. Willow, I want you to bring them down,” Markin said.

“That doesn’t sound much different from what Violent Crimes did before,” I mused.

“It’s a lot different. This contains the unit proposal plus guidelines. Read up on it and let me know tomorrow. But this could be yours. The office over there is yours, and the one next to it is your SACs.”

Interested, I surveyed the area, liking what I saw. Mine and the SAC had big airy offices, which looked out onto the rest of the floor. There were four private suites that I assumed were interview rooms. Three areas in the corners held white boards and tables for teams to work together, and there was a long room with a huge ass meeting table. A kitchenette stood to one side, and the remainder of the area was working desks for staff. A door was placed next to the elevator, which I assumed led to the stairs and toilets, considering the signs.

“I’ll let you know tonight,” I said, and Markin broke into a grin. “Last thing, you get to pick your team. Admin, agents, and secretary. It’s your call.”

“Now that sweetens the pot.”

“Yeah, and I’ve got one hundred applicants who’ve already applied for this.” Markin grinned, and I groaned.

“Did Jimenez apply?”

“No. Jimenez heard I had you in mind and didn’t think you’d want him.”

Interesting. Jimenez and I hadn’t been close. In fact, we’d heavily disliked each other, but I respected him and his abilities. He’d be an ideal SAC.

“Is Jimenez in today and available?”

Markin smiled. “Sure is, and all yours. Go for it, Willow. And bring that baby to see me!” Markin turned on his heel and disappeared. I had one more glance around the room and faced Jenna.

“Where’s Jimenez based now?”

“Your old unit is on the first floor. I’ll take you down,” Jenna answered.

As I entered, I smiled at seeing many familiar faces. Several agents stopped and spoke to me, and I saw Jimenez heading away from me.

“Jimenez!” I called out, and surprise crossed his face.

“ASAC Ware,” he replied as I approached.

“Let’s head out for lunch.”

“What?”

“You heard me. Markin has authorised this; now move,” I ordered, and Jimenez looked annoyed and then amused.

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